Writer's Week  

Society of Professional Journalists

    Cleveland Pro Chapter Newsletter     

June 30, 2015  

 Deadline For Next Edition: Friday, July 10  


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President's message
Hello from our new president  
Kaye Spector - high res
Kaye Spector 

Hi everyone, and welcome to the latest edition of Writer's Week. This is my first column as the new president of the Cleveland Pro Chapter of SPJ. Over the next year, we'll be chatting every couple of weeks or so about journalism and SPJ.

 

I'm excited about my new position and the opportunity it represents to make an impact on this great organization that works so hard on behalf of journalists. A number of other associations in town are geared to communicators. But SPJ is the only journalist-run organization that is dedicated strictly to journalists and the profession of journalism, and I'm pleased to be a part of it.

 

Our top priority mission is to promote best practices and high standards in the profession. SPJ also provides professional development, as well as the opportunity to meet and connect with other journalists. And, at the national level, we are strong advocates for the free flow of information that is so vital to our society.

 

Over the summer, I'll be working with the other members of the board to identify priorities for the coming year. As we move forward, I'll be sharing with you what we come up with.

In the meantime, I would love to hear from you about what you'd like from your local SPJ chapter. Drop me a note at cleveland@spj.com 

 

Kaye Spector 

President, SPJ Cleveland  

    

New board executive for Cleveland Chapter
 
As you will have observed, the President's message above features our chapter's new leader. Congratulations to Kaye Spector, who has served on the board for two years, on moving up to the top spot from her previous position as 1st Vice President. She was elected president at the chapter's annual meeting on June 17.

To read a brief profile of Spector and all our other board members, please visit our website

Many, many thanks to Rodney Bengston, who served two years as president and held several board positions prior to that. He presided over many interesting programs, meetings and accomplishments, steering our chapter calmly and well. We are so glad he will remain on the board as Past President.

Congratulations also to Chris Mosby, another two-year board member, who was elected 1st Vice President and Program Chair at the same meeting. We are delighted to welcome him to the executive as well as Faith Boone, who will be 2nd Vice President and Membership Chair.

Holly Hammersmith, who has been 2nd Vice President and Membership Chair for the past year, is stepping back from the executive to be a trustee at large. Thanks to her for all the hard work and good ideas she contributed this past year.

Thanks also to Cheryl D'Mello, Tony Kozlowski and Carrie Buchanan, board members who were re-elected to serve another two-year term as trustees at large.

Job Opportunities
 
MULTI-MEDIA JOURNALIST - WJW TV - FOX
Cleveland

Job Description

The Multi-Media Journalist will gather, report and present news on various platforms, including but not limited to mobile, internet and broadcast. Excellent writing and editorial judgment. Strong live and presentation skills. Flexible to work different shifts and schedules. 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. Familiar with using FTP, Skype and other emerging technologies.

Requirements:
Two years television newsroom experience required. College degree preferred and/or experience equivalent. Expert at using Final Cut Pro. Must be able to carry and handle various types of equipment. 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. Strong communication skills. 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. Other duties as assigned.

If interested please click on this link to apply online (and find other jobs at this media outlet) 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.


VIDEO JOURNALIST/REPORTER - TWC NEWS

Buffalo, NY, US
Full Time

Responsible for developing and producing news stories by investigating, interviewing, shooting, writing, editing, producing and reporting on a daily basis.

Duties and Responsibilities 
* Using creativity and imagination, and exercising strong professional news judgment, gathers information, conducts interviews, shoots video, produces and reports assigned stories and events on a daily basis. Will primarily work alone to report, shoot and edit stories.
* Functional to advanced knowledge in the use of field cameras, gear and editing systems. Must become proficient in photojournalism and video editing techniques.
* Stories should be factually accurate, fair and balanced in content, and written in a clear and concise manner. * Obtains news information by developing sources and using research and interviewing skills. Conducts live or taped on-camera interviews.
* Deals professionally with public, both official and non-official, in gathering and reporting news.
* Maintains a strong familiarity with local and national news and issues of the day by reading newspapers and monitoring competition to the point that reporter can generally speak to issues credibly during breaking news situations. Maintains extensive knowledge of issues, events and newsmakers across Division viewing area.
* Edits copy written by others and edits video to written copy.
* Regularly adapts television scripts and files story for channel's Internet site.
* Meets all assigned production deadlines.
* Contributes ideas for news stories, and participates in editorial meetings.
* Performs other duties as assigned.
 * Will be required to work in a bureau.

Education & Experience 
* College degree in broadcast journalism or related field.
* One year news experience required; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Television experience preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

* Excellent writing skills, strong on-camera presence, diction and delivery of news copy are essential.
* Ability to work under time pressure deadlines, strong computer skills and willingness to work unscheduled hours which may include evenings and weekends.
* Familiarity with various studio and remote broadcasting equipment.
* Must have or develop functional to advanced knowledge of common television newsgathering equipment including cameras, tripods, microphones, lighting and other field equipment.
* Ability to operate news video editing systems, with functional knowledge of non-linear and/or desktop-based editing systems a plus.
* Be available by pager for on-call responsibilities.
* Must be willing to travel by ground or air.
* Valid driver's license; will be operating company vehicle.

For more information and to apply go to this website

TELEVISION METEOROLOGIST/REPORTER
WSYX/WTTE, Columbus
Full-time


WSYX / WTTE in Columbus, OH is looking for a Meteorologist/Reporter. We want a skilled communicator with a passion for weather.

As a Meteorologist, you will be responsible for the content of the weather cast on air and on our digital platforms. You will issue warnings and alerts, produce graphics and maps and report live during weather events. You must be able to utilize social media during severe weather as well as write weather stories. Duties include forecasting, producing and presenting clear and concise weathercasts which tell a story and connect with viewers; developing content and graphics for air, web and social media; making public appearances on behalf of the station; working with producers to determine relevant weather content in breaking and everyday situations; doing live shots and reporting from community events and in breaking news.

As a reporter, you will need the skills to tell memorable stories. We value visual and compelling storytelling. We're looking for someone with strong writing and excellent storytelling skills and the ability to work well with others. Demonstrated experience with active and visual live shots required. You will be expected to produce content on a variety of platforms including, internet, social networking sites and mobile phones, in addition to television. You must also have excellent time management skills.

Required Skills: This is not an entry-level position previous on-air experience presenting weather and news information is required.

Sinclair Broadcast Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug Free Workplace!

To apply visit this website

  
SVP PROGRAMMING / iHeartMedia
Mansfield, Ashland, OH
Full-time

iHeartMedia Mansfield/Ashland has an immediate opening for a Senior Vice President of Programming (SVPP) with a successful programming background and excellent leadership skills. You will oversee a cluster of 8 successful brands including- Country, News/Talk, Classic Rock, CHR, Classic Hits, and Sports. 

Required Skills

Identify, develop, coach and manage the Program Directors, Promotions staff, Digital staff and On-Air Talent (in coordination with the Program Director) in the market with the support of the Senior Vice President Programming (SVPP) of the region.

Monitor and analyze competition and develop strategies to outperform competitors

Work with Program Directors, Promotion leads, and Digital leads to drive audience engagement and build the market's brands across broadcast, digital, and live entertainment

Work with On-Air Talent and PDs to ensure invest in original content for the digital platforms

Assist in designing & executing live events in the market

Perform role of PD for at least one brand, Perform on-air duties for at least one brand.

Support the Market President by leading the day-to-day management of programming operations in the market including (but not limited to); managing productivity, cost, technology, and production capabilities; and, protecting the station from FCC infringements of On-Air conduct

Provide exceptional leadership and oversight for direct reports, including guidance, identifying development opportunities, and career coaching.

Drive results through your team and hold them accountable to business metrics & expectations, as well as ensuring they support market sales efforts

Execution of / and contribution to central resources (e.g., programming an iHeart station, asking SVPP to call in Talent coaching, etc.)

Provide visible leadership and communications to the market

Actively support the Market President and Senior Vice President of Sales in driving revenue growth (e.g., supporting sales calls to provide brand / product support)

Required Experience
Experience in programming and digital brand management
Understanding of the markets, listeners and competitors  to drive optimum ratings/revenue growth
Understanding of industry trends and revenue drivers and an ability to create and develop a brand that engages audiences
Strong organizational skills and an ability to multi-task while balancing multiple priorities
Strong analytical, decision making, and problem solving skills
A strong talent mindset - exceptional people management and team performance / coaching experience
Knowledge of FCC rules and regulations
Proven ability to lead and execute in a fast-paced, active environment
 
Compensation
iHeartmedia offers competitive commission based compensation package.  

  

iHeartMedia is an equal opportunity employer and will not tolerate discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected classification or status. 

To apply visit this website


JOURNALIST/TECHNICAL WRITER
via JobStand
Location: Cleveland
Job ID: 162548

The job entails technical or specialized writing including script and continuity for television and headlines or captions. It is a work-from-home job that may require you to commute to various locations. You must be able to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment. Attention to detail and ability to meet required deadlines is a must.

We are looking for someone with the following specific skills:
  • Receive, analyze and verify copy for accuracy.
  • Collect information through interview, investigation and observation.
  • Arrange for and conduct interviews as part of research, for publication or for broadcast.
  • Write news stories for publication and broadcast.
  • Research and report on developments in specialized fields such as medicine, science and technology.
Number of Available Positions:  5

Benefits:
Full-Time - Permanent Employment
$37.00 hourly for 32 to 40 hours per week
Requirements:

Languages:
English
Russian (an asset; not necessary)
French (an asset; not necessary)
Spanish (an asset; not necessary)

Business Equipment and Computer Applications:
MS PowerPoint; MS Word
Computer
Internet access
Cellular phone

Work Samples Required:
Writing sample
Published work
Example of completed work
Work sample specific to job
 

Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years

To apply visit this website


EDITOR/ F+W, A Content and e-Commerce Company
Cincinnati

Exciting opportunity to join a dynamic editorial team for the two leading brands serving the design market. This is a key position in the growth and development of F+W's Design Community and reports directly to the community Content Director.  

Primary Responsibilities:
Work closely with Design Community Content Director to ensure that content strategy of all products - magazines, competitions, events, books, online learning, web content, etc. - are in alignment and serving the needs of the design market.
Take lead role in developing a larger portfolio of content based products for both the HOW and Print brands with an emphasis on digital products and e-commerce.
Work closely with all external contributors - book authors, magazine contributors, conference speakers, course instructors, etc. - to identify and develop new products and line extensions derived from their original work.
Work closely with our e-commerce team to identify and create products that would appeal to the design consumer and sold through MyDesignShop.com.
Work closely with Content Director and Sales Director to manage our sponsored content program to ensure it meets our editorial standards and serves the best interest of the reader.
Manage our fast growing competitions business, work closely with our external competition judges and write editorial posts to support each competition.
Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in journalism or English and 7 years professional experience
Experience with design and the design market preferred.
Experience with content marketing and SEO preferred.
Familiarity with Macintosh computers, Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Excel and Wordpress.

See more at this website 

  
Weekend AM News Reporter/MMJ  
Sinclair Broadcast Group  
Tracking Code 1468

Description:  

Make your mark in Broadcasting. Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the nation, programming 167 stations located in 77 geographically diverse markets after pending transactions. Our success is the result of extraordinary employees and an exemplary management team who believes in a vision and is dedicated to making Sinclair Broadcast Group, Inc a communications powerhouse. We are advancing the world of Broadcasting and we want YOU to join our winning team!

 

Local 12/WKRC-TV in Cincinnati, Ohio has an opening for a News Reporter/Multimedia Journalist (MMJ) on Cincinnati's number one rated morning newscasts.  We're looking for a person who is passionate about great storytelling, live coverage and being first on breaking news stories.  Demonstrated experience as an MMJ would be a big plus in landing this position.  This position will be the primary live news reporter on Saturday and Sunday mornings, along with other weekday newscasts as assigned., so live reporting skills and experience are highly desired. 

 

Apply at this website. 

  

Members get it early!
Writer's Week is now distributed two days earlier to members of SPJ Cleveland and student chapters in  Northeast Ohio than to non-members who receive our newsletter. This will give you a 48-hour head start on the jobs listings and, if you're a student, internships.
 
Events summary
 For job openings, see below at left. Internships, fellowships and scholarships, below right.
July 15
Deadline to apply
for Reginal Stuart Diversity Management Fellowship
(see article below)

August 4
Early Bird Deadline
for Excellence in Journalism, the annual SPJ national conference
(see article below)

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

 

SPJ membership
has its privileges
SPJ vertical logo for web
Becoming a member of the Society of Professional Journalists is a beneficial decision. You'll receive countless member discounts, and we're adding new ways for you to save all the time.  Here is a brief description of the newest perks to being an SPJ member:
  • Office Depot/Office Max - Receive up to 80 percent off more than 90,000 items online or in store.
  • Avis - Save up to 25 percent off car rentals with your SPJ Avis discount number.
  • Budget Car Rental Service - Save up to 25 percent off car rentals with your Budget discount number.
  • Wyndham Hotel Program - As a member of SPJ you will receive up to 20 percent off the "Best Available Rate" at more than 7,500 participating locations worldwide.
  • Motel 6 - Receive a 10 percent at any of the 1,100+ pet-friendly Motel 6 locations in the United States and Canada
  • Red Roof Inn - Receive a 15 percent discount at the more than 350 hotels across 41 states.  

These new discounts are in addition to others made available to SPJ members, including insurance (health, life and auto), financial planning services and discounts on AP Stylebooks.  

 

For a complete list of member discounts and how to redeem them, click here . From insurance to the AP Stylebook, these benefits are designed to make your life - and your journalism career - a little easier.

 

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)

Apply for diversity management fellowship

This fall, thanks to the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation and funding from the Reginald Stuart Diversity Management Fellowship, two SPJ members can participate for free in the Poynter Institute Leadership Academy. 

 Poynter (click hyperlink to visit its website) is known for its training programs for beginning and mid-career journalists. 

 

The purpose of the academy is to spot minority journalist managers or those who have management potential. It will be held Oct. 4-9 in St. in St. Petersburg, Florida. This is a brand new fellowship. Applicants must be managers or working in a management-track job. They must participate fully in the entire leadership program, be persons of color, and SPJ members for at least one year. Those from the LGBTQ community or who have a disability also qualify.

Other requirements include becoming and remaining active in SPJ at the local or national level, presenting a training program on the topic of management if requested, and employer permission to participate. 
 
Apply online at this website by July 15.


The Diversity Management Fellowship was created in honor of Reginald Stuart, a lifelong champion of diversifying newsrooms and news coverage. He is a past national SPJ president and winner of the Wells Memorial Key - the highest honor bestowed upon a member for service to the society. In 2006, he was named a Fellow of the Society, which recognizes journalists who have made extraordinary contributions to the profession.

Reggie Stuart
Reggie Stuart

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, Florida, 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.

Internships for journalism and communication students

INTERNSHIP -- MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS, CONTENT CREATION COORDINATOR
Earnest Machine - Rocky River, Ohio
Full Time (Flex Time available)
2-3 month position, depending on candidate's needs
Paid internship

Earnest Machine - Who are we?


Earnest Machine helps people in the construction, transportation, agriculture, mining and alternative energy industries keep it all together, literally. We are a third generation family-run industrial distributor and manufacturer of fasteners. Our main office and machine shop are located in the heart of Rocky River where we are next door neighbors to booming restaurants such as the Market, Wine Bar and Bomba. It is a great area to explore! We also are joined by distribution centers in Indianapolis, Indiana, Atlanta, Georgia and Birmingham, England.

Earnest is comprised of a dedicated group of people committed to delivering quality products with an Intentionally Better experience for our customers. We've been recognized as a NorthCoast99 company honoring 99 great workplaces for top talent in Northeast Ohio. Our culture and our business strategies revolve around four core values: We do what we say we will do. We put the customer first in our decision-making process. We respect our customers, suppliers and one another. We embrace change.

Earnest is one of the first companies of our type to acknowledge culture as a leading factor in our daily work. The culture at earnest has been described as; laid back, easy-going, fun, educational, a consistent opportunity to learn and exciting. We may be a fastener distributor, but we aim to run like Google and Amazon!

We are looking for an intern to bring in fresh ideas and awesome content creation for the following:
Projects
New website content creation

o Be part of the team to brainstorm ideas for new site
o Help create content and text for new site

Sales and marketing customer content creation
o Work with sales team to create follow up communications
o Create and distribute content


Qualifications
Qualified candidates must have the following to be considered
- At least 3 years of college courses and presently enrolled for fall 2015 classes
- At least 1 year of courses in Marketing/communications
- Great, not just good, writing skills.
- Desire to be a leader
- Desire to make an impact on our business

Interested in joining our team and applying your course-work to practical applications? Then apply today! Visit this website.

Required experience:
College : 2 years

JOB LISTS

SPJ NATIONAL JOB LISTINGS

 

Need a job, internship or fellowship? SPJ is always on the lookout for you. Visit the online Career Center here. 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. Post in our job bank so that everyone has the chance to see it. 

 

FREELANCER DIRECTORY

 

SPJ members who are freelancers will want to join the Freelancer Directory at spj.org. Editors searching for freelancers can also use the site.  


 


 

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: 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.