Writer's Week

Dec. 8, 2015
Deadline for next edition Jan. 8

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President's Message

Ethics neglected in shooters' apartment

Hi everyone,

Kaye Spector

You may have recently seen or read, as I did, about the dozens of journalists from around the world who were allowed into the apartment of the couple who are suspects in the San Bernardino slayings. The landlord spontaneously let the journalists in after police were finished collecting evidence.

Having been in situations with a large group of other journalists on a breaking news story, I can only imagine the scene. The New York Times described it as journalists cramming their way in and elbowing each other while poking into cabinets, closets and calendars. Some reporters did broadcasts from the apartment, while others led their audiences on live tours of the two-story townhouse.

Some people raised concerns about the reporting, saying it was intrusive and excessive and unnecessarily put innocent people - like the couple's family members - in the public spotlight.

CNN and Fox News said in statements that they tried to be cautious about what they showed on-air. Both said they avoided close-up footage of material that could be considered sensitive or identifiable, such as photos or ID cards. On MSNBC, however, a reporter displayed photographs.

I feel for the reporters on the scene and the editors in the newsroom. If a source offers you information and it isn't breaking news, you usually have the luxury of at least a small amount of time to decide whether to use it.

But in a breaking news situation - especially when you're reporting live alongside other news outlets - there is little or no time for reflection. If you hold back and the other outlets go with the information, you could appear to be less aggressive in reporting the news.

So do you simply do what the other news outlets do? Or do you make decisions based on criteria established without the urgency of a competitive reporting situation?

The SPJ Code of Ethics can help provide guidance. The code says journalists should seek the truth and report it. But at the same time, the code says journalists should minimize the harm they cause in their reporting. In the case of the reporters gaining access to the San Bernardino apartment, some restraint was clearly necessary.

"Walking into a building and live broadcasting the pictures, addresses and other identifying information of children or other people who may have no involvement in the story does not represent best and ethical practices," SPJ Ethics Committee chair Andrew Seaman said in a statement.

What do you think about the apartment flap? Were the stories even newsworthy? Let me know your thoughts at mks0511@gmail.com

Kaye Spector, president

SPJ Cleveland Pro Chapter

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:

Why join SPJ?


Dec. 9 Behind the Plane Crash Journalists at the Akron Beacon Journal share how they covered fatal tragedy Click here for more info Dec. 10 Press Club of Cleveland Holiday Party & Annual Meeting Nighttown 5:30 - 8 p.m. Click here to register	Dec. 9-16 Literary Cleveland presents Getting the words right: A fiction Workshop with Kevin Keating For more information Click here for more info

Members' Benefits

Conferences with colleagues both regional & national

Conferences are all about professional development, with opportunities for training workshops, panel discussions of major issues in journalism, and of course, networking.

Planning is already underway for next spring's combined conference for Regions 4 and 5, to be held April 1-2 in Cincinnati. We are in Region 4, which covers four states (Ohio, Michigan, West Virginia and western Pennsylvania). Add in Region 5 (Kentucky, Illinois and Indiana) and you've got a huge critical mass of people and resources to put on a top-notch conference. For more information, see the link below to a blog entry by Patricia Gallagher Newberry, who's our Region 4 director and the main contact person in our region for the conference.

Find out more about the Region 4-5 conference here

Planning is also beginning for Excellence in Journalism 2016, the annual national SPJ conference, held in conjunction with the RTDNA and Native to be held in Sept 18-20 in New Orleans. There's a call out for ideas and program proposals, due by Jan. 27 -- see the link to contribute. If you missed this year's conference, members can read writeups and watch video replays of EIJ 2015 sessions here.

Find out more about the national EIJ 2016 conference call here

Job opportunities

EVENTS COORDINATOR

Society of Professional Journalists

Indianapolis, Indiana

The Events Coordinator position is full-time and based in Indianapolis. It includes competitive salary, excellent benefits and paid leave.

Click for details and to apply

MANAGING EDITOR

Fresh Water Cleveland (e-newsletter and website)

Cleveland

Click here for more information

MORNING SHOW PRODUCER, Rover's Morning Glory

iHeartRadio, WMMS
Cleveland

WMMS / Cleveland is hiring for the position of Morning Show Producer for the nationally syndicated Rover's Morning Glory. Candidates must 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

SUBSCRIBE TO LIST

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, multimedia journalist.

Contact us: Please send news items and job & internship postings to spjcleveland@gmail.com

Chapter President: Kaye Spector, mks0511@gmail.com