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 Writer's Week Society of Professional Journalists
Cleveland Pro Chapter Newsletter
Jan. 21, 2012
Deadline For Next Edition: Jan. 25
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President's message
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Meet the women in sports journalism
 | | Cheryl D'Mello |
Be a good sport! Come cheer our women sports journalists!
Growing up, my kids read only the sports section of the newspaper and barely glanced at the other sections. I do the opposite - barely glancing at the sports section, I move quickly to the rest of the paper. How many of you actually read the sports section? And do you realize how many of the articles are written by women sports journalists?
Here's a good chance to find out: Come to our event on Wednesday, Jan. 23 on women sports journalists. Learn about the diversity within this field and the different perspectives that women bring. There is even an association for women in sports media.
Cleveland and Akron boast several excellent women sports journalists. Meet some of them - and other fellow journalists and writers, too. They will talk about their careers, the challenges they face being women in a male-dominated field, and what continues to make sports journalism attractive for students, male and female. The event will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Brecksville Community Center, 1 Community Drive, off of Route 21 (Brecksville Road), Brecksville, 44141.
Scheduled panelists include Stephanie Storm, sports reporter for the Akron Beacon-Journal; Kristen Davis, scholastic sports editor for The Plain Dealer; and Robin Palmer of The News-Herald, who has worked as a sports reporter, community sports editor and assistant sports editor. She now heads up the night desk at the News-Herald.
For more information, see the article below and, if you're still in need of an answer after that, contact Rodney Bengston at rodbengston@sbcglobal.net
Cheryl D'Mello
President, SPJ Cleveland
cheryldmello@hotmail.com
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Local women excel in sports journalism
| When Robin Palmer joined the sports staff at the News Herald, she was one of the first local women in the field. It was 1980 and she was on an internship. She's still there.
Palmer spent 19 years in the sports section, writing, then editing, then she moved into more senior positions in the newsroom. She now works on the night desk, which has the final word on everything that goes in the paper.
At one time, it was rare to have women doing sports journalism. Today, we have several local women doing just that, and a crop of younger women eager to join them. Our panel this Wednesday night will bring three of them together to discuss their careers, and the particular roles -- or perhaps we should say positions, since it's sports -- women play in the sports section.
We'll discuss whether women are still underrepresented on the sports beat, and the different career paths women have taken.
What: Women in Sports Journalism
When: 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23,
Where: Brecksville Community Center, 1 Community Drive, Brecksville (off of Route 21) 44141. Map on our website (click for link).
Who: Stephanie Storm, sports reporter for the Akron Beacon-Journal, Kristen Davis, scholastic sports editor for The Plain Dealer, and Robin Palmer, now night desk editor for the News-Herald.
Why: At SPJ, we care about diversity in news coverage and newsrooms. Every year, we try to host at least one program on this topic.
 | | Kristen Davis |
Metropolitan Sports Editor Kristen Davis, who oversees high school sports and local golf coverage, joined The Plain Dealer staff in 2004. She came to Cleveland from the Arizona Daily Star in Tucson, where she worked as the high school sports editor. She is a graduate of the University of Arizona and the Sports Journalism Institute program. She can be reached at kdavis@plaind.com and she's at @CleveHSsports on Twitter.
 | | Stephanie Storm |
Here's a link to Stephanie
Storm'sbio on the Beacon-Journal website. A Cleveland native, Storm earned a journalism degree at Kent State in 1994 and has worked as a sportswriter at three other papers around the country: the Orlando Sentinel, the Fresno Bee and the Columbus Dispatch. She can address opportunities and situations for female sportswriters across the country.
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| SPJ announces newsroom memberships! |
Now your newsroom can join SPJ! Whether you work in student media or a big digital newsroom, you can have access to all SPJ offers including training, exposure and information.
Memberships are offered in 3 tiers,
- Bronze at $250.00
- Silver at $750.00
- Gold at $1,250.00
Read the details here and talk to your newsroom right away! There are only a few Gold memberships available in 2013.
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| SPJ's New America award honors public service journalism | 
The 2012 calendar year was full of stories about newcomers to America who faced important challenges.
SPJ honors the best of those stories with the New America Award.
Did you report on one of those issues? You have until Feb. 7 to pay your $25 submission fee and enter it in the New America Award contest. Explain why you chose to report on that subject. What made it stand out? What resulted from the article?
For the complete rules and more information on how to submit your entry click here.
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The question for this year's SPJ
High School Essay Contest is ...
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Why is it important that we have news media that are independent of the government?
Are you a high school student in grades 9 to 12 who has an answer to this question? Write an essay of 300 to 500 words and submit it to SPJ by March 7 and you could win a $1,000 scholarship.
Be warned. This contest is nationwide and you'll have some stiff competition. For some that will be the best reason of all to give it a try and for others it'll be the chance to express commitment to continuing the freedoms we have that many others don't.
Whatever your motivation you can download the entry form here and send it to:
High School Essay Contest
Society of Professional Journalists
3909 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46208
along with a $5 entry fee.
Here's a link that gives more information and also shows last year's winners. Good luck!
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| Job opportunities |
Congratulations, Kelly Blazek, on the 10th anniversary of your "goofy hobby"
creating a newsletter for Cleveland communications job hunters.
Thanks for your dedication and commitment in seeking out many of the jobs posted below.
To receive Kelly's full newsletter (we only excerpt media-related jobs) see the separate box headlined Cleveland Job Bank at right.
PA ANNOUNCER - CLEVELAND GLADIATORS Info and Apply Here
IN-ARENA HOST - CLEVELAND GLADIATORS - Info and Apply Here
PART TIME VIDEO ASSISTANT - CLEVELAND INDIANS Job ID 12-0116 The Video Assistant will log, capture, and manage video for the Cleveland Indians while the team is on the road. Duties may also include various video-related tasks involving player analysis and scouting. RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES: * Responsible for studying and learning how to use Dixon Sports Computing customized baseball-logging software.* Use Dixon Sports software to log and edit video of Indians road games live at Progressive Field.* Capture game footage on Harris Video Servers.* Import game data and video onto the Indians network.* Responsible for accuracy of all data logged and charted during a game.* Schedule and set advance-scouting games using cable/DirecTV system.* Prepare DVD's and use DVD burners for recording of advance-scouting games.* Record Indians games on DVD and XDCam.* Log and capture pre-recorded video of games: Major League, Minor League, or college.* Completion of minor video projects related to baseball.ESSENTIAL JOB KNOWLEDGE: * An understanding of the basic rules and principles of baseball.* Basic understanding of computers.* Basic understanding of video and equipment functionality.JOB REQUIREMENTS:* Must exhibit excellent communication skills.* Willing to work late hours, weekends and holidays.* Ability to work and maintain a professional attitude with or without supervision.* Ability to learn and comprehend specialized software.* Ability to troubleshoot in a calm manner.* Ability to comprehend or "take in" a lot of information at once.* The ability to work with multicultural populations and a commitment to fairness and equality.* Represents the Indians organization in a positive manner at all times.* Basic understanding of organizational structure, goals and mission. Apply Here
PART TIME PRODUCTION ASSISTANT - CBS RADIO Auto req ID 13695BR CBS Radio - Cleveland Stations WDOK-FM/WKRK-FM/WNCX-FM/WQAL-FM have an opening for an overnight production assistant. Apply online here. CBS Radio is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Preferred Skills/Experience Duties include assisting production directors and show producers with editing and dubbing commercials and show material. Applicants should have experience with digital editing and delivery systems. Additional Candidate Instructions Please indicate on your cover letter where you heard about our opening.
PART-TIME SPORTS ANCHOR/WEB CONTRIBUTOR - WKRK-FM Auto req ID 13703BR 92.3 The Fan is looking for part-time anchors to deliver sports news every twenty minutes during nighttime, weekend and fill-in shifts. Candidates should understand that they might participate during shows if asked so talk show experience is a plus. Apply online here. Required Skills/Experience Basic computer skills are a must to post audio and written content to the web and multi-task to provide help to the rest of the staff. Candidates must be familiar with the Cleveland sports scene and need to work flexible hours and possibly cover games. Preferred Skills/Experience We prefer that candidates have at least two years radio experience in a top 60 market, or equivalent experience in a related sports profession. Additional Candidate Instructions: Please indicate in your cover letter where you saw our posting.
ON-AIR PRODUCER - WDOK-FM Auto req ID 13640BR New 102 has an opening for an On-Air Producer. Are you an information junkie? Do you know everything about Sandy Hook and the Kardashians and can report the information on the air? Are you passionate about production and understand digital audio systems? Are you obsessed with posting and contributing to social media, blogs and websites? Do you want to be a key contributor to the team? Then you should apply for this position at www.cbsradio.com. Please send audio samples of your on air work and production to wdokjobs@cbsradio.com. Required Skills/Experience Organized, detailed oriented, with exceptional multi-tasking skills. Additional Candidate Instructions Please include in your cover letter where you heard about our job posting.
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR - CLEAR CHANNEL Clear Channel Media + Entertainment Akron is looking for a full time production director. Duties include commercial creation and production, continuity. *Manage commercial production staff *Manage commercial production work load *Work with AEs and clients to create customized spec spots that help close new business *Consult with clients about creative *Create great creative that gets result for clients making them repeat customers *Foster a smooth work flow by helping AEs understand procedures *Write, produce, voice commercials *Monitor commercial content to meet legal, ethical, and decency standards. *Manage studio space scheduling *Contribute to the CC production forum *Create any other kinds of production AEs need for presentations or wrap ups.Requirements: Minimum of two years experience Contact Details: Send materials (no bigger than 5mb) to clearchannelakron@yahoo.com or 7755 Freedom N.W., North Canton,Ohio 44720, Attn: Production Search. Deadline for submission is 1/15/13
COPYWRITER - AKHIA Experience: 2-5 years AKHIA is looking for our next great Copywriter. If you're our writing nerd, you deliver smart and engaging copy, are full of fresh ideas and can manage multiple projects, at different levels, at once. You feel comfortable partnering with other creative brains and AKHIA team members, interacting with clients, and you're known for thinking strategically and conceptually. Key Responsibilities: *Develop work and ideas that WOW *Immerse yourself in our clients' business and their marketing and PR strategies *Write great copy for print, digital and broadcast *Edit and add sizzle to presentations, internal communications, PR releases *Develop themes, taglines, messaging and headlines on-demand *Kick butt and take names in brainstorming sessions *Present our work with passion and confidence *Take direction from creative leadership, other team members and the client with a minimum of kicking and screaming Requirements: *2-5 years of copywriting experience in advertising or a related agency environment *Ability to think both conceptually and strategically *Sound understanding of graphic design and the correlation between textual and visual elements *Superior grasp of grammar and attention to detail *Ability to juggle multiple projects and churn under tight deadlines without freaking out *A sense of humor and an I-love-to-write attitude Email your resume and cover letter to chris.jackson@akhia.com. Due to volume, no phone calls, please.
MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST/ COPYWRITER - LEXICOMP - Info and Apply Here
SENIOR WRITER/EDITOR - SS&G, one of the nation's top certified public accounting and business advisory firms, seeks a senior writer/editor for its Cleveland office. The ideal candidate for this full-time position will have previous in-house marketing experience with a strong writing/editing skill set.The person in this position will be responsible for the coordination and implementation of many marketing activities, including events, public/media relations, and business proposals/presentations. The individual in this role must be comfortable interacting with senior management and understand the firm's strategic goals along with the ability to execute those goals. Candidate should also be able to successfully manage multiple projects under tight deadlines. This position will have a significant writing and editing focus. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:* Overseeing the firm's newsletters, from planning to production * Contributing copy to newsletter articles, blog entries, web pages, advertisements, collateral materials, e-mail communications, press releases* Providing editing and proofreading assistance on a regular basis* Ensuring that internal and external communications are consistent with the firm's goals and objectives* Develop and maintain relationships with media outlets, such as business publications and newspapers Position Requirements * Bachelor's degree, preferably in journalism, English, or writing/creative writing. Will also consider candidates with a degree in marketing or communications * 7-10+ years of comparable experience with a marketing department at a mid-size to large organization or agency* Previous experience as a journalist or editor is strongly desired* Strong writing skills and knowledge of AP style is a must* Ability to blend journalism with creative writing a plus* Capable of working in a fast-paced environment and juggling multiple projects and deadlines. Apply Here
MANUFACTURING AND ENERGY REPORTER - CRAIN'S CLEVELAND Info and Apply Here
VIDEO PRODUCTION SPECIALIST - HYLAND SOFTWARE Info and Apply Here
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FOR VIDEO PRODUCTION - OBERLIN COLLEGE Info and Apply Here
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER WGTE PUBLIC BROADCASTING, TOLEDO - WGTE Public Broadcasting seeks a full-time, Associate Producer. The position will also be responsible for assisting with project research, development and script writing. This position also operates television production equipment and edits video material. Previous experience in videography and digital editing required. Experience with Final Cut Pro preferred. Candidate must be willing to work a flexible work schedule. Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university in a field such as liberal arts, radio & television broadcasting or journalism required; or a minimum of an Associate's degree in liberal arts, radio & television broadcasting or journalism, and five years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience is also required. A valid driver's license is required. Send your letter and resume to: Human Resources, P.O. Box 30, Toledo, OH 43614, or Online Here
COMMERCIAL COPY COORDINATOR - WEWS TV 5 - Info and Apply Here
DIRECTOR OF PRINT & DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS - NOTRE DAME COLLEGE - Info Here. To apply, please submit a résumé and cover letter to careers@ndc.edu. Please list the title of the position for which you are applying in your subject line of your e-mail.
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Summary
| | There is more information on these events and awards below, in articles under this column or the President's Message. For job listings, see lower left; for student internships, see lower right |
Jan. 22
Application Deadline
Institute for Justice and Journalism
Immigration in the Heartland
and below at left
Jan. 23
WOMEN IN SPORTS JOURNALISM
Brecksville Community Center
1 Community Drive
Brecksville OH (off Route 21)
7 to 8:30 p.m.
More information below at left
Jan. 24 Mark of Excellence Awards Submission Deadline
Feb. 7
Sigma Delta Chi Awards Submission Deadline
Feb. 7 New America Award Submission Deadline
March 7 National High School Essay Contest Submission Deadline
SAVE THE DATE!!! Region 4 Spring Conference April 5-6
University of Dayton. Watch this space for more info as it becomes available.
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Sigma Delta Chi Awards entry deadline Feb. 7
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The prestigious Sigma Delta Chi Awards are now open for entries. You have from now to Feb. 7 to submit entries. The Sigma Delta Chi Awards date back to 1932, when only six individuals were honored for contributions to journalism. Now the awards recognize the best in professional journalism in categories covering print, radio, television, newsletters, art/graphics, online and research. The contest is open to international SPJ members and any U.S.media outlet. Publication or broadcast of entries must have happened during the 2012 calendar year. In May 2013 the winners will be declared and on June 21 there will be an awards banquet at the National Press club in Washington, D.C. For more information and to enter click here.
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Members' Milestones
| Send us your stories, triumphs and adventures. We'd like to share them!
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'Immigration in the Heartland'
Justice & Journalism Institute
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Applications are now being accepted for "Immigration in the Heartland: Children and Families,", the 2013 program from the Institute for Justice and Journalism. The deadline to apply is Feb. 22.
IJJ will chose 15 journalists to attend the week long conference from April 21-25 at the University of Oklahoma's Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication. The program offers tools and training to help journalists create deeper and more vibrant stories about immigrants in their regions.
Applicants must offer an idea for a project about immigrant children that will either be published or broadcast. Those chosen will be given $500 when the story, as well an account of how it was written, is completed.
For the past 4 years IJJ, in conjunction with the University of Oklahoma's Gaylord College has offered this "Immigration in the Heartland" conference as an opportunity to discuss national immigration subjects. The focus is on Midwestern states where the population of newcomers to America is growing the fastest
Founded in 2000, IJJ is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening social justice journalism. They offer: fellowships, workshops, digital resources and direct story support.
For more information and to download an application form click here.
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Columbus says goodbye
to "The Other Paper"
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As of Jan. 31 the Columbus weekly entertainment publication
The Other Paper will disappear.
The Dispatch Printing company purchased the paper in September 2011 from American Community Newspapers. The Dispatch Printing Company already had an entertainment weekly called Alive! and research showed that
- there was too much similarity between the two publications
- they both served the same audience, and
- Alive! had a stronger presence in the market
Click Here for more information and to join the lively discussion.
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Are you enrolled in a U.S. college or university and studying for an academic degree in 2012? Have you never worked full-time as a journalist - outside of internships that is. Have you published or broadcast an article during the 2012 calendar year?
If you can answer yes to all three questions, here's your chance to enter the competition for a Society of Professional Journalists' Mark of Excellence Award. Every year, SPJ honors the best journalism by students. There are categories for print, radio, television and online collegiate journalism.
It's a real challenge. To win the national competition you must run the gauntlet of regional competition and emerge in first place. Your entry will then advance to the national level and you'll have a chance at the top awards. Regional and national winners will both be recognized at the SPJ spring conferences.
For more information and to fill in an entry form click here and good luck!
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| Internships for journalism and communication students | | SUMMER EDITORIAL INTERNS - CLEVELAND MAGAZINE is looking for editorial interns for summer 2013. The deadline for applying is Feb. 15. The internships are unpaid. (They reimburse for parking or a bus pass.) The job ranges from 20 to 32 hours a week. Duties include fact-checking, researching, writing articles and blog posts, and some clerical work for Cleveland Magazine, its sister publication Inside Business, and other publications. Our interns are highly valued and are integrated into the editorial team. They are entrusted with serious responsibilities and given plenty of opportunity for professional development.
They're looking for bright student journalists or recent grads with experience at their college newspapers or magazines. The ideal candidates also have a flair for magazine-style feature writing and knowledge of Cleveland. Blogging experience is helpful.
Candidates must live or go to college in the Cleveland area (Akron, Kent, and Oberlin included). Minority candidates are encouraged to apply.
To apply, send a cover letter explaining what you could bring to the job, a resume, references, the date you would be able to start, and 4-5 published samples of your work to trickey@clevelandmagazine.com or:
Erick Trickey, Senior Editor
Cleveland Magazine
1422 Euclid Avenue Suite 730
Cleveland, Ohio 44115.
Cleveland Magazine takes on editorial department interns three times a year: for fall and winter/spring semesters and for summer. The deadline for applying for fall is July 15; for winter/spring, Nov. 15.
DIGITAL CONTENT INTERN - SHURTECH ShurTech Brand's Digital Media Intern primarily assists in the maintenance of digital content for ShurTech's corporate extranet. This individual will also work with marketing, communications, and graphics teams to gather and organize digital content, and ensure data consistency for all product copy and images.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:Work with marketing, communications and graphics to gather digital content for ShurTech's corporate extranet. Submit requests to the corporate photographer for new and updated product images. Organize, edit, tag and delete image and copy assets on the corporate extranet. Generate a weekly progress report on all data entry activity.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)
Strong organizational skills
Strong ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment
Quickly adapts to web dashboards and interfaces
Self-motivated, poised, resourceful, enthusiastic.
SOCIAL MEDIA/COMMUNICATIONS INTERNSHIP - INDIANS SPORTSERVICE/CLEVELAND INDIANS
Info and
MARKETING INTERN - NORDSON Info and CONTENT & PRODUCTION INTERN - CLEVELAND BROWNS Info and
PUBLIC RELATIONS SUMMER INTERNSHIP - FAHLGREN MORTINE The Fahlgren Mortine summer internships offer students the opportunity to work with public relations professionals dedicated to mentoring and professional growth. This competitive internship program is offered in the Cleveland and Dayton, Ohio, offices of Fahlgren Mortine. Each position is a paid, full-time internship in which interns may be introduced to all aspects of public relations, including strategic planning, research, media relations, social media engagement, writing, internal communications, special events and online communications. Info and
SUMMER INTERNSHIP - GLOBAL PRAIRIE Looking for a summer internship program? If so, Global Prairie has a pretty awesome program! Whether your major is advertising, communications, humanities, graphic design, science, or marketing, there's a place for you at Global Prairie. It is a great opportunity to evolve and sharpen your passions and interests, especially if you care about giving back.
We value smart, engaged, team players with a passion for making our corner of the world better...while at work!
Our internship is a comprehensive 8-week program where interns partner with our full-time Global Prairie team to do cool work for incredible clients. The Global Prairie internship program provides college juniors and seniors with a world-class marketing internship doing great work for incredible clients.
At Global Prairie, each intern's experience is unique because we invest a lot in our program and believe in the power of great work, team building and giving back.
Interested?! Learn more here
PUBLIC RELATIONS INTERNSHIP - OHIO STATE FAIR - Info and Apply Here
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| Cleveland Job Bank |
Check Kelly Blazek's website for advice on job-hunting and details on jobs in marketing, public and media relations, development, media, graphics/web design and more. Many of the jobs listed at left are reprinted from Blazek's newsletter. NEW BLOG FROM KELLY: With a fresh batch of college grads looking for their first job, She shares pointers on how to identify shady entry-level employment scams in "Don't Fall for Faux "Entry-Level Marketing and Sports" Jobs" at her blog, Here And, follow her on Twitter Here where she posts "breaking new jobs" prior to including them in this Job Bank. To subscribe and get the full list (we only excerpt journalism-related jobs), email the Cleveland Job Bank. For more information, go to the website. Also see the website for listings of out-of-town job search websites. Please Note: The jobs on Blazek's list are ONLY in communications related occupations. |
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Laurie Mitchell Marketing & Communications Executive Search
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Laurie Mitchell Marketing & Communications Executive Search has been retained for the following assignments:
Marketing Program Manager/Software
Channel Marketing Manager/DIY/Big Box
5 Marketing Managers & Directors/Financial Services
AD Agency Copywriter/3-6 years exper.
Competitive Intelligence & Market Analyst
AD Agency Account Supervisor/CPG
Digital Producer w/PM & Web Development experience
3 PR Agency Account Supervisors/CLE & Akron & Toledo
Pharma/Med-Ed Account Manager
Digital Sr. AE/Toledo
Sr. Digital Art Director/Toledo
To apply for any of these current searches, please email your resume as a single Word file to
MitchellCo17@aol.com
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www.LaurieMitchellCompany.com
216-292-9936
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 Writer's Week is a service of the Cleveland chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. This e-newsletter is edited by Carrie Buchanan, assistant professor, Tim Russert School of Communication & Theatre Arts, John Carroll University, and assistant editor Elaine Wilson, who is studying editing and design.
Please send news items and job & internship postings to spjcleveland@gmail.com
Street Address: Cleveland SPJ, 4337 Chanticleer Drive, Fairview Park, Ohio 44126-1906
Chapter email: Cleveland@spj.org
President: Cheryl D'Mello
Chapter web site: www.spjchapters.org/cleveland/
The Society of Professional Journalists works to improve and protect journalism. SPJ is dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior. Founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi and based in Indianapolis, SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to a well-informed public, works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists, and protects First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and of the press.
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