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 Writer's Week Society of Professional Journalists
Cleveland Pro Chapter Newsletter
Feb. 19, 2013
Deadline For Next Edition: Feb. 22
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President's message
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Yadav, a newspaper vendor in Bandra, Mumbai
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My travels to Dubai and Mumbai
Dear friends,
I recently travelled East to Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, and Mumbai, India. In Dubai, dozens of skyscrapers reach out to scratch the sky, shining steel and concrete bent to form unique shapes such as the Burj Al Arab and the Palm Jumeirah. I encountered snow there too - in Ski Dubai, an indoor ski resort tucked inside one of the many dazzling malls.
I rambled through the gold and spice souk (bazaar) and old neighborhoods, soaring up to the highest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa. I savored a variety of cuisines, mesmerized by the sight of men and women sucking on hookahs while lounging outside cafés. The desert has given birth to a strange paradise.
My next stop was my hometown, Mumbai, India, which was sunny and warm. India is home to the largest English daily in the world - The Times of India, which sells more than 3.5 million copies each day across 41 locations. In a bustling suburb, I stopped at a suburban news vendor and counted 13 English newspapers and tabloids and 14 publications in local languages. In a city of 20 million people, newspapers are read avidly.
I dodged traffic dangerously, ignoring blaring horns in streets teeming with people. I gazed at skyscrapers and slums, co-existing peacefully side by side.
I spoke to Carol Andrade, editor of the Afternoon Despatch & Courier, who has 40 years of experience as a journalist in Mumbai.
"Yes, this is a country where newspapers are growing rapidly," she said, also acknowledging that change is coming with digital journalism.
Back in Cleveland, I am getting used to the snow once again. I have something important to look forward to: SPJ's training program on Saturday, Feb. 23. This is an opportunity to keep abreast of the changes that are coming. I hope to see you there!
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Cheryl D'Mello
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Sincerely
Cheryl D'Mello
cheryldmello@hotmail.com
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Learn SEO and social media skills with SPJ
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Are you up on the latest skills for drawing readers to your website? Do you know what words to use so Google and
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other search engines find your blog or news story? How about using Twitter and Facebook, or shudder, some of those newer social media, to find out what people in your audience are thinking about? It could help you to shape your stories to fit a new and larger audience.
There are still a few seats left: Register by midnight TONIGHT to join us on Feb. 23 for a training program that will teach all this, and do so quickly. To top it off, we can offer this program at a bargain price of $15 for members and $25 for nonmembers, including lunch, thanks to SPJ's national commitment to training programs that benefit working journalists. Even better, you'll be in the company of fellow writers, not just from your own newsroom but from newsrooms and freelance operations around the region.
For all these reasons, you'll want to sign up for "Writing That Works Online" and "Follow the Noise" on Saturday Feb. 23. National SPJ trainer Jeff Cutler will be at the Doubletree Hotel in downtown Cleveland (see details below). We have chosen these two trainings - one morning, one afternoon, with lunch in between - especially for our journalists and writers in Cleveland.
SPJ is the pre-eminent, national, broad-based membership organization for journalists in this country. Being part of SPJ gives us access to quality training and trainers. The changes and challenges faced by journalists call us to sharpen and update our skills continuously. So come on, sign up, and be on top of the changing online/social media universe.
Who: National trainer Jeff Cutler
What: A double-header: "Writing that Works Online" from 10 a.m. to noon, then lunch (included), then "Follow the Noise" from 1-3 p.m.
When: Saturday, Feb. 23, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: The Doubletree Hotel Cleveland Downtown, 1111 Lakeside Ave., near the Hwy. 90 entrance and exit on East 9th. Free parking with stamp from an event at the hotel.
Cost: $15 for SPJ members, $25 for non-members, includes lunch.
Register online here by Feb. 19, tonight, please.
For more information about the program and the trainer, see the national website's writeup about this program here. We feel sure you will find it a very effective use of your time and attention.
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NEO/STC Panel Discussion: Editing tools, resources and processes
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Join NEO/STC for an informative panel of experts led by Lisa Adair, an editor with Rockwell Automation.
Learn about the latest tools, resources and processes available to improve your life as a writer or editor. The panel includes:
- Paul Heney,Editorial Director for Design World magazine will share his experience with the most up to date tools
- Sarah Burke,a technical editor for Booz Allen Hamilton will discuss editorial opportunities and available resources for editors including online training, reference websites and online style guides
- Kelly Graham, a technical editor for Rockwell Automation, will cover ways that you can streamline your processes as a writer or editor.
When: March 14
5:30 to 6:00 p.m. - Registration
6:00 p.m. - Dinner
6:00 p.m. - New Member/Guest Orientation
6:30 to 7:30 - Presentation
Where:
Rockwell Automation
1 Allen-Bradley Dr.
Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
Cost:
Meeting only - members/students: $15
Meeting only - nonmembers: $20
With Dinner - members/students: $25
With Dinner - nonmembers: $35
Register:
To register e-mail the Programs Committee (programs@neostc.org) by close of business March 8, 2013, or call Lynn at 440-646-3543.
Please note, anyone cancelling after March 8, 2013, is still required to pay his or her registration fee.
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| Learn about data visualization starting March 12 |
Keep your eyes open for the new SPJ Webinar Data Visualization Basics starting March 12.
Even if you are not a designer or digital expert, you can tell visual stories with data using the training offered in this course. It's free to SPJ members!
Stay tuned for Registration details. We'll let you know as soon as they are available In the meantime click here for additional training opportunities while you wait.
If you're not an SPJ member yet click here to join and take advantage of this and many more benefits.
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"Seeking Public Employee Salaries- How One Newspaper provided information to readers."
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This month learn how the Record Searchlight in Redding, California collected pay information for its area's public employees and created a database that included not only base salary and benefits but also the amount taxpayers pay for:
- employee benefits
- retirement
- overtime
- issuance of agency owned cars, laptops, tablets or mobile phones
Presenter Jenny Espino, a multimedia journalist for the Record Searchlight, will cover
- Understanding the data
- Building your database
- Crafting your request for information
- Illustrating your findings
When: Feb. 20 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Online 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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Schuneman symposium Feb 25 & 26
on photojournalism & new media
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"Excellence, why it (still) matters" is the topic of this year's Schuneman Symposium on Photojournalism & New Media.
Join speakers:
- Gwen Ifill - Moderator and Managing Editor of "Washington Week" and Senior Correspondent for the PBS NewsHour
- Abrahm Lustgarten - Investigative Reporter, ProPublica
- Keith Jenkins - Supervising Senior Producer for Multimedia, NPR
- Michel du Cille - Associate Editor for Photography, The Washington Post
- Kainaz Amaria and Meghan Louttit - multimedia team, NPR, and multimedia producer, The New York Times (joined by the other speakers)
When: Feb. 25 to 26
Where: The E.W. Scripps School of Journalism is located across from Baker Student at the corner of Park Place and Court Street in Athens, Ohio
Cost: Free and open to the public!
For more information online click here
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| Job opportunities |
Thanks to Kelly Blazek for her 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.
FREELANCE REPORTER - SUN NEWSPAPERS has an immediate need for a freelance reporter to cover southwest suburbs. Must have experience covering city government and writing features. Contact editor Cindy Zbaeren at czbaeren@sunnews.com or 216-986-2366.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - THE PEOPLES CHANNEL (TPC), a North Carolina based, 501(c)3 nonprofit Public Access TV Station and Community Media Center is searching for a new Executive Director.TPC's mission is to advance democratic ideals by ensuring that people have access to electronic media and by promoting effective communication through community uses of media.For 15 years, The Peoples Channel has provided the Chapel Hill area's residents, organizations, agencies, and institutions with media training and education, equipment, production and related services on a first-come, first-served basis. The Peoples Channel is a Public Access TV station and Community Media Center that broadcasts to Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Orange County. Durham Community Media (DCM18) is the Public Access TV Station for the Durham community, also operated under the same 501(c)(3) located in nearby Durham, North Carolina. The Executive Director is responsible for oversight and management of the administration, finances, and communications at both access centers. Both TPC and DCM18 are located within thriving, progressive communities a stone's throw from the Research Triangle Park and a number of top-notch colleges and universities.A desire to grow with a dynamic, small, and unique organization and a "nothing is impossible" attitude will put candidates to the top of the list. This is a small, supportive organization and a positive attitude and willingness to be flexible is crucial. Essential duties include:● Oversee all operations at TPC and DCM18.● Work with and support the Board of Directors.● Supervise and manage staff in accordance with personnel policies and oversee day-to-day operations.● Raise funds for current and prospective projects and initiatives, including grant writing and underwriting development.● Community outreach, including building and maintaining relationships with key area partners, such as local municipalities and governments, schools, and other community organizations.● Ensure the organization is fully compliant with its contractual and legal obligations, and is maintaining accurate internal records.● Perform all other duties as directed by the Board of Directors.Preferred Qualifications: ● BA degree in communications, administration, marketing, management, or other related field, or comparable work experience.● Management experience in a nonprofit setting.● Experience working with cable access programming and/or community media.● Demonstrated fundraising skills.● Experience in designing and implementing marketing programs.● Demonstrated leadership skills.● Demonstrated ability to stay abreast of trends in the fields of non-commercial cable TV, technology, youth education, and digital literacy.● Superior organizational skills.● Experience working with diverse communities.Salary:As set by the Board of Directors, depending upon qualifications. Benefits package provided (health insurance contribution, paid time off and holiday, vacation.)Closing date, Thursday, February 28, 2012, 5pm EST How to apply:Submit letter of interest with resume and salary requirements to ed_search@thepeopleschannel.org NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE TPC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
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
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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 |
Feb. 20How I Got That Story "Seeking Public Employees' Salaries" More information online here or below at left Feb 23
"Writing that Works Online"
"Follow the Noise"
A day-long training workshop with national SPJ trainer Jeff Culter
Doubletree Hotel Downtown Cleveland
1111Lakeside Ave.
Cleveland 44114
Feb 25 & 26 Ohio University E.W. Scripps School of Journalism Schuneman Symposium on Photojournalism & New Media
March 7 National High School Essay Contest Submission Deadline
March 12 Data Visualization Basics SPJ Webinar See below at left and watch this space for more info. as it becomes available
March 14 NEO/STC Panel Discussion: Editing Tools, Resources and Processes See below at left for more information
SAVE THE DATE!!! Region 4 Spring Conference April 5-6
University of Dayton. Watch this space for more info as it becomes available.
SAVE THE DATE!!! City Club James C. Goodale Apr. 12, noon Author: Fighting for the Press: From the Pentagon Papers to Wikileaks
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| Spring Conference Update |  |
Save April 5 and 6 for "Journalism 2013: Working It Out". Come celebrate!
This year's spring conference will focus on journalism's triumphs and accomplishments and how they were attained.
When: 4 p.m. Apr. 5 to 5:45 p.m. Apr. 6
Where: University of Dayton campus
Cost: Before March 22 - SPJ Members - $50, Students- $40
Non SPJ Members - $60, Students - $50
After March 22 - $10 more
The registration fee covers opening reception, Friday, April 5; and continental breakfast and lunch on Saturday, April 6.
Keep checking here for updates!
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Members' Milestones
| Send us your stories, triumphs and adventures. We'd like to share them!
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| National Freelance Writers Appreciation Week |  | |
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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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| The Rocky Mountain News closed and media changed! |  |
When the Rocky Mountain News in Colorado closed, the resulting scattering of journalists has ended up as an education in how our industry is changing.
Check Poynter. for Mallory Jean Tenore's investigative article on how the changes affected the way news is spread and read in the state.
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| Volunteer Positions | | |
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST VOLUNTEER
Greater Cleveland Volunteers (www.greaterclevelandvolunteers.org) is a non-profit agency that provides volunteers for over 130 non-profit agencies in Cleveland, one-day community events, literacy tutors and mentors for elementary school students in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. The volunteer will work with Greater Cleveland Volunteers staff to perform several tasks for the marketing, communications and branding of the organization. The schedule is flexible and some work can be completed off-site.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Interview volunteers and partner agency staff and write bi-monthly newsletter articles Assist in the graphic design and layout of the agency newsletter and various print publications Will have the opportunity to assist in other communication needs (social media, promotion and/or special events) Take digital photographs off-site of volunteers in action
POSITION REQUIREMENTS: The individual should be proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Outlook and Publisher) or other graphic design software; digital photography and experience in journalism or other communications writing.
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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 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
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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.
BLOG: 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),
emailthe 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
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Laurie Mitchell Marketing & Communications Executive Search has been retained for the following assignments:
Marketing Program Manager/Software Lead Generation
Channel Marketing Manager/DIY/Big Box
4 Marketing Managers & Directors/Financial Services
AD Agency Copywriter/3-6 years experience
Kitchen Designer/High End Showrom
Competitive Intelligence & Market Analyst
AD Agency Account Supervisor/CPG
Digital Producer w/PM & Web Development experience
2 PR Agency Account Supervisors/NEO
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
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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