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  Writer's Week  

Society of Professional Journalists

    Cleveland Pro Chapter Newsletter     

Feb. 8, 2015   

 Deadline For Next Edition: Feb. 20, 2015   

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President's message
'Earning' our stories: a lesson learned 
Rodney Bengston
Rodney Bengston 
  
Our recent program with Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Jim Sheeler drew raves from several audience members and deservedly so.

Sheeler told how he was able to get so much information and detail from the families of soldiers killed in action. It was because he took the time to get to know his sources and build their trust.

Many things about that program will stick with me for a long time, but the thing that sticks with me even weeks after the event is Sheeler saying he felt that he had to earn their stories.

Sheeler won the 2006 Pulitzer Prize for feature writing for the Rocky Mountain News, in which he followed a U.S. Marine Casualty Assistance Calls Officer and the families he worked with during the Iraq war.  This was before social media had become so prevalent. Who know if it would be reported the same way today.

But Sheeler's worrying about "earning" that story rather than simply "getting the story" and taking his time with it gave us a richer story.

Even with all the technology, we should all work a little harder on "earning" our stories. Sometimes taking a little time will make our stories even richer.

Rodney Bengston

President, SPJ Cleveland  

rodbengston@spcglobal.net       

Register now for Spring Conference
SPJ vertical logo for web

Join SPJ's outstanding campus chapter at The Ohio University on March 20-21 for the Region 4 Conference in beautiful, historic Athens, Ohio.
 
Programming begins Friday with an opening reception that offers a networking opportunity and silent auction to benefit the Legal Defense Fund.

Professional development sessions will continue all day Saturday, highlighted by the Mark of Excellence Awards luncheon.

All events will be on the Ohio University campus in either Baker Center (the only escalator in Athens County) or Schoonover Center, the new home of the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism.
 
The conference hotel is the Ohio University Inn. Register by March 1 for a discounted rate.

Questions? Send an email to chapter president Kate Hiller at kh547011@ohio.edu.

 

Job Opportunities
JOURNALS PRODUCTION ASSISTANT, AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY - Columbus, OH
Tracking Code 206067-094

The American Chemical Society is searching for a Production Assistant to become a part of a core team responsible for producing its premier scientific journals for the academic, corporate and government research communities.

The ACS Production Assistant handles editorial production for a group of 4-6 ACS journals after technical editing has been completed and proofs have been distributed to authors. S/he ensures quality of published articles and issues both on the Web and in print. This includes reviewing proofs of scientific papers after review by the authors, coordinating any needed correction to those papers, reviewing final corrections, communicating with authors as needed, releasing completed papers to Web publications, determining, based on ACS and journal guidelines, which completed papers will be included in a specific printed issue of the journal, determining arrangement and presentation of papers for cost effective printing, and keeping various publication and
production records.

For a complete job description and to apply go to: http://www.cas.org

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR, CONTENT - Oracle, Independence, OH
Development of communication programs to promote Oracle's products and services. Evaluates and manages new strategic business opportunities, initiatives, mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, alliances and/or joint ventures. Oversees market analysis, monitors competitive activity and identifies customers needs. Provides leadership in the planning, designing, due diligence, and implementing of strategic business objectives. Defines vision, strategies and tactics. Selects, develops, and evaluates personnel to ensure the efficient operation of the function. Primarily a resource/allocation role, coordinating the daily activities of a work group and setting priorities to ensure task completion. Supervises within prescribed procedures with management review and approval. Maintains orderly work processes by coordinating work flow and work quality. Provides technical/functional leadership, as well first line supervision.

"Oracle is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability and protected veterans status or any other characteristic protected by law."


EDITORIAL WRITER, Starpoint Solutions - Cincinnati
Advertising agency is seeking an editorial writer for its Public Relations team. Your focus will be to complete white papers, blogs, emails, amplification copy, decks, articles, abstracts, etc. for the diverse portfolio of clients. The agency is known for its collaborative and casual environment. Knowledge, skills and competencies include: excellent writing and communication skills, the ability to convey technical and/or complex concepts on a broad range of diverse topics. Solid interviewing and research skills, self-sufficiency, self-motivation, the drive to meet deadlines, visual thinking and the ability to inspire others is also required.
Candidate's background should also include agency or media relations work.

To apply go to www.starpoint.com

ACCOUNT SUPERVISOR (PR & Social Focus) -- Cincinnati
Marketing and PR agency client is seeking an Account Supervisor in its Cincinnati office. The ideal candidate will have a PR agency account management background and experience in traditional PR, social media and influence marketing experience to successfully manage, maintain and cultivate daily client relationships and expectations as a primary contact, providing strategic counsel. The selected candidate will develop and implement strategic relations and social media programs, analyze client needs and develop programs accordingly.

To apply go to www.starpoint.com

THE MORNING JOURNAL - REPORTER
The Morning Journal in Lorain, OH, is seeking to hire two entry-level reporters covering city government and schools. To apply, contact Darryl Tucker, managing editor of The Morning Journal.

IDEASTREAM - ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Job Posted: November 14, 2014
Application Deadline: None
Reports to: Managing Editor, News

Leads and schedules content editorial activities; edits content to ensure quality, relevance and timeliness. Under the direction of the Managing Editor of News, supervises reporting staff and assures performance. Briefs Managing Editor daily, schedules reporters to cover spot and breaking news, ensure quality of radio journalism, produce and deliver in-depth reports as needed, participate in editorial meetings.

For a complete description and to apply go to: http://www.ideastream.org/



WKYC CHANNEL 3: MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST

WKYC is looking for a true multi-media journalist who is confident and dynamic on the air, fluent in social and digital media and who is comfortable shooting and editing great stories on tight deadlines.  Most importantly, this MMJ reporter much have experience enterprising stories, working sources and delivering results for viewers.  Advocacy and watchdog journalism aren't just buzzwords for us.  We are creating a winning investigative culture.
 
Our brand is "See the Possible" and we live it in all that we do.  Channel Three News believes in the great rebirth of Northeast Ohio happening all around us.  We are committed to supporting the people making that change happen.  We're just as committed to shining a bright light on leaders and institutions who stand in the way of our progress as a region.
 
At least three years in news working as an MMJ reporter is required.  This job will require working varied shifts including nights, mornings and weekends.  If you're a digital-first journalist who wants to work for the best news team in Cleveland we want to hear from you.
 
More information here


INTERWEAVE PRESS, CINCINNATI - ASSISTANT EDITOR FOR WRITER'S DIGEST BOOKS

Writer's Digest Books is looking for an Assistant Editor/Data Manager to join its editorial team. The qualified editor would be responsible for updating listings information for the Writer's Market series, organizing and managing judges for the six Writer's Digest annual competitions, and participating in various print, online, and digital initiatives as needed. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in English or Journalism, have strong editorial skills and/or prior editorial experience, excellent attention to detail, and ability to work under tight deadlines and with large amounts of data.

More information here

THE VINDICATOR, YOUNGSTOWN - ONE-YEAR INTERNSHIP

The Vindicator, a feisty daily in eastern Ohio with 52K readers in print and 30K online, is looking for one-year reporting interns for news. This will be an assigned beat where you will be expected to generate daily and enterprise work for print and for online. Business, government, investigative and human interest stories are all part of the mix, as are Twitter, Facebook and live reporting to our web site. You must be eager to make an impact. If you're a creative, driven journalist looking for a great place to launch a career, give us a shout.
THIS IS FOR GRADUATES WHO CAN COMMIT TO ONE YEAR.
Here's how you apply: Email us a resume, 8 clips and the email addresses of 3 professional references. Send to Editor Todd Franko @ tfranko@vindy.com.

GENERAL NEWS REPORTER - BELLEVUE GAZETTE

The Bellevue Gazette, in Bellevue, Ohio is looking for a motivated, self-starter to join our paper as general news reporter.

The successful candidate will be able to help plan news coverage for this four-day a week paper and write clear and concise stories, but still have the ability to creatively capture a local feature. Candidates must have a working knowledge of Facebook and Twitter, as well as general photography skills.

Bellevue is a small town in Northern Ohio, with a population of about 8,000. We are located about 20 minutes from Sandusky, which is on the shores of Lake Erie and home to the world's largest amusement park, Cedar Point. We are about an hour from Cleveland and an hour from Toledo.

This is an entry-level position and recent college graduates are encouraged to apply.

A bachelor's degree with a major or minor in journalism, creative writing or other communications degree is preferred.

We are looking to fill this position quickly, so local/regional candidates and those already living in the Midwest are preferred.

To apply, send an email with "Reporter position" in the subject line with your resume, cover letter, and 3 to 4 writing/reporting samples/clips (college clips are fine) to: Christine Steele, at csteele@civitasmedia.com

CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, CINCINNATI.COM - TEMPORARY BUSINESS REPORTER


The Cincinnati.com and the Enquirer seeks a smart, multi-talented and hard-working Business Reporter for a temporary position.

This positions researches, reports and writes compelling journalism that continuously grows a fan base by informing and engaging readers. Acts as a public ambassador through community outreach and connects with readers through social media. Provides thoughtful analysis of complex issues. Works with the content coach, content strategists and audience analysts to shape storytelling to meet audience needs and interests on every platform.

More information here


SPJ NATIONAL JOB LISTINGS

Need a job, internship or fellowship? SPJ is always on the lookout for you. On Twitter, follow @spj_tweets for openings, or share great journalism openings with us when you or your news organization have them by tweeting them to us!

 

Employers: Reach those who are most dedicated to the profession by posting your openings in SPJ's Job Bank. Our members want this info, but we can't share them all. Post in our job bank so that everyone has the chance to see it - for longer than a fleeting tweet!

      

 

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.  

Scholarships available
OHIO BROADCASTERS SCHOLARSHIP

Amount: $3,000
Total Scholarships Awarded: Two
Deadline: Feb. 28 

Since 2004, the OAB has invested over $95,000 in scholarships to college students with a promising career in broadcasting. We're proud to support the next generation of broadcasters and encourage students pursuing a career in broadcasting to apply!

Eligibility

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria to be considered:

  • Full-time student at an Ohio college or university
  • Incoming junior or senior (two completed years of coursework)
  • Majoring or minoring in radio or television broadcasting or communications
  • Minimum GPA of 2.75 / 4.0 or equivalent
Apply here.
 

NORTHEAST OHIO SOCIETY FOR TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION SCHOLARSHIP

The Northeast Ohio Society for Technical Communication is offering a $1,000 scholarship for educational purposes to either of the following: a student applicant or a technical communications practitioner applicant.

The scholarship is to be used expressly for educational or professional development purposes, is designed to encourage local academic excellence, provide the technical communication profession with educated communicators and promote greater awareness of and participation in STC.  

A student applicant must meet the following requirements:

  • Must be a graduate, undergraduate, community college, or certificate student at an accredited degree-granting institution at the time of the application.
  • Must be studying toward a Ph.D., Master's, Bachelor's, or Associate's degree or a minor or certificate in a technical or scientific communication-related field. Related fields might include, but are not limited to, English, Professional Writing, or Organizational Communications.
  • Must be enrolled in an Ohio school or be a permanent Ohio resident.

A practitioner applicant must meet the following requirements:

  • Must be a permanent Ohio resident.
  • Must be employed in a technical or scientific communication-related field.
  • Must be pursuing a professional development or certification opportunity that will enhance your future ability to practice technical communication. Financial assistance to attend the annual STC Summit is excluded from scholarship consideration.

If you are a member of STC, please indicate that when you fill out the application. Applicants do not need to be STC members to qualify for the scholarship.

 

Complete details about the scholarship, including the application process, are available at the NEO STC Scholarship page.

 

Submission Deadline: March 31 

Notification of Decision: By or Before May 1

 

If you have any questions, please e-mail  scholarships@neostc.org

 

INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS 

  • Enrolled in a Master's/Ph.D. degree program in the Instructional Design field.
  •  Pursuing a career as an Instructional Designer (or related occupation).
  • Taking courses at the graduate level.

We are now accepting applications for the 2015 scholarships. Learn more about the requirements and download the application form here. While you're there, you'll want to read our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)! The deadline for submission of all materials is Wednesday, March 11, 2015. Winners will be notified sometime in April. All winners will be published in the IDL SIG quarterly newsletter. Please direct questions to scholarship@stcidlsig.org

 



Events summary
There's more on these events below. For job openings, see below at left, internships below right.
Wednesday, Feb. 11
NEOSTC Networking Lunch
12 p.m.
Bricco
1 West Exchange St.
Akron, OH 44308
RSVP to
Angie Dianetti
by close of business,
Tuesday, Feb. 10

Wednesday, Feb. 17
Northeast Ohio Communications Advocates
NOCA/Montrose MEGA Mixer
5:30 - 8 p.m.
Westside Jaguar
9600 Brookpark Road
Admission free
Please RSVP here

Friday, Feb. 27
JournCamp
day-long SPJ training
in Atlanta, Ga.
Full details here
more information below

March 20-22
SPJ Region 4
Spring Conference

The Ohio State University
Athens, Ohio
Registration and more info here


 

Our website is back!
Chapter logo
For the past two years, our chapter website has been out of commission and out of date. But as of today, it is back!

Thanks from all of us to Rich Exner, who revamped and resurrected it. We are thrilled to announce that complete information about our chapter and its activities can now be found at this address.
SPJ offers day of training
at JournCamp
SPJ is committed to bringing you training and tools in all areas of journalism.

Join fellow journalists for a day-long training at SPJ's JournCamp in Atlanta, Ga., on Friday, Feb. 27.

You'll get practical, skills-based professional development that will help you be a better journalist.

Full information and registration details here. Registration deadline is Monday, Feb. 23.

 

Mardi Gras Mixer

Enjoy networking with a Madri Gras theme at the next Northeast Ohio Communications Advocates
NOCA/Montrose MEGA Mixer

Tuesday, Feb. 17
5:30 - 8 p.m.
Westside Jaguar
9600 Brookpark Road

It's Fat Tuesday... there will be food, beverages, fun & surprises.
Admission is FREE!
RSVP

Presented by Montrose Auto Group, The Parma Area Chamber of Commerce, The Power of More Chambers of Commerce, NOCA, and Our Group - Cleveland.

 

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)

One-Year communications postgraduate paid internship
DEADLINE FEB. 9 5 p.m.
SPJ vertical logo for web
The Society of Professional Journalists is looking for a candidate to fill a yearlong internship for writing, marketing, social media and public relations efforts. The full-time position, based in Indianapolis, includes competitive salary, excellent benefits and paid leave.

The Society of Professional Journalists is the nation's largest and most broad-based membership association for journalists. We are dedicated to the perpetuation of a free press as the cornerstone of our nation and our liberty. To accomplish this, SPJ hires smart, energetic individuals that are hell-bent on improving the Society's offerings and operations - while making a name for themselves. After training, we get out of the way and give them the freedom to do just that.

Deadline Feb. 9
5 p.m.
More information here

Questions and a copy of your application documents should be sent to Joe Skeel at this email

 

Internships for journalism and communication students
IDEASTREAM JOURNALISM INTERNSHIP - SUMMMER 2015

Application Deadline: March 31   

 

I. Basic Function/Major Duties

The Journalism Intern will learn about news gathering and radio production while providing support and assistance to the news team.  Examples of possible duties: 

*Provide research for reporters, editors & show hosts Accompany reporters in the field to observe and assist 

*Record news conferences and download audio 

*Learn digital audio editing 

*Assist in producing and posting material to the web 

*Pull audio cuts for air under direction of a staff member 

*Write, produce and record one or more reports for critique and possible air 

*Other duties as assigned


II. Qualifications :  

KNOWLEDGE: 

*Posses above average written & oral communication skills 

*Evidence of internet and data based research skills 

*Some knowledge of public broadcasting journalism 

*A strong interest in journalism 

*Have knowledge of basic journalism standards and practices. 

*Possess or be developing a professional writing style.

 

EXPERIENCE: Previous Journalism experience or classes in journalism

 

SKILLS/APTITUDES: Have knowledge of and enthusiasm for Public Radio/Television

 

EDUCATION:  Be in a formal educational program focused on Multiple Media Journalism or Communications preferably in a Bachelor's or a Master's degree program.

 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: 

*The Internship is unpaid; you must be a current student and college credit must be granted for participation 

*Selected candidate will be available at least 3 days a week (average of 20- 24 hours- flexibility preferred) for an agreed upon period of time. 

*Need to have a reliable source of transportation. Acceptable driving record is required.

To apply: complete this application and email to HR@ideastream.org.

 

 

IDEASTREAM WEB AND SOCIAL MEDIA RESEARCH INTERNSHIP - SUMMER 2015

 

Application Deadline: March 31 

 

BASIC FUNCTIONS / MAJOR DUTIES

The Web and Social Media Research intern will learn about the social media activities of public and commercial media entities throughout the country, as well as macro trends about internet usage and consumption of traditional media through web and social media platforms. S/he will collect, analyze and present data to inform strategic decisions.  

 

Examples of duties: 

* Collect and organize a variety of social media data about public and commercial media entities throughout the country. 

* Conduct research about internet usage nationally, regionally and locally. 

* Analyze data and prepare verbal and visual summary reports. 

* Prepare presentations and report findings to various internal stakeholders (e.g. staff, managers, senior leadership). 

 

QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE: Strong command of data collection and analysis techniques and tools.

 

EXPERIENCE: Classes taken or experience with data collection, data analysis, statistics, and/or related methodologies. Ability to use standard computer tools like Microsoft Office products and Internet searches. Familiarity with web and social media platforms is also desirable.

 

SKILLS/APTITUDES: Flexible self-starter with a positive attitude. Ability to work with diverse, sometimes high level constituencies, employing tact and diplomacy. 

Ability to prepare accurate reports and correspondence. Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills.

 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS 

* The internship is unpaid; you must be a current student and college credit must be granted for participation 

* Office hours are Monday-Friday. Some weekend and evening work may be required. 

* Internships are available any quarter or semester, but the student must be available for the entire semester or quarter (at least 10 weeks) 

 

To apply: complete this application and email to HR@ideastream.org.

 

IDEASTREAM CULTURE GROUP INTERN - SUMMER 2015

 

Application Deadline: March 31 

 

I.Basic Function/Major Duties

The Culture Group Intern will learn about news gathering and radio production while providing support and assistance to the Culture team.  Examples of possible duties: 

*Provide research for producers & show hosts 

*Accompany producers in the field to observe and assist 

*Learn digital audio editing 

*Assist in producing and posting material to the web 

*Pull audio cuts for air under direction of a staff member 

*Write, produce and record one or more reports for critique and possible air 

*Learn/operate teleprompting system 

*Log video tape for TV productions 

*Other duties as assigned 

II.Qualifications :  

KNOWLEDGE: 

*Posses above average written & oral communication skills 

*Evidence of internet and data based research skills 

*Some knowledge of public broadcasting journalism 

*A strong interest in arts and culture 

*Have knowledge of basic journalism standards and practices. 

*Possess or be developing a professional writing style. 

EXPERIENCE: Previous Journalism experience, classes in journalism

SKILLS/APTITUDES: Have knowledge of and enthusiasm for Public Radio/Television. Knowledge in Arts and Culture topics.

EDUCATION:  Be in a formal educational program focused on Multiple Media Journalism or Communications preferably in a Bachelor's or a Master's degree program.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: 

*The Internship is unpaid; you must be a current student and college credit must be granted for participation 

*Selected candidate will be available at least 3 days a week (average of 20- 24 hours- flexibility preferred) for an agreed upon period of time. 

*Internships are available year round. 

*Need to have a reliable source of transportation. Acceptable driving record is required. 

 

To apply: complete this application and email to HR@ideastream.org.


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.
with assistance from broadcast journalist Stephanie Phelps.

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.