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  Writer's Week  

Society of Professional Journalists

    Cleveland Pro Chapter Newsletter     

March 15, 2015   

 Deadline For Next Edition: March 27, 2015   
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President's message
SPJ partners with CIFF on film
"A Murder in the Park" next week
Rodney Bengston
Rodney Bengston 
  

Journalism doing good always is a reason to celebrate, but journalism gone awry also is something to examine so we can stop trying to make serious miscalculations.

 

The Cleveland Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists is proud to be a community partner on the Cleveland International Film Festival's selection "A Murder in the Park."

 

This film is about a Chicago murder case but has a definite Cleveland connection, made by the Cleveland-based Transition Studio. Shawn Rech, one of the film's directors, will answer some questions about the film in an upcoming newsletter. Also look for his answers on our Facebook page and Twitter feed.

 

To find out more about the film click on this link. You also can get a $2 discount on your tickets when you enter the promo code SPJ.

 

A special thanks to all who came to see the Nazi propaganda exhibit at the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage. It was an informative evening where I think everyone learned something new. Feel free to let us know if you have any ideas for other meetup events.

 

Rodney Bengston

President, SPJ Cleveland  

rodbengston@spcglobal.net     

    

Submit entries to Ohio's Best Journalism 2015 Ohio SPJ Awards

Ohio's Best Journalism 2015 Ohio SPJ Awards Competition is now taking entries to honor the best of Ohio's print, broadcasting, online, trade and college journalism.

ELIGIBILITY: Journalists who work for newspaper, magazines, radio, television, trade, online and college media in Ohio and adjacent states that have significant reach in Ohio are eligible. Entrants need not be members of the Society of
Professional Journalists. The work must have been published or broadcast in 2014.

FEES: A $30 entry fee must accompany each submission, except from colleges. College students pay a $10 entry fee for entries in news, feature, sports and opinion writing. College newspapers may enter for free. There is a $5 discount per entry for work by SPJ members.

DEADLINE: No entries will be accepted after 4:29 p.m. on April 10.

Entrants may submit any given article in as many relevant categories as they wish. Submissions from trade publications,
newsletters and other print alternatives are welcome. This contest is for journalists in the state of Ohio and immediately adjoining states whose publications, stations or work have significant reach into Ohio.

Begin the entry process here.

For additional information, please contact Mike Lorz, 614-443-1877, or mlorz@rrcol.com, or Dan Lorz, 614-443-1877, or dlorz@rrcol.com.

Ohio's Best Journalism is presented by the Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland Pro Chapters of The Society of Professional Journalists.



View photos of Cleveland's history at Heights Arts' "Impermanence"

A new photography exhibit at Heights Arts in Cleveland Heights offers a visual examination of Cleveland's past and present. "Impermanence", curated by photographer Daniel Levin, showcases images of familiar Cleveland landmarks downtown, in Ohio City, University Circle, Little Italy and the Heights suburbs throughout history, offering a "then and now" perspective of how the city has changed over the years.

The works on display are created using a technique called rephotographic survey, in which photographers examine old photographs down to the minute detail, pinpointing the original location of the photograph, the season it was taken in, time of day, where the original photographer was standing, as well as the angle and focus of the camera. Photographers then re-create the photo in present day.

Eleven Cleveland photographers are featured in the exhibition: Darlene Beiter, Andrew Cari, Beverly Conley, David Hagen, Mark Holz, Nathan Migal, Chuck Mintz, Karin McKenna, Emily Smith, Victoria Stanbridge and Brian Swaney.

The exhibit, which is in the Heights Arts Gallery at 2175 Lee Road, opened March 6 and runs until April 18.

Job Opportunities

MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST - WJW TV, FOX 8 

Cleveland

 

Overview: The Multimedia Journalist will gather, report and present news on various platforms, including but not limited to mobile, internet and broadcast. Requires excellent writing and editorial judgment; strong live and presentation skills, flexible to work different shifts and schedules. The individual must be a self starter, enterprising and aggressive; report, shoot and edit under any type of weather condition or deadline. Ability to shoot and edit video clips on non-linear systems. Need to be familiar with using FTP, Skype and other emerging technologies.  

 

Requirements: Two years television newsroom experience required. College degree preferred and/or experience equivalent. Expert use of Final Cut Pro, web posting of text, video, pictures, etc., and incorporating social media into day-to-day coverage. Valid Ohio Driver's License (or able to get one) and maintain a clean driving record, stamina to carry and operate equipment. Ability to multitask and operate communication equipment, Work alone or with co-workers to complete story and or segment for air, web or mobile. Maintain inventory of all assigned equipment and responsible for its upkeep. Communicate maintenance issues to proper personnel.  

 

Apply here or send resume via email or US mail to: fox8.jobs@fox8.com (please put position name in subject field) Attn: Human Resources WJW-TV 5800 S Marginal Road Cleveland, OH 44103  

 

WJW-TV is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

 

 

LECTURER, SPEECH COMMUNICATIONS - CUYAHOGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

 

Job Responsibilities:

Teaches a full load of speech communications classes, fall and spring semesters that may include teaching at off-site locations. Actively participates in student engagement, campus and college initiatives and events. Works collaboratively with other departmental faculty in curriculum development, course enhancements and extra-curricular activities.  

Required Qualifications

Master's Degree in Speech Communication
 
 Apply here:  

 

 

3) COMMUNICATIONS, WRITER, RETIREMENT PLANS - CHARLES SCHWAB
Richfield, Ohio

 

In this role you will be accountable for developing communications based upon defined client strategies to help drive outcomes for our plan participants. This position focuses on the creative writing process as well as project managing new content through the compliance review and fulfillment process. In this role you will: Partner with the Communications Consultant to gain context on a plan's communications strategy and communications deliverables needed. Lead discussions with key partners and client contacts to ensure that all goals, timelines, and expectations are clearly understood and well documented. Drive creation of custom communication materials consistent with agreed-upon approaches: includes writing, editing, and collaborating on design of materials. Leverage existing content as appropriate for standard communications. Keep key partners apprised of client conversations, issues and risk, identify trends in participant communications and share information with leadership to continually enhance Schwab's overall communications approach   

 

Apply here.  

     

 

CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER - MERCY HEALTH
Cincinnati, Ohio 

 

The individual in this role must be a savvy communicator with digital/social, internal communications and public relations experience and knowledge. Integral part of the Ministry Corporate Communication team, bringing fresh ideas, flexibility and high energy to this fast-paced environment. Responsibilities include: weekly update of leadership e-newsletter, Se communications leadership Supply Chain, Care Path, Finance, Care Time. Serve on Promotional Products, Home Office and Care Time/Care Path committees as necessary. Bring communication leadership and insight to teams. Integrate S3 communications initiatives across mediums including social, printed newsletters, email communication, as applicable. Assist with internal campaign. Assist with social media, public relations and internal communications initiatives, coordinate Ministry awards program.

 

Apply here 

 

 
TECHNICAL WRITER CO-OP -- DIEBOLD

North Canton, Ohio

 
Qualifications:
Must be currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in English, Technical Writing, Journalism, with a background or training in computer science preferred. The co-op will create and track technical documents (following published standards) working with engineering department staff, technical illustrators and senior technical writers with using XML editing software.
Must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher. Good writing, independent research and organizational skills are required Background/knowledge of or familiarity with electro-mechanical devices is a plus.

Diebold, Incorporated is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, national origin, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.

Apply 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!

 

FREELANCERS DIRECTORY

 

SPJ members who are freelancers will want to join the Freelancers Directory. Editors searching for freelancers can also use the site.  

      

 

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.   

 

Northeast Ohio Society for Technical Communication offers 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.   

 
Events summary
There's more on these events below. For job openings, see below at left. Internships, fellowships and scholarships, below right.

March 20-22
SPJ Region 4
Spring Conference
The Ohio State University
Athens, Ohio
Registration and more info here

March 24 at 2:15 p.m.
March 25 at 9:15 p.m.
March 26 at 2:35 p.m.
"A Murder in the Park"
Cleveland International Film Festival
Sponsored by SPJ Cleveland
More info here
Use code SPJ for ticket discount

April 15
MediaCLE: How to Launch
Your Own Media Property or
Grow Your Media Career in NEO
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Renaissance Hotel, Gold Room
Media professionals $95
Students $20
More info here

 

Phillip W. Porter Scholarship application deadline April 1
The Cleveland Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists is pleased to announce its annual Philip W. Porter Scholarship competition for 2015 graduating high-school seniors in the six Northeast Ohio counties of Cuyahoga, Lake, Ashtabula, Lorain, Medina and Geauga.
 
A $4,000 scholarship will be awarded to the winner. The student will be entitled to $1,000 upon entering the college of his/her choice, and $1,000 for each of the succeeding three years as an undergraduate, provided satisfactory grades are maintained and ongoing documentation for proof of same is forwarded each semester to SPJ. Exact reporting requirements will be reviewed with the winner at the time of the award.
 
All high schools in the six-county area are encouraged to submit a nomination for this scholarship.  
 
After the Scholarship Committee has reviewed all applications, it will select and interview finalists. The committee will determine the winner within one week after personal interviews. The committee's decision is final.
 
Incomplete application forms or applications without complete documentation will not be considered for the scholarship.
 
An application form and additional information are available at the SPJ Cleveland Chapter's website.
 
The completed application, documentation and samples should be returned in a single envelope as early as possible. The absolute deadline for receipt of entries is Friday, April 1.
 
The Philip W. Porter Scholarship has been recognized as a very prestigious award and a great incentive to young people interested in journalism in our region.

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

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.