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  Writer's Week  

Society of Professional Journalists

    Cleveland Pro Chapter Newsletter     

Oct. 21, 2014   

 Deadline For Next Edition: Oct. 31, 2014  
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President's message
Come to the SPJ Awards to meet,
support Ohio's best journalists 
Rodney Bengston
Rodney Bengston 
  

People in the journalism profession have been taking it on the chin the past several years with layoffs and other cuts being the norm, but great quality work still is being done.

The 2014 Ohio SPJ Awards luncheon set for this Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Idea Center in Cleveland's Playhouse Square will showcase the best work done in Ohio during the past year.

And because it is being held at the Idea Center - and even if it were not held there - I would not be surprised to see journalists swapping stories and ideas for stories.

I'm hoping to see many of you there celebrating those who have done great things for journalism. 

 

Rodney Bengston

President, SPJ Cleveland       

Get your tickets now for SPJ Awards!
Photo courtesy of Playhouse Square
 

Oct. 22 at 5 p.m. is the deadline to make reservations for the 2014 Ohio SPJ Awards Luncheon, which takes place starting at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Idea Center, housing the studios of WVIZ/PBS, 90.3 WCPN and WCLV 104.9, in the incomparable Playhouse Square, downtown Cleveland.

 

There will be a raffle for a pair of tickets to a Cavs game -- excellent seats! -- at the luncheon. Date to be agreed upon by the winner and the ticket donor. Proceeds will help support the annual Ohio SPJ Awards program. Tickets $2 each or 3 for $5 to be purchased at the luncheon.    

 

To find out who won these statewide SPJ awards, visit the awards website at spjawards.org  

 

Get tickets and more event details at our Eventbrite site.

Job Opportunities

DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MEDIA  

SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM AND MASS COMMUNICATION

KENT STATE UNIVERSITY, KENT, OHIO 

 

The Kent State University School of Journalism and Mass Communication invites applications for our director of student media.  We seek an outstanding and visionary leader who is able to set a strategic direction for and manage our award-winning multi-unit student media operation.

  

The Position

This newly created Director of Student Media will manage the Kent State University Department of Student Media's business and advising operations, including advertising, finance, contracts, legal, personnel and marketing. The Director of Student Media will supervise the Office of Student Media four-person professional staff and work with student leaders and advisers for each media unit to set a strategic direction for the organization as well as JMC faculty to build a stronger curriculum that supports student media and strengthens the school. The Director of Student Media reports to the Director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication and serves on the School's Executive Committee.

 

The Qualifications

Candidates should hold a bachelor's degree in  

journalism or related field and have a minimum of five years of experience in a professional or college media organization that includes management, budgeting and digital media experience.

Special preference will be given to those who have

ˇ      Experience in overseeing media production including news writing, photography, video, design, website development, advertising and marketing and in mentoring students.

ˇ      Knowledge of relevant regulations and laws, current media technology and trends and challenges facing media companies.

ˇ      Ability to recognize new opportunities and challenges and to develop and deliver both operating budgets and long-term strategic plans.

ˇ      Skill in verbal, written and interpersonal communication, collaborative decision-making and the ability to communicate effectively with all components of the university and external constituents.

ˇ      Commitment to the importance of student press freedom and the independence of student content decision makers.

 

Salary is competitive and dependent upon qualifications and experience.

 

The Opportunity

Kent State University's student media operation includes nine award-winning units: newspaper, cable television station, multi-media news website, web-based radio station and five magazines. All are independent with all content decisions made by student editors/managers. The Office of Student Media's annual budget is over $800,000 supported both by advertising revenue and student activity fee allocations and involves over 400 students per semester.

 

Kent State University's School of Journalism and Mass Communication is a forward-thinking school, strategically positioned within an innovative college and a dynamic university. Our ACEJMC-accredited program teaches a diverse population of more than 800 undergraduate and 200 master's students. The School is home to the Center for Scholastic Journalism, a national clearinghouse of information for and about  a national clearinghouse of information for and about student journalists and their advisers.
 
Kent State University's eight-campus system in northeast Ohio is among the largest regional systems in the country with more than 42,000 students. The University's Center for Student Involvement offers programs and services designed to foster student growth and development through leadership, civic, cultural and involvement opportunities and supports over 300 student organizations including student media.  

 

To Apply
Visit our website at http://jobs.kent.edu (position number 998192) to submit an application letter, résumé and names, addresses and telephone numbers of three references.
 
Review of applications began Sept. 25 and will continue until the position is filled.

Questions may be directed to:
Mark Goodman, Professor and Knight Chair in Scholastic Journalism
Search Committee Co-Chair
Kent State University
School of Journalism and Mass Communication
P.O. Box 5190, 201D Franklin Hall
Kent, OH  44242-0001
Mgoodm10@kent.edu
330.672.6239  

 

JOBS LISTINGS FOR TECHNICAL COMMUNICATORS 

 

If you're a writer who can handle scientific and technological jargon and translate it into understandable English, or perhaps a graphic designer who can deal with technological topics, you might want to consider technical communication. Here's a site set up by the Society for Technical Communication with job listings in the Pittsburgh area. There is a Northeast Ohio Chapter of STC, which holds regular workshops and programs about technical communication. Find them at neostc.org.  

 

MEDIA RELATIONS MANAGER, CLEVELAND RTA

 

The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) located in Cleveland, Ohio, is searching for a skilled, transformative, energetic leader to join its Marketing & Communications team. Reporting to the Executive Director of Marketing & Communications and working on a day-to-day basis with the CEO, this leader has a great opportunity to build strong relationships and enhance RTA's image at the local and national level. This position is responsible for aligning media relations strategies with the organization's business strategy and goals.

RTA is a financially-sound transit agency that is nationally recognized for the quality of services it provides and for its innovate management practices. It offers a wide range of comprehensive benefits and programs to support the health and wellness of employees and family members including Health Benefits and a very attractive pension plan.

Detailed Description

Duties: Plans and directs the development and communication of information directed toward media outlets that is designed to inform the public of the Authority's programs, plans, and points of view. Handles media strategy planning for crisis management and PR activities. Prepares press releases, media briefs, Op Ed pieces, and speeches to disseminate RTA information to the public. Maintains a working relationship with local media. Assists the Marketing and Communications Department in planning and executing promotions. Works in concert with the Authority's Legal Division to ensure the timely processing of public information requests. Performs duties of a similar nature as may be required.

Job Requirements
 
Minimum Requirements: Applicants must have a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, English or other related field with an emphasis on public relations skills from an institution that is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the Higher Learning Commission, and/or the United States Department of Education. Applicant must have at least five (5) years of experience in communications and media relations. This experience must include communicating on radio and on camera (i.e. press conferences, television, etc.). Experience should also include working in a team-focused environment. Applicants must demonstrate strong oral and written communications skills as excellent diction and presentation skills are a must. Applicants must have strong PC skills in a Windows environment and working knowledge of the Internet related to public relations. Bilingual abilities are a plus.

Apply here.

BROADCAST DESK ASSISTANT - PBS

 

Duration: Jan. 12, 2015 - July 17, 2015
Location: Arlington, Va. 

  

The Desk Assistant position is part of a six-month entry-level program designed for recent graduates and aimed at providing practical experience in a broadcast news setting. The DAs are exposed to all aspects involved in producing a nightly television news program. Desk Assistant duties are rotational among the different units that compose the NewsHour.

Over the course of the program, each of the Desk Assistants hired will work in three different units for a period of two months each. They also act as support staff for Senior Producers, Associate Producers, Reporter-Producers and Production Assistants by answering phones, sorting mail, distributing papers and other administrative tasks. Finally, Desk Assistants will attend a series of breakfasts with various members of our organization including correspondents, producers, and reporters.

Each DA will work in three of the following rotations for a period of two months each:

FOREIGN AFFAIRS / NATIONAL AFFAIRS / POLITICS The Beat 
DAs perform a variety of duties, including providing basic research, finding and pre-interviewing guests, logging feeds, and aiding reporters, producers and correspondents with whatever they need. In the evening, the National Affairs and Politics DAs work on script production and in the control room during the taping of the show.
(The script production and control room duties switch after one month.)

LOGGING The Logging DA logs and manages incoming feeds from the Associated Press Television Network (APTN). They also log press conferences and hearings as needed, create posts for the NewsHour's Rundown blog, and join reporter-producers on video shoots. Along with the Newsdesk DA, they also answer phones and provide support in the newsroom.
(This is done for one month and then switches with Newsdesk.)

NEWSDESK The Newsdesk DA is primarily responsible for providing general coverage in the newsroom, logging news feeds, answering phones, tracking tape stock, distributing information, photocopying and fact-checking all script and tape information before air.
(This is done for one month and then switches with Logging.)

PRODUCTION The Production DA is responsible for maintaining our tape library, accompanying crew on local shoots; and providing additional assistance in the edit and tape rooms. During the evening, this person assists with script production and sits in the studio to assist the anchors.

RESEARCH/COMMUNICATIONS
The Research/Communications DA plays two roles: assisting the research librarians with long-term projects by compiling dossiers for anchors, producers and reporters. and writing press releases, compiling press lists, editing DVDs for awards submissions, and performing other duties for the Communications offices.

- Bachelor's degree.
- Good writing and research skills.
- Demonstrated interest in journalism and/or television production.
- Pleasant phone manner and good administrative skills.
- Strong work ethic and effective time management.
- Knowledge of the PBS NewsHour's journalistic style.
- Prior experience in a broadcast news setting is strongly preferred.

The deadline for applications is Oct. 31. To be considered, please email ztreu@newshour.org.

The Desk Assistant position pays $9 an hour with overtime eligibility. As it is a temporary position, we are unable to provide health benefits.

To apply, please send the following to the Desk Assistant Coordinator via email (preferred) or ground mail.
  1. Application (available as a PDF or as a Word document)
  2. Cover letter
  3. Resume

Zachary Treu
Desk Assistant Coordinator
PBS NewsHour
3620 27th Street South
Arlington, VA 22206

Candidates must have valid authorization per DHS form I-9 regulations to work for any employer within the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available. 




 
Events
There is more information on most of these events in articles below and at left. Job listings are featured below at left, student internships and scholarships/fellowships, below at right.

Thursday, Oct. 23
Behind the Headlines: Heroin Epidemic
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Tri-C's Metropolitan Campus Theatre
2900 Community College Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115
Free and open to the public
Sponsored by The Press Club of Cleveland and Cuyahoga Community College

Saturday, Oct. 25
Ohio SPJ Awards Luncheon
The Idea Center
Playhouse Square
11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tickets $55 regular,
$35 students
online here
TICKET SALES END
WEDNESDAY AT 5 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 7
PRSA Greater Cleveland Student Day
9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Eaton Corporation
1000 Eaton Blvd.
Cleveland, Ohio 44122
Cost: $25
Register here

Saturday, Nov. 8
Northeast Ohio Society for Technical Communication
"This is Personal. Create a Professional Development Plan that is About You!"
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
With Ginny Haas, Jennifer Yaros, and Angie Dianetti
See this site for details
Create your own professional development plan

The Northeast Ohio Society for Technical Communication will host a professional development workshop Saturday, Nov. 8, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  

 

Ginny Haas, Jennifer Yaros, and Angie Dianetti will help you to:

Develop a career roadmap Define your personal mission, vision, and goals Outline your personal professional development plan

Although the program is directed at technical communication professionals,  anyone can benefit from it.  

 

When: Saturday Nov. 8, 9am - 1pm.  

Light breakfast and coffee/water will be provided.

Where: Crowne Centre building, 5005 Rockside Road, Suite 400, Independence, OH 44131

Cost: $30 for NEO STC members, $45 for non-members, $15 for students

 

Register by Nov. 5 at this website. Space is limited.

 

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)
Scholarships and Fellowships
JAMES FOLEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
IN INTERNATIONAL PHOTOJOURNALISM

In honor of the courageous men and women who risk their lives in order to report from the world's most dangerous places, ieiMedia has established the James Foley Memorial Scholarship in memory of the photojournalist who was tragically executed while covering the war in Syria.
 
This $5,000 photojournalism scholarship covers tuition, program fees and meals for participation in the Urbino program, jointly sponsored by James Madison University and Iowa State University. The winner will work with two award-winning photojournalists in an experiential program that runs through the month of June 2015. The recipient is responsible for his/her own airfare.
 
To enter the competition you must submit a link to an online photographic portfolio as well as a short letter explaining why an international reporting experience is important for your education. The portfolio should be well organized and show evidence of curiosity about other groups or cultures. The letter should not exceed 300 words.
 
The judging will be done by a jury of professional photojournalists including former White House Photographer and Washington Post staff photographer Susan Biddle as well as Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Dennis Chamberlin.
 
Deadline for submissions: Feb. 1, 2015
 
Apply on line at www.ieiMedia.com

 

Internships for journalism and communication students

2015 FASPE JOURNALISM PROGRAM

Announcement:

FASPE (Fellowships at Auschwitz for the Study of Professional Ethics), in collaboration with The Museum of Jewish Heritage-A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, is now accepting applications for a fellowship that uses the conduct of journalists during the Holocaust and in Nazi Germany as a launching point for an intensive two-week summer program on contemporary journalism ethics.  Fellowships include an all-expenses-paid trip from New York to Berlin, Krakow, and Oświęcim (Auschwitz) where students work with leading faculty to explore both journalism history and the ethical issues facing working journalists today.  All program costs, including international and European travel, lodging, and food, are covered.

 

The 2015 FASPE Journalism program will run from May 24 to June 4.  To be eligible applicants must either (1) be enrolled in a graduate program or (2) be working journalists who completed their undergraduate degrees between June 2010 and June 2014.

 

Completed applications must be received by January 6, 2015.  All FASPE programs are non-denominational and candidates of all religious, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

 

To apply or to learn more about FASPE, please visit: www.FASPE.info.

 

Direct any questions to Thorin R. Tritter, Managing Director of FASPE, at ttritter@FASPE.info.

  

 

EDITORIAL CONTENT INTERN

MAJESTIC STEEL
Cleveland, OH

 
You may get the majority of your info now from Twitter and the Daily Show, but you're also dialed in to a time that came before your Facebook newsfeed. In terms of tech, the steel industry is a bit behind, but with your help, we're looking to change that perception by building the first brand in steel. 

 

In terms of your skills, you should fancy yourself a writer who doesn't shy away from a challenge. That means writing about a breakthrough in technology one day and the rising price of zinc the next. To succeed, you'll have an analytical side that's balanced by a creative edge. Be prepared to brainstorm and then execute. 

 

You'll work hand-in-hand with our Creative Content Lead to help re-launch many of our social channels, in addition to writing our blog and sourcing topics for our Industry Insights page. You'll also be viewed as one of the team, so expect to walk away armed with a full portfolio of at least 30 - 50 articles. 

 

Here's the nitty gritty of what we'll need you to do: 

* Assist in writing content for our shiny new website and blog. 

 

* Help us brainstorm creative content ideas for our blog, videos, collateral, etc. 

 

* Source information for our Industry Insights page by keeping your finger on the pulse of current industry-specific media. 

 

* Manage our social media channels, including Twitter, Insta, Facebook, Google+ and Vine. This does not mean you get to tweet all day...just for some of the day. 

 

* Constantly be on the lookout for the next great thing - or better yet, come up with it. 

 

* Get excited about challenging a traditional industry with non-traditional ideas and work. 

 

You'll need this under the hood: 

 

* A junior or senior college student, or recent grad. 

 

* A strong desire to stretch your brain to its limits. 

 

* Must be able to think outside your daily activities to see the big picture. 

 

* Proven writing ability in the form of blog posts, school assignments or personal projects. 

 

* Social media prowess. We can teach you a lot, but you should be interested in using social media to build a brand. 

 

To apply, click here.

 

 

CLEVELAND INDIANS  

 

COMMUNICATIONS INTERN 

 

PRIMARY PURPOSE:  

To assist Indians Communications Department in all activities including business communications, social media and other projects as assigned. 


RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:  

* Utilize creative writing and editing skills to assist in the creation and implementation of communication plans and messaging. 


* Assist daily social media efforts, including writing daily posts, monitoring and tracking all platforms. 
* Assist in coordination of Indians Social Suite, both selection of candidates and gameday coordination. 
* Assist in planning and execution of media events, press conferences and influencer events. 
* Assist by monitoring all social media channels, websites, blogs and other media outlets for content relative to Indians, baseball and sports industry. 
* Assist digital efforts including Indians.com updates, email marketing and tracking. 
* Update and create message points for TV/Radio ratings.  

* Performs other duties as assigned. 



Requirements  

Marketing or communications or journalism degree preferred. 


* Excellent creative writing and editing skills.  

* Proficient in Social Media Channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Blogging, etc.

Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, E-mail & Internet. 
* Excellent oral communication. 
* Excellent interpersonal skills. 
* Reads, speaks, and comprehends English effectively. 
* The ability to work with multicultural populations and have a commitment to fairness and equality.
* Represents the Indians organization in a positive fashion to all business partners and the general public. 
* Ability to lift and carry items up to 40 lbs. 
* Ability to work extended days and approx. 40 hours per week for 10 months. 
* Ability to sit or stand for an entire shift. 
* Ability to move throughout all areas and levels of the Ballpark. 
* Ability to develop and maintain successful working relationship with members of the Front Office.
* Ability to act according to the organizational values at all times.

View or apply to job here.  

   


VIRTUAL INTERSHIPS
THE CELEBRITY CAFE

We are looking for dedicated interns who understand the culture TheCelebrityCafe.com embodies. We have nine different internships opportunities; Marketing and Social Media, Business Administration, Research, Copy Editing, Graphic Design and our News, Music, Entertainment and Sports Writing internships.

This is a 12-week internship for students in a virtual office for academic credit only.

We had previously asked students to dedicate 10 hours minimum per week, but will be increasing the requirement to 15 hours each week. As the online forums for writers grow, we want to continue to guide students to the best of our ability and and help them understand how an online magazine operates, and found that this can not be properly done within our original time requirements.

Additional program descriptions are online here

We also want to highlight the importance of our Marketing and Social Media internship. Students who are interested in this internship will become knowledgeable in an array of online communication, and will learn how to combine online marketing with overarching outreach goals in a professional setting. This is a necessary skill for students to acquire upon entering professional work settings, many that are heavily internet focused.

Openings for the internships are limited. Please have interested students apply here as soon as possible.

 

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 Jackie Mitchell, a reporter for the Cleveland Jewish News and recent 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  

  

      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.