Writer's Week
Nov. 22, 2015 
Deadline for next edition Dec. 4 
President's Message
Kaye Spector - high res
Kaye Spector 
Let's get together to celebrate

Hi everyone,
It's hard to believe that it's Thanksgiving week already. I'm sure that has something to do with the unseasonably warm weather we have had the last several weeks.
Our chapter had a wonderful evening at the Barley House in Cleveland last week. An expert panel of experienced, award-winning journalists - NewsChannel 5's Ron Regan, Case Western Reserve professor and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist James Sheeler, and ideastream's Brian Bull - gave their advice on how to get a great interview. Nearly three dozen people of all ages and work experience attended the event, from students to long-time writing professionals. Many thanks to board First Vice President Chris Mosby for his work in arranging the event.
The next event on my horizon is our holiday party, for which our chapter (and others) partner with Northeast Ohio Communications Advocates. NOCA represents the Northeast Ohio marketing communications industry, and is an umbrella organization for nearly 30 groups, including SPJ's Cleveland chapter.
The party will be from 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2 at Massimo da Milano, 1400 W. 25th St. Cleveland. Tickets are $27.50 and include a full buffet dinner, door prizes -- and your first drink!
Early-bird tickets are $27.50 per person; tickets at the door are $30. Free parking is available.
This year's special charity recipient is Dick Clough & Friends Tour of Good Cheer. Bring a new or slightly used coat or sweater (or a cash contribution of at least $5), and you'll receive a ticket for a special Tour of Good Cheer drawing. The organizers are promising a prize so special they won't say what it is.
 
This event has a special appeal to me as I'm looking forward to meeting some new people outside my usual network of friends and work colleagues. Hope to see you there!
 
Kaye Spector, President
Cleveland Pro Chapter
mks0511@gmail.com 
  
This newsletter goes out to members two days earlier than to our many subscribers who are not SPJ members. This gives our members first crack at the jobs and other opportunities listed here. If you're not yet a member of SPJ, but thinking about it, check out this list of other reasons to sign up:

 
Great interviews require empathy, research, detail  

Photo by Kaye Spector    
L-r, Ron Regan, Jim Sheeler and Brian Bull explain interviewing tips, techniques at SPJ Cleveland event. Moderator Chris Mosby, in white shirt, is SPJ Cleveland's first vice-president.
 
By Cheryl D'Mello

Empathy. Research. Attention to detail. Avoiding pressure tactics. These were among the key points stressed by panelists at our "Interviewing Tips for Reporters" program on Nov. 18.
Brian Bull from ideastream, Ron Regan of NewsChannel 5 and Jim Sheeler, professor of journalism and media writing at Case Western Reserve University, shared their own tips and techniques on successful interviewing. An audience of journalists and student journalists listened attentively as they spoke about their experiences covering stories ranging from mortgage fraud to drive-by shootings.
All three reporters agreed that you need "genuine empathy from your heart for your source," as Bull put it, when interviewing. They spoke about their interviews with people in various situations. "Humility and humanity is necessary," added Sheeler. "You have to be the reporter who truly cares."
Doing advance research is also central to the interview, the panelists agreed.
"One day you may be doing a story on toxic algae, the next day it could be a criminal story," said Bull. Have you done your research? What do you need to know about it? The internet has made it so easy to do research today. Do you want your story to be "an arrow" or "an octopus"? What is the most pertinent point to the story? Sometimes you have the opportunity for only one opening question. What will it be? You must be ready.
Despite looming deadlines, it's important not to pressure people unduly, the three veteran interviewers also advised.
"You have to be willing to walk away when the person does not want to be interviewed. I imagine myself in that situation. I tell them to call me when they change their mind," said Regan.
"I try to be professional," said Bull. "If they are verbally abusive or threatening, I will leave. But if they agree to do the interview, there is something they want to share."
During interviews, attention to detail is essential, the three stressed.
"Pay attention to the environment," Regan advised. When you walk into a room, what catches your attention? "I am not looking for what has gone, but what remains," said Sheeler, who elaborated on a baby's blanket that he found and was glad he asked about. Bull spoke of the piece of toilet paper that was framed on someone's wall, and Regan on the violin he spotted in a corner. All these items ended up lending richness and pathos to the stories they wrote.
Look on social media and other places your subject is featured. You might see an interesting photo or location, they advised.
The three also shared best techniques - the questions that unlocked hearts and made people share deeply with them about an unexpected loss. They talked about how you can use silence, how you can probe through clichés, and how to make that knock on the door when the people inside are angry or hurting.
"People do want to talk when they have the opportunity, but you want to open the door the right way," said Bull.
Shadowing a hospice worker is one way to learn to talk to grieving families, Bull advised. Or perhaps, take a class in counseling psychology.
"How do you keep your humanity?" one of the students asked.
They stressed the importance of being part of the community. Get engaged in meaningful activity outside of work, like volunteering or spending time with the family. Find something that gives you an outlet.  


Group of event related 3D words. Part of a series.
Careers
 
Dec. 2  
  Northeast Ohio Communications Advocates (an umbrella group SPJ Cleveland is part of) 
Annual Holiday Party
5:30-8 p.m.
Massimo da Milano
1400 W. 25th St.
Tickets $27.50 in advance
includes full dinner, first drink
For more info, see the
President's Message above.
To visit the NOCA website and get tickets,   
 
 

Dec. 1
Literary Cleveland presents 
Getting the words right:  
A fiction Workshop with Kevin Keating 
For more information 

Dec. 5
SPJ JournCamp
Spend the day getting up to speed on journalism's latest tricks & tools with some of SPJ's best national trainers
For more information
Click here



Members' Benefits
Training and how-to videos at SPJ's eCampus

What are the 10 key documents every journalist should request using the federal Freedom of Information Act or state Sunshine Laws?  Are you required to get consent before recording interviews, and how does the law differ in your state from other states? What is the status of reporter shield laws in various states and at the federal level? How do I find out?

How do I learn basic photography and video skills I wasn't taught in J-school? What are the latest techniques for using social media to find and promote stories?

Up-to-date training on these and many other journalistic topics, led by some of the country's leading experts, are online at SPJ's national website, in a section reserved for members only.  It's just another way in which SPJ is always on your side.  
 
Find out more here
 
Job opportunities
MORNING SHOW PRODUCER, Rover's Morning Glory
iHeartRadio, WMMS
Cleveland

WMMS / Cleveland is hiring for the posiition of Morning Show Producer for the nationally syndicated Rover's Morning Glory. Candidates mus book quality guests, identify hot button issues and generate ideas for compelling listener-relatable conversations, possess strong social media knowledge, organizational/multi-tasking skills, leadership qualities, and willingness to participate in on-air discussions. Major or medium market radio experience preferred. 
No phone calls. Packages to PD Chris Tyler (christyler2@iheartmedia) AND apply @iHeartMediaCareers.com.

Click here to apply
MANAGER DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS -- CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
J.M. Smuckers Company
Orville, OH

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead corporate online reputation management efforts including social media monitoring

Develop digital/social media corporate reputation management response strategies and plans

Develop and supervise red flag communications required for social media

Work with Digital Communications Analyst to extrapolate actionable insights from social media discussions

Drive growth and usage in the corporate website -jsmucker.com

Provide assistance to Corporate Crisis Management Team 

Provide communication support for other Corporate Communications projects     

Click here to apply

EDITOR

Civitas Media 
Southeastern Ohio

We are offering a great opportunity as editor of a southeastern Ohio newspaper and multimedia organization. Primary responsibilities include overseeing a news staff and directing the coverage of a dynamic and diverse region. Benefits include working with a great team of local employees across all departments. 
Previous experience as an editor is preferred. The ideal applicant will have strong strong leadership qualities, a positive attitude, team oriented perspective, creative personality, good editing and writing skills, knowledge and skills across all digital and social media platforms, and the ability to oversee and produce multiple stories per day on deadline. Salary commensurate with experience. Vacation, sick leave included, insurance coverage available.  

Apply with resume and a cover letter explaining why you are the ideal individual for this position. Also include editing, writing or reporting samples. Send to gabernathy@civitasmedia.com
 
It's the season to enter SPJ's national awards

Sigma Delta Chi Awards

The Society of Professional Journalists is accepting submissions for the 2015 Sigma Delta Chi Awards, which honor the best in professional journalism.
 
The awards date back to 1932, when the Society first honored six individuals for contributions to journalism. The current program began in 1939, when the organization awarded the first Distinguished Service Awards. These awards later became known as the Sigma Delta Chi Awards.
 
Submissions must be received by Feb. 5. Work must have been published or broadcasted during 2015 to be considered.
 
The contest is open to any U.S. or international media outlet. Many categories have multiple divisions based on market size or circulation. Take note: SPJ members receive 40 percent off submission fees!

Mark of Excellence Awards
 
Entries are also being accepted for SPJ's Mark of Excellence Awards for the best work of student journalists - another part of the SPJ mission to improve and protect journalism.

Any student enrolled in a U.S. or international college or university, studying for an academic degree in 2015, is eligible to submit an entry. Students with full-time professional journalism experience, not including internships, are not eligible.

The submission deadline is Jan. 22. To qualify, all work must have been published or broadcast in 2015. SPJ student members receive an entry fee discount of 50 percent. 

Judging starts at the regional level with first place regional winners advancing to the national competition. Regional winners are announced at the annual spring conference held in each region.

For details visit SPJ's national website


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Writer'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, journalist.

Contact us: Please send news items and job & internship postings to spjcleveland@gmail.com    
 
Chapter President: Kaye Spector, mks0511@gmail.com