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  Writer's Week  

Society of Professional Journalists

    Cleveland Pro Chapter Newsletter     

April 3, 2015   

 Deadline For Next Edition: April 10, 2015   

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President's message
Hope alive for journalism's future  
Rodney Bengston
Rodney Bengston 
  

Recent years have brought much angst into the world of journalism, but this is one time of year that I and many fellow board members look forward to - the chance to look at the Phillip W. Porter Scholarship candidates.

 

Media are changing, but every year we are encouraged by the quality of the candidates who vie for our four-year scholarship, awarded annually to a graduating high school senior who plans to study journalism. They appear ready for the challenge of a brave new journalistic world.

 

These young people make us have faith that journalism of the future will be in good hands.

 

Happy Easter and Passover.

 

Rodney Bengston

President, SPJ Cleveland  

rodbengston@spcglobal.net     

    

Deadline April 10 for Ohio SPJ Awards







Ohio's Best Journalism 2015, the annual 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.

Job Opportunities

ASSISTANT EDITOR
GIE Media, Inc. - Valley View, OH  

 

GIE Media is a leader in quality, targeted B-to-B media products that connect readers and advertisers and develop mutually beneficial business relationships. GIE is seeking an assistant editor for its horticulture group.   

  

Duties include, but are not limited to: editing/proofing the editorial content of a monthly publication, e-newsletters and apps, writing articles and advertorial content, uploading news stories to the brand's website, growing the brand's social media presence and creating content for multimedia platforms. Some travel for trade shows and other industry events is required.


Individuals selected to our team will enjoy a progressive, entrepreneurial work environment, competitive compensation and benefits package, and the opportunity to work on leading products in the market we serve. Such products include: magazines, websites, digital publications, database products and events. Requirements include: flexibility, excellent writing, listening and communication skills, adaptability, creativity, willingness to travel and strong organization skills.

Please send your resume, cover letter and three published clips to careers@gie.net   

No phone calls please

 

GENERAL ASSIGNMENT REPORTER

Clermont Sun, Batavia, OH

 

Full-time reporter needed for biweekly newspaper in Batavia, Ohio, in Clermont County near Cincinnati. The Clermont Sun has been the community news leader for over 175 years. We are looking for a self-starter who can work independently and with direction, who wants to make a difference in the community where they will live and work. Coverage opporunities include fast-growing suburban areas as well as intersting slices of rural life. The successful candidate will be familiar with law enforcement, legal and local government coverage as well as feature writing. Strong photography skills are desired, and pagination experience (Quark Xpress) is a definite plus. Please submit a cover letter, resume and photo samples to clermontsunjobs@gmail.com  

 

   

STATEHOUSE REPORTER  

Columbus, OH  

  

Gongwer News Service is seeking an energetic, full-time reporter to cover state, government and politics from the company's Columbus offices. The job entails writing for Gongwer's daily Ohio Report, which is read by leaders across the state and nation and is published Mon.-Fri. The reported selected will also contribute to the company's variety of online news and legislative information services. A background in daily news reporting is strongly recommended. Experience in covering government operations and politics, and an interest in public policy is preferred. Familiarity with social media, blogging and new technologies is a plus.


Those interested should send a cover letter, resume, clips and salary requirements to Kent Cahlander, Editor, at this email by April 10.   

  

  

VACATION RELIEF TECHNICIANS

Fox News 8, WJW, Cleveland  

WJW is seeking Vacation Relief Technicians to work in our engineering department.  

The VR Technician positions are temporary (up to 39 weeks), with a minimum 40-hour workweek.

Responsibilities:
ENG/Production field acquisition.
Editing with Final Cut.
Master Control/Media Prep operation.
Technical Director (Ross Overdrive).
Control room audio, studio camera operation and maintenance of all broadcast equipment.


Requirements:
Must have at least a high school education; college degree preferred.
Minimum of 1 year relevant work experience.
Willingness to be trained on additional engineering skills as needed.
Valid driver's license.
Ability to lift at least 60 pounds.
Available to work any shifts, including weekends and overnights.
Interested parties can submit resume and references via email or US Mail at:

Attn: Cheryl Thorne Human Resources Manager
Email Your Resume Here  

 

or mail to:
WJW
5800 S. Marginal Road
Cleveland, OH 44103

  


MANAGING PRODUCER    

Ideastream, Cleveland, OH  

 

Description: Ideastream is seeking curious people to lead and reshape its public affairs programming. This integrated programming is designed to appeal to a more diverse audience and expand value to our communities. The role is for an experienced Managing Producer with multiple media production experience in both studio & field. The successful candidate must have:   

  • Experience with multiple media (audio, video, web, social media)
  • Focus on community engagement 
  • Experience/interest in working in partnerships
  • A proven track record of working in diverse environment
  • Demonstrated skills and experience creating both segments and complete programs
  • Executive Producer experience preferred
  • Knowledge of public affairs programming 
  • Supervisory experience managing large projects also required                                                    
This position will have oversight of a unit of producers to provide multiple media product in a fast paced environment.
To apply go to this website


ideastream is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply; we value diversity in our workplace.  

   

 

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.

 

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Northeast Ohio Media Group, Cleveland, OH 
 

Requirements:

To be a good fit for this opportunity you will have:  

  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, or the equivalent combination of education and experience
  • B2B and/or B2C sales experience
  • A hunter mentality and a strong self motivation
  • Comprehensive knowledge of needs-based selling
  • Proven success increasing sales in a competitive marketplace
  • CRM sales management software experience with a leading platform salesforce.com is preferred
  • Proficiency in MS Office Suite applications including Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook
  • An assertive, goal-oriented mindset
  • The confidence to meet with clients from a variety of backgrounds and levels within their organizations, and often in their offices rather than ours
  • Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills
  • The ability to multi-task, handle pressure and work under deadlines
  • The ability to work effectively as a member of a team and individually
  • The desire to learn and grow in your career 
     

Preferred but not required: Knowledge of the advertising industry, and a passion for digital advertising. A background in real estate or knowledge of the real estate industry would be helpful.   

  

To apply go to this website  

 

  

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.   

 

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

April 10
Entry deadline for Ohio SPJ Awards
More info below at left

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 $10
More info here

April 17
The Press Club of Cleveland Presents:
Who's On 3, 5, 8, and 19?
Cleveland's New TV Newsroom Leader Lineup
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The Terrace Club, Progressive Field
Press Club members, $35
NIRI and PRSA members, $37
Students, $30
Non-members, $45
Register here

SAVE THE DATE!
April 22
Cleveland Police and the Media
Panel discussion
at John Carroll University
Lombardo Student Center
Conference Room
7-9 p.m.
Featuring
City Councilman Joe Cimperman
Law student Chris Esparza-Rivero
Reporter Ryllie Danylko of the Northeast Ohio Media Group
more to come
in next Writer's Week

SAVE THE DATES!
Sept. 18-20
Orlando, Fla.
Excellent in Journalism 2015
the annual national
 SPJ conference
Early bird registration
ends Aug. 4

 

Our website is back!
Chapter logo
For two years, our chapter website was 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)

Excellence in Journalism 2015 conference registration open
Registration is now open for the annual Excellence in Journalism conference of the Society of Professional Journalists Save money by registering by Aug. 4

Join your SPJ colleagues from around the country Sept. 18-20 in Orlando, Fla., for the journalism conference of the year. Also, don't forget to start using and following #EIJ15 on Twitter/Facebook as you are gearing up.

There are several ways for students and others to get expenses covered for the conference. Check out this page for various scholarships.

We will have more on what's offered at this year's conference in coming weeks.

Launch a media company
here in Cleveland

On April 15, three of the most successful digital media companies in Northeast Ohio are coming together to help the media professionals of tomorrow. In this exclusive, one-day event, Stack Media, WTWH Media and Content Marketing Institute are partnering to bring students and young professionals together for #MediaCLE.

#MediaCLE is designed for young marketers, journalists, designers and business professionals to see the opportunities in Northeast Ohio Media. The organizers believe that Northeast Ohio is the prime spot to develop a media company, where a rich history of publishing and ample new media talent are creating a rare opportunity for entrepreneurs and professionals seeking a future in media.

Both students ($10) and media professionals ($95) are encouraged to attend. The event will be from 9AM-3PM (with networking following immediately after) at the Renaissance Hotel in Cleveland.

For more information and to register, visit this website.


Press Club presents Cleveland TV lineup
Meet Cleveland's New TV Newsroom Leader Lineup

April 17

FEATURING
Brennan Donnellan, WKYC TV3
Jeff Harris, WEWS NewsChannel 5
Andy Fishman, WJW Fox 8
Fred D'Ambrosi, WOIO CBS 19

MODERATED BY:
Richard Stewart, DigiZoom Media

PRESENTED BY:
The Press Club of Cleveland



in association with The Cleveland Indians
Indians logo

April 17
11:30 am - 1:30 pm
at the Terrace Club, Progressive Field

"Who's on 3, 5, 8 and 19? - Cleveland's New Newsroom Leader Lineup"

Come enjoy your favorite ballpark food and meet the new News Directors of Cleveland television.
Regisraton & Networking
11:30 a.m. - Noon
Buffet Lunch Noon - 12:30 p.m.
Panel Discussion followed by audience Q&A 12:30 p.m.

This program is presented with the support of the National Investor Relations Institute (NIRI)
Press Club of leveland 2015

Register here

 

Internships for journalism and communication students

SUMMER INTERNSHIPS
FOX NEWS 8


WJW is currently seeking Summer Interns for our News and Creative Services departments The internship will start between May 15 - June 1 and will end 8-12 weeks from the start date. Deadline to apply is April 15th. Internship pays state minimum wage.

Requirements:
Must be 18 or older and a registered student in good standing at an accredited college or university
Must be able to work hours required by department
Working knowledge of computer operations, proficient in EXCEL
Must be organized, detail oriented, accurate and a self-starter
Excellent analytical, writing, and computer skills
Must be able to work effectively under time constraints, and must have the ability to manage his/her normal workload

If interested, please apply online or send resume via email Fox8.jobs@fox8.com (please put position name in subject field) or US mail to:

Attn: Human Resources
WJW-TV
5800 S. Marginal Road
Cleveland, OH 44103

infoaboutusWriter's Week is a service of the Cleveland chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.  

This newsletter is produced by:  

Editor Carrie Buchanan, assistant professor, Tim Russert School of Communication & Theatre Arts, John Carroll University,
Assistant Editor Jackie Mitchell, reporter, Cleveland Jewish News,
Jobs Editor Stephanie Phelps, broadcast journalist.

 

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.