Writer's Week 
Jan. 31, 2016
Deadline for next edition Feb. 12  

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President's Message
Let's meet up to see "Spotlight" Thursday evening
 
Kaye Spector - high res
Kaye Spector   
Have you seen the movie "Spotlight"? Join us for a Meet Up on Thursday night to see the 6:25 p.m. show at the Cinemark Valley View.  Afterwards, we'll meet at the nearby Oak Barrel to raise a glass and discuss the film. Both locations are shown on this map, 
which will also provide directions.

I went to see "Spotlight" with my husband a few months ago and we both really enjoyed it. Like me, my husband is a former newspaper reporter, and we agreed that the movie was the first we'd seen in a long time that accurately portrayed what it's like to work at a newspaper. 
 
The movie is the story of how the Boston Globe's news investigations team, which is called Spotlight, uncovered decades of child abuse by priests in the Boston Catholic Archdiocese, and the church's efforts to keep the problem secret. The movie takes place between 2001-2002.
 
Today, the Spotlight team continues its work - and has even expanded from four people to six. At the same time, the newspaper's staff and circulation continue to shrink. The Globe, the most widely circulated paper in Boston, has gone from about 350 staffers to around 300; the Globe recently said the paper's circulation has fallen to 115,000 daily print subscribers and 205,000 on Sunday.
 
Check out this great interview with Walter Robinson, the editor who led the Spotlight team, and Sacha Pfeiffer, one of four reporters who uncovered the scandal - and who grew up in Columbus. The interview was broadcast last fall on public radio station WNYC.
 
As my husband and I discussed the movie afterward, our talk turned to whether such an in-depth, months-long investigation by a newspaper would take place today, 15 years later.
 
The Spotlight team might take a year or more to research an issue before even beginning to write a story. It's hard to imagine the pared-down newsrooms of today devoting their precious resources to such labor-intensive, shoe-leather work.
 
The fact is, many news organizations now spend little or no time on investigative reporting. That's a loss for people who depend on journalists to keep their institutions accountable.
 
There are some bright spots, however. Recently, Cleveland Plain Dealer reporters Brie Zeltner (who also is an SPJ member) and Rachel Dissell reported a slew of stories dealing with the most vulnerable members of our society - the children. Their series, Toxic Neglect, focused on the scourge of lead poisoning long before the Flint water scandal.
 
I hope you'll take some time to read their compelling stories. Like the Spotlight stories, they are a fine local example of how the best kind of journalism truly can open minds and change the world. And do join us for the movie on Thursday. We'll gather at 6:15 in the theatre lobby. One of us will be holding an SPJ logo, so you can spot us.  
 
Kaye Spector
President, SPJ Cleveland Pro Chapter
mks0511@gmail.com 
 
About this newsletter
Students, scroll down past the jobs for internships.
Job seekers, find opportunities below the other news.
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:




Group of event related 3D words. Part of a series.
Careers

Feb. 4
SPJ Cleveland
Meet-up to see the movie Spotlight
Cinemark Valley View
6001 Canal Rd, Valley View, OH 44125
meet at 6:15 p.m. in lobby
show starts 6:25 p.m.
 meet afterwards at the Oak Barrel
 
 
Feb. 15
The Press Club
"Terrorism: How is it
Changing our Lives?"
Music Box Supper Club
11:30-1:30
$30/$40  
 
Feb. 11
Northeast Ohio Society for Technical Communication
"How Can Machine Editing Work for You?"
Parker Hannifn
Parkland Blvd., Mayfield Heights
5:30-8:00 p.m.
Registration, Dinner, Presentation 

Enter or nominate someone for national SPJ awards 

Sigma Delta Chi Awards

Who? Open to all professional journalists
What? The awards recognize the best in professional journalism in categories covering print, radio, television, newsletters, art/graphics, online and research.
When? The deadline to submit is Feb. 5.
Where? Submit your entries online.
Why? It's part of our mission to "stimulate high standards and ethical behavior in the practice of journalism." Honoring great journalists with SDX Awards lets us promote high standards and reward those who practice them.

New America Award

Who? Open to media outlets, journalists, community and issue advocacy groups, individuals and others concerned with ethnic issues.
What? The New America Award honors public service journalism that explores and exposes an issue of importance to immigrant or ethnic communities currently living in the United States.
Where? Entries for the New America Award must be submitted online.
When? The deadline to submit is Feb. 19
Why? SPJ encourages diversity in journalism and wishes to recognize public service journalists for their hard work.

Also, check out the following SPJ Honors you can nominate people for:
Distinguished Teaching in Journalism Award
Ethics in Journalism Award
Historic Sites in Journalism
Sunshine Award 

For details visit SPJ's national website

Now, finally, a special award for dubious achievement:

The Black Hole Award

SPJ launched the Black Hole Award to highlight the most heinous violations of the public's right to know. By exposing such abuses, SPJ's Freedom of Information Committee seeks to educate the public about their rights and call attention to those who would interfere with openness and transparency.
 
Nominations for the 2015 Black Hole Award are being accepted now. Details about the award, past recipients and nomination criteria may be found on the national website (see link below).
 
The Black Hole Award "winner" will be announced during Sunshine Week, March 13-19. Please email nominations to FOI Committee member Mike Farrell (link on national website) or mail to:
 
Mike Farrell, Ph.D.
Director, Scripps Howard First Amendment Center
School of Journalism and Telecommunications
144 Grehan Building
Lexington, KY 40506-0042

More on the Black Hole Award at national website
Job opportunities
FREELANCERS
Sun News
Cleveland, Ohio
The Sun News has immediate opportunities for experienced freelance reporters to cover the southwestern suburbs, as well as Brecksville and Broadview Heights. Candidates should have experience covering city council and school board meetings and have access to a digital camera or smartphone camera.
Freelance reporters write their stories and post them online at cleveland.com.
For further information or to submit a resume and writing samples, contact Linda Kinsey at lkinsey@cleveland.com. 
VIDEO PRODUCER
Northeast Ohio Media Group
Cleveland, Ohio

If you're looking to do video that holds fast to traditions of online newspaper or TV journalism, this ad is not for you. If you're looking to help blaze a path into a future that puts video at the core of a new kind of social storytelling, please keep reading.

Cleveland.com is bringing together videographers, filmmakers, editors and producers to create, find, curate and develop the best stroytelling in America - work to resonate far beyond Ohio.  

If you value exploring new ways to reach audiences, from Snapchat to Vine to Periscope and video, we'd like to talk to you about joining us. We have a thirst for more new ideas. Our goal is to do work that matters, and build audience to see it.

Our Cleveland.com video mission is:
  • Develop and fine-tune a storytelling voice that displays a sense of adventure and appreciation of places and and people.
  • Establish programming with attitude and perspective.
  • provide a regular diet of live broadcast, from sports to news to contest and reality series.
  • Reveal and tell the stories of who we are as Ohioans through our rich food and musical traditions, our sports and our waterfront.
  • Make work that drives our audience to laugh, cry, cheer -- and share. 
You'll join a team of progressive video practitioners who are excited about the future and get a charge from creating video that people want to watch. We are seeking people ranging from recent graduates to those highly established in the field.    
 

EDITORIAL MANAGER 
Sentinel-Tribune 
Bowling Green, Ohio 

The Sentinel-Tribune, a family owned newspaper is seeking an Editor who is community oriented and has skills in reporting, hard news and feature writing, social media and page design. Job expectations include managing a team with a digital first approach, delegating responsibilities, decision making, working with the community at large and working within a budget. Applicants should submit samples of their published work and three references along with their resume. Communication is essential and the successful candidate will be required to be efficient in, and have a good understanding of, social media and have the ability to think digital first. The full- time position will offer a competitive benefits package including but not limited to Dental, Health and Vision programs.


Email resume, 3 references and writing samples to: jobopportunityinnwohio@gmail.com  or  Click here to apply online

DIGITAL PRODUCER
Cleveland Jewish News
Beachwood, Ohio

The Cleveland Jewish News is seeking a digital producer to join our growing newsroom team.  We are looking for an individual with exceptional skills and passion for news generation across different media. As a digital producer you will routinely post content that spread across print, digital and social channels. You will be responsible for generating original content for digital and social media where appropriate. As a member of the editorial team that is evolving and growing, this person must demonstrate a collaborative working style and exceptional communication skills and yet exhibit the ability to work independently. 

We offer you a chance to make an immediate impact with a rapidly growing multimedia company that produces an award-winning weekly newspaper, multiple websites and social media channels, six magazine titles serving the Jewish and secular communities, community events as well as custom publications.

The digital producer will contribute to social media, search and landing page strategies, tactics and execution. As a digital producer, you'll be expected to leverage your established newsroom skills and digital expertise to become a more rounded journalist who makes a tangible difference in a fast-paced and constantly evolving 50-plus-year-old community-owned newspaper company.    

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 
  • Manage the home page, story pages and high-traffic landing pages of cjn.org. Direct the flow of content, dissemination of breaking news and push alerts adding meta-data information, hyperlinks, images, info boxes and additional digital content. Compose online headlines and summaries, taking into account SEO and key word elements. 
  • Optimize, aggregate and package assets for print and digital publication.
  • Edit JTA, JNS.org and AP wire content for publication-readiness, including clarity, fairness, legality, spelling, grammar, punctuation and style, and post.
  • Collaborate with reporters to post stories.
  • Determine appropriate schedule for posting of all online content.
  • Collaborate with manager of digital marketing and managing editor to evaluate current workflow processes and develop and continue to evaluate best practices to better satisfy audience needs.
  • Assist in developing custom strategies and tactics aimed at the highly desirable 18-to-49-year-old digital audience.
  • Use metrics to monitor real-time data to determine traffic patterns and direct changes tied to the data.
  • Produce e-newsletters.
  • Write, photograph and produce videos for print, digital platforms, magazines and events. 
  • Assist in the creation and launch of CJN-TV, an Internet-based news, feature and information channel, a first among Jewish media companies.
 
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
  • Minimum of Bachelor's degree in journalism or equivalent with an emphasis on newsroom and/or online competencies or professional equivalent
  • Minimum 2-3 years hands-on experience in a professional environment
  • Deep understanding of digital tools, trends and foundation
  • Advanced knowledge of social media and how to engage fan base on digital platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube,Instagram, Meerkat and Periscope.
  • Strong digital production skills, including video editing and multimedia production.
  • Fluency with InDesign, Adobe Creative Suite, Final Cut Pro, Avid, and Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint. HTML, CSS, Word Press, or their equivalent.
  • Exceptional decision-making, planning and organizational skills.
  • Apply innovative, creative thinking to support the company's goals.
  • Knowledge of grammar, AP and local style a must.
  • Flexibility and open-mindedness also a must.
  • Position involves some weekends and night assignments.
  • Must have reliable transportation and a valid Ohio driver's license.
  • Knowledge of Cleveland Jewish community helpful, but not required.
  • Desire to win and have fun a requirement.
Other requirements: Ability to interpret audience data. Self-motivation and self-directed toward achieving excellence. Industry knowledge on latest habits and trends.Exceptional core journalism skills, including reporting, producing and editing. Effective communicator who is able to work well with and adapt to diverse personalities in a fast-paced and competitive environment. Ability to multitask and excel under intense deadline pressure in a rapidly changing landscape. Work collaboratively within a cross-functional environment, which includes editorial, sales, production and other departments. Must embrace peer-to-peer feedback and training

 

We value a culture of collaboration and professional and personal growth for all team members.
 
The CJPC provides a competitive salary, healthcare, 401(k), short-term and long-term disability, vacation time that increases with tenure and a generous company holiday and time-off schedule.
If you have a fresh perspective on your area of focus, identify with our values and feel strongly that you could contribute to our team, we encourage you to submit your cover letter, resume and available sample work to  bjacob@cjn.org
Cleveland Jewish Publication Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
   

GENERAL MANAGERS / MEDIA DIRECTOR
Civitas Media  
Experienced Manager/Media Directors are needed in Ohio. The successful candidates will be dedicated to achieving realistic revenue goals. The successful candidates will be hands-on, visible leaders that can grow print advertising and digital revenue while managing other functional areas of the the business. 

Responsibilities include: 
  • Strategic planning and execution for print and digital revenue development. 
  • Being a champion of digital media, with a proven track-record of driving digital sales performance. 
  • Developing new circulation and audience acquisition strategies in digital, mobile and social media. 
  • Leading everyday training and coaching efforts to maximize sales performance. 
  • Ability to analyze market conditions and competitive business situations, identify new business opportunities and implement creative sales strategies. 
  • Collaborating, working with other department heads and the Regional Publisher to develop and execute short-and long-term strategies that bring revenue opportunities and innovative approaches to our market. 
  • P &L management, expense control.
  • Employee relations and development.
  • Engagement with the community.
Civitas is committed to introducing a wide variety of print and digital products to serve new audiences and to tap into additional sources of advertising, subscription, direct marketing, merchandising or other revenues. 

Exceptional communication, time management and planning skills are required. Solid leadership track record with 3-5 years of sales management experience preferably in the media business (magazine, internet, broadcast, newspaper, etc. ) is required. 

We offer a competitive compensation package, relocation expense, medical, dental and vision benefits and mileage reimbursement for business miles. 

Civitas Media, LLC is a national company that operates daily, weekly and niche publications and websites in 12 different states. 

To apply: Send resume and cover letter to: Careers937@civitasmedia.com 

 
Internships
NASA summer journalism internships

NASA invites students working towards degrees in journalism, communications, media relations, science writing, interactive journalism, or broadcast journalism, to participate in our science storytelling program - before you graduate. You'll gain on the job experience as you work with a leading team of writers and multimedia producers to create and share content from some of NASA's most exciting missions: mind-bending results from the Hubble Space Telescope; breaking solar storm imagery and the emerging field of space weather; new views of the moon from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter; and stories of our changing planet from NASA's Earth observing fleet of satellites. Our internships are designed to give students broad exposure to the many moving parts of the modern newsroom. Students wishing to explore the intersection between print, web, broadcast journalism and social media environments are particularly encouraged to apply. Note: Applicants must be registered students to be eligible.

Location: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD
Start date: June 2016 [flexible]
Application Deadline: Feb 19, 2016

Full PD and application instructions located here

Cleveland.com internships

Cleveland.com is offering 8-week paid internships for college students this summer in news and sales and marketing.

News interns will write and edit stories, take photos and videos, and interact with readers on social media. They must have exceptional writing skills and familiarity with web-publishing tools. Each intern will report to an editor and have the chance to influence important issues in the community.

The sales and marketing intern will work alongside the digital sales and marketing team to develop multi-platform advertising solutions for local and regional advertisers. Ideal candidates will be goal-oriented, self-motivated and will have strong problem-solving skills.

The internships are part of a national program organized by cleveland.com's national affiliate, Advance Local. Advance Local also is seeking candidates for its companies in Alabama, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Louisiana, Oregon, Pennsylvania and central New York.

At the end of the eight-week internships, interns from across the company will gather for a national summit in New York City.

Applicants must be full-time juniors and seniors in college pursuing a degree in journalism, business, communications or have prior work experience in those fields.

Interns must be available to work by June 6. Applications will be accepted until Feb. 13, and final decision will be made March 15.

Apply here 
As is typical of an Advance website, this one is not clear on how to find what you are looking for. We believe you have to register to look up the internships. Best of luck!  The original article about these internships, from which we have lifted the text above, is here.

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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, multimedia journalist.

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