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  Writer's Week  

Society of Professional Journalists

    Cleveland Pro Chapter Newsletter     

Jan. 6, 2014   

 Deadline For Next Edition: Jan. 13, 2014 
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President's Message
Open records law flouted again
Rodney Bengston
Rodney Bengston 

 

It appears Ohio's open public records law - part of the so-called "Sunshine Laws" described in this state-released manual - has been ignored again.

 

A recent story by the Northeast Ohio Media Group says it took Cleveland Heights police 16 days to make public an incident report on an armed robbery.

 

Attorney David Marburger, considered an Ohio open records law expert, was hired by the Northeast Ohio Media Group to get the report released.

 

Read all the details here. 

 

It should not come to this. In my personal opinion, part of the problem is there is no real penalty for violating the state's open records law. The usual scenario is a governmental body refuses to release the information until a court orders it. (See page 47-49 of the manual linked to above for enforcement measures.) 

 

What if people who illegally held back records faced a potential fine? It might not solve every problem, but maybe someone would think twice before just ignoring the law.

 

Is the Cleveland Heights case just an isolated incident or have other journalists had trouble getting access to public records? Let us know if you have had similar problems so SPJ can try and stay on top of this important issue.

 

Simply put, we always have to stay vigilant to remind everyone that public records belong to the public.

 

Rodney Bengston

President, SPJ Cleveland 

2013 Sigma Delta Chi Awards
open for nominations until Feb. 7
The Sigma Delta Chi Awards in Journalism are now accepting submissions. 

Submit your entries online.

Submissions must be received by Feb. 7. Pieces must have been published or broadcast in 2013 to be considered. The awards are open to any U.S. media outlet or international SPJ members. Entries not originally published or broadcast in English must include an English transcript or subtitles.

For more information on submissions visit the Sigma Delta Chi Awards webpage. 

Winners will be notified in April and honored at a banquet at the National Press Club in Washington D.C. on June 20.   

The prestigious Sigma Delta Chi awards began in 1932 when SPJ honored six individuals for their contributions to journalism. The current program began in 1939, when the organization awarded the first Distinguished Service Award, which eventually became the Sigma Delta Chi Awards. 

Take a moment to review the work of previous winners of the Sigma Delta Chi Awards.  

Please contact 317-927-8000 or awards@spj.org with any questions. 
 
Foodies! Send ideas to Rod Bengston.
cornucopia-flowers.jpg
Everyone loves some type of food, and Cleveland has garnered a national reputation as a "foodie" town. Here's some food for thought: We want to put together a program on Cleveland's food scene and would like to know whom you want to hear from on this topic.

 

Do you want to hear about all the ethnic cuisines that could be found here? What changes have journalists who cover the food beat seen?

 

The region's food scene always is evolving. The farm-to-table movement has people thinking about making meals differently.

 

Send those ideas to rodbengston@sbcglobal.net, or if you know a board member, feel free to contact them, too. You see this is a time we're definitely looking for some food for thought.
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.
    

Newsperson - The Associated Press. Info and apply here. 

 

Content Producer - WEWS Channel 5. Info and apply here 

 

Executive Producer - Building Better Neighborhoods Info and apply here 

 

Research Director - WKYC Channel 3. Info and apply here.

 

Copywriter for Web and Print - Akiha.  

Candidate must-haves: Solid and relevant agency copywriting and creative team experience, proven writing talent backed by strong concepting skills, thinking beyond the execution - understanding how various tactics work together as an overall strategy, sizzle that sells - we also need help with written presentations and concept descriptions, confident presentation skills. Please submit resume with cover letter to Angela Bachman at this email address. No phone calls, please.

 

Senior Content Creator - Progressive Insurance. Progressive is looking for a candidate with strong editing, content ideation, writing, presentation creation and planning skills. Responsibilities include the development of high-quality content for multiple platforms, working with business managers as well as executive leadership to implement their content or communication needs, and develop creative presentations that address the business needs and goals of the organization. This candidate will understand how to verbally and visually tell a story through presentations, video and content development. Can proactively assess business needs and give creative content related solutions. Must be able to understand the differences in how content consumed by different audiences on a variety of platforms (social, presentations, video scripts, blogs, etc.). This position will work primarily with the Agency Communications team as well as with the other Marketing Communication teams as needed.

 

More info and apply here. 

 

Fun Bunch Coordinator - Cleveland Indians. Info and apply here. 

 

In-Park Host - Cleveland Indians. Info and apply here. 

 

Radio Broadcaster - Cleveland Indians. Info and apply here. 

 

Gameday Audio Visual Engineer - Cleveland Indians. Info and apply here.  

 

Video Assistant - Cleveland Indians. Info and apply here. 

 

Arts Reporter/Producer - Ideastream. Info and apply here. 

 

Education Reporter/Producer - Ideastream. Info and apply here. 

 

Executive Master's in Public Health - Kent State University. Kent State University is offering a Masters of Public Health degree to Communications professionals interested in pivoting their careers. 

  

The executive program focuses on the working or experienced professional and specializes in Health Policy and Management with a focus on leadership and organizational change. The program is conveniently offered at the Kent State Regional Academic Center in Twinsburg with courses offered on Tuesday evenings. Sequential courses are 5-8 weeks and the entire sequence can be completed in two years.

 

Applications are still being accepted for the Spring 2014 semester. A limited number of scholarships are available. To learn more: attend an informational meeting on January 21, 4:30-6 pm, room 132 KSU Regional Academic Center, Twinsburg, Ohio; Jan. 30, 5:30-7 pm, Rm 117 Technology Bldg, KSU Trumbull, Champion, Ohio; April 22, 4:30-6 pm, Rm. 132 KSU Regional Academic Center.

 

For more information, or to register, visit the program's webpage or call 330-672-6500. 

 
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.     
To subscribe and get the full list (we only excerpt journalism-related jobs), email Cleveland Job Bank. For more information, go to the website. Please Note: The jobs on Blazek's list are ONLY in communications related occupations.

 
Events
There is more information on these events and opportunities below, in articles under this column or below the President's Message. For job listings, see lower left; for student internships, see lower right

Jan. 9
NEO STC
The All-Star Team: Adobe Technical Communications Suite
Time: 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m.
Address: 23240 Chagrin Boulevard #525, Beachwood Ohio 44122
Cost: Members-$15/Members with dinner-$25/Non-members-$20/Non-members with dinner-$35


Jan. 11
Board meeting, SPJ Cleveland
Contact the chapter president for details if you wish to attend or suggest items for discussion
(email link below) Time: 10 a.m. 
Address: To be announced.

Jan. 6-26
First Annual Cleveland Commercial Photography Exhibit, NOCA
Beachwood Community Center
See below for more details.


Quick Links

 SPJ Job Bank

Join or Renew Membership
(Be sure to scroll down on the application form and sign up for the Cleveland Pro Chapter, as well as the national SPJ)
Cleveland Commercial Photography Exhibit

The first annual Cleveland Commercial Photography Exhibit, sponsored by NOCA - the Northeast Ohio Communications Advocates - is making its final stop at the Beachwood Community Center. The exhibit is open to the public from Jan. 6-26.

An artists' reception will be held Jan. 12 at 1:30 p.m. at the Beachwood Community Center. More information is available at the NOCA website. 
NEO STC Adobe Technical Communication Suite information session
                   
The Northeast Ohio Society for Technical Communication is hosting an informative session Jan. 9 about the Adobe Technical Communication Suite. 

Alan Houser, President of Group Wellesley Inc, will demonstrate FrameMaker, RoboHelp and Adobe Captivate. The session will include information for beginners and expert users. 

Registration starts at 5:30 p.m., dinner will be served at 6 p.m. and the presentation begins at 7 p.m.

The event will be held at Devore Technologies, 23240 Chagrin Blvd., Beachwood. 
 
Registration for the event is closed.
Three SPJ contests

SPJ vertical logo for webHere's your chance to get a head start on three important SPJ competitions now open for entries.


 

1) High School Essay Contest
   
High School students can enter the High School Essay Contest by answering the question, "Why is it important that we have news media that are independent of the government?" in 300 to 500 words. Submit your writing with an entry form signed by your sponsoring teacher and the $5 entry fee by March 7. For more information and to download the entry form click here

 

2) Mark of Excellence Awards

. College students, if you were enrolled in a U.S. college or university in 2013 and were studying for an academic degree, or if you were an international SPJ student member and you have not had  full-time professional journalism experience (outside of internships), you qualify to submit work published or broadcast in 2013. The deadline is
Jan. 24. For complete information  click here 

 

 

3) Sigma Delta Chi awards. See article at left. For complete information click here


Good luck to everyone. 
Internships for journalism and communication students
LINCOLN ELECTRIC
ASSOCIATE PRODUCT MANAGER

LINCOLN ELECTRIC
CREATIVE SERVICES/GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Info and apply here. 


MTD PRODUCTS
 
SEASONAL INTERN
GAME PRESENTATION (QTV)
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
 Info and apply here. 


DEVELOPMENT INTERN

GORDON SQUARE ARTS DISTRICT

Spring 2014

The Gordon Square Arts District is seeking an intern to help complete the organization's campaign for development through investment in the arts. The student will have the opportunity to work closely with a small staff in a busy fundraising office, be involved in a variety of development activities, and have a hands-on role in the completion of a major capital campaign. He or she will also learn by working within a unique collaboration between three non-profit organizations, experience how the arts can be used as an economic development tool, and be a part of the work

a part of the work required to complete a $30 million capital campaign.  

 

Primary responsibilities would include, but not be limited to:

Working with donor database records and mailing lists for annual fund solicitations and mailings;
Compiling GSAD historical archives of photos, newsletters and press into succinct, useable format;
Organizing hard copy donor record files;
Assisting with marketing projects and materials, including maintaining information packet materials;
Assisting in fundraising initiative and event implementation;
Conducting prospect research;
Assisting with general prospect and donor activities, and
Other duties as assigned.

 

Ideal candidates would be available to work at least 2 days per week, 3-4 hours per day. GSAD will accommodate a student schedule, provide mentorship, and complete necessary requirements for the student to qualify for school credit.

 

Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to Development Manager Theresa Schneider.

 

 

Laurie Mitchell
Marketing & Communications  

216-292-9936

 

infoaboutusWriter'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 Chris Mosby, a reporter, editor and graduate of John Carroll University.

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: Rodney Bengston  

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.