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March 14, 2016
Deadline for next edition March 25
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SPJ supports freelance journalists with new awards
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| | Kaye Spector
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Freelance journalism is a growing segment of our profession. As traditional media jobs fade, freelancing provides writers, editors and photographers the opportunity to continue working as professional journalists. In many cases, freelancing can spark our inner entrepreneur, and lead to new, innovative businesses that create more opportunities for journalists.
The Society of Professional Journalists leads the way in support for freelancers at the national level by providing training, events, podcasts, contacts and much more professional development geared to your unique needs. More information is available on the www.SPJ.org website, or by contacting SPJ member and freelancer Anna Pratt at annaprattjournalist@gmail.com.
Closer to home, the 2016 Ohio SPJ Awards competition (now under way), has added a section specifically for freelance journalists for the first time in the contest's 19-year history. Freelancers may enter any of these special categories if their work has been published by an Ohio news organization. Also, writers whose work is published outside Ohio can compete as long as they are Ohio residents.
We're starting with six freelance categories, but we'll grow as we get feedback from the freelance community. We believe the awards program can be a catalyst for new contacts, ideas and opportunities for freelance journalists.
Deadline for entries is March 28. Complete details, including entry information and a list of last year's winners, is on our new contest website. You don't have to be an SPJ member to enter, but why not join while you're at it and get all the additional benefits of membership, such as discounts on office products, a network of contacts and our Freelance Registry? You'll also get a discount on entries to the Ohio SPJ Awards.
The 19th annual Ohio SPJ Awards program (also called Ohio's Best Journalism) is presented collaboratively by the Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland Pro Chapters of The Society of Professional Journalists, and honors print, broadcast, online, trade, college and freelance journalists in Ohio for their best work during 2015. Last year's awards program drew 610 entries from more than 100 news organizations. Scroll down to see more details about how to enter -- there's a story about the Ohio's Best Journalism contest below the Coming Events column.
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About this newsletter
Coming events are below the news items, so scroll down. We include events from other organizations as well - all things of interest to professional writers.
Job seekers, find opportunities below the other news.
Students, scroll down past the jobs for internships.
Fellowships are also below, under the internships.
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:
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SPJ sponsors "Here Come the Videofreex" at CIFF
Video may have killed the radio star, but there was time when video was not commonplace and taken for granted like it is today. The movie "Here Come the Videofreex" explores that time when video was the new thing. The Cleveland Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists is proud to be a community partner on this film for the Cleveland International Film Festival, which is being screened April 7 and 8. In 1969, a group of renegade reports were using the new medium to document the counterculture. Here is the summary for this year's film from the program:
In the age of YouTube, where everyone with a smart phone can shoot video, it's hard to imagine a time where such a concept was rare. It wasn't until the late 60s that portable recording was available.
In 1969, a progressive CBS executive discovered a group of renegade reporters using the medium to document the counterculture. Believing the network should be covering such topics, he hired the ten-person collective, known as Videofreex, to capture the counterculture for a new show. With financial backing from CBS, they traveled the United States, scoring interviews with such activists as Abbie Hoffman and Black Panther, Fred Hampton.
When the network saw the final product, they weren't impressed. In addition to canceling the project, they kept the footage. Luckily, the story doesn't end there. Turning rejection into action, Videofreex stole back their material and started the country's very first pirate television station.
Their rebel brand of journalism would inspire the concept for public access channels, as well as the DIY approach that's so popular today. HERE COME THE VIDEOFREEX is a vital piece of America's media history.
Film screenings are set for 7:25 p.m. Thursday, April 7 and 5:15 p.m. Friday, April 8. To get a $2 discount on tickets use the promo code "SPJ."
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April 1-2
Society of Professional Journalists
Regions 4 and 5 present
 A conference to share and learn new information, skills and insights with fellow journalists from eight states, from Pennsylvania to Illinois to Kentucky
Annual Conference, Cleveland, OH
Attendees are exposed to sources and resources that can provide immediate news or become the foundation for in-depth projects in the weeks and months ahead.
"An Evening with Cokie Roberts"
Westfield Insurance Studio Theatre
The Idea Center at Playhouse Square
1375 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115
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Tonight
Case Western Reserve University,
Baker Nord Center for the Humanities and the
Inamori International Center for Ethics and Excellence
"When Do You Put the Camera Down?" An evening with Kevin Sites,
war correspondent and author
6-7:30 p.m.
Clark 309
11130 Bellflower Road
CWRU campus
Paid parking is available in the Severance Hall garage.
As one of the first "backpack journalists," Sites has traveled through dozens of war zones alone, documenting stories that
otherwise would have gone untold. His talk explores the ethical minefields reporters often face when trying to keep war stories in context while responsibly bearing witness.
March 31
Politically Speaking Series
features
Amy Walter of the Cook Political Report
"The Presidential Primary Process"
at John Carroll University
Donohue Auditorium, Dolan Hall,
University Heights, OH 44118
7 p.m.
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Registration is required, visit
Questions? Call 216.987.4805
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March 13-19 is Sunshine WeekNational Sunshine Week is the one week a year when journalists can show their readers/viewers/listeners the significance of open government and freedom of information and celebrate these values. Open government and Freedom of Information are under attack across the country, and SPJ urges all journalists to join the effort to demonstrate their importance in a democratic nation. Find out here how you and your news outlet can help celebrate Sunshine Week. Sunshine Week has been celebrated every March since 2005, thanks to the hard work of the American Society of News Editors and Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. Participants include print, broadcast and online news media, civics groups, non-profits, schools and libraries. The activities are funded from a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to enlighten the public about their right to government information and strengthen their communities. Please visit sunshineweek.org to share ideas, and use #SunshineWeek to do this on Twitter Check out this Sunshine Week Toolkit from RCFP
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Compete or nominate someone for an SPJ award
Ohio's Best Journalism 2016
COMPETITION CALL FOR ENTRIES Honoring the best of Ohio's Print, Broadcast, Digital Media, Freelance, Trade and College Journalism
Click here for entry information and a list of categories.
Ohio's Best Journalism is presented collaboratively by the Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland Pro Chapters of The Society of Professional Journalists and honors print, broadcast, online, trade and college journalists in Ohio for their best work during 2015. It is the only Ohio competition that honors journalists who fulfill the SPJ mission: defense of the First Amendment, support of literacy, resistance to censorship, advocacy for openness of public records and meetings, media self-criticism and community service. This program also recognizes the best college daily and weekly newspapers.
Please take note of new changes in 2016: We have updated our Online category (now called Digital Media) and added new categories. In addition, we have added numerous Freelance categories to reflect the growing number of freelance journalists. Click here for Freelance categories. DEADLINE: No entries will be accepted after 5 p.m. March 28.
ELIGIBILITY: Journalists are eligible who work for newspaper, magazines, radio, television, trade, online and college media in Ohio and adjacent states that have significant reach into Ohio. Freelance journalists, who are Ohio residents are eligible, regardless of where their work is published, broadcast or webcast. Entrants need not be members of the Society of Professional Journalists. The work must have been published or broadcast in 2015.
FEES: A $30 entry fee must accompany each submission, except College entries. College students pay a $10 entry fee for writing of news, feature, sports and opinion. College newspapers may enter for free. There is a $5 discount per entry for work by SPJ members. You may submit any given article in as many relevant categories as you 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 / work have significant reach into Ohio.
SPREAD THE WORD: Please forward this message to anyone you think would like to participate in Ohio's Best Journalism contest!
QUESTIONS? For additional information, please contact:
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FEATURE REPORTER/SPORTS MMJ
WEWS-TV Cleveland-30126
Cleveland, OH
WEWS-TV, the Scripps owned ABC affiliate in Cleveland, OH is looking for a Feature Reporter Sports MMJ. The ideal candidate must hare our vision of producing and reporting coverage of sports that stands out as being informative and entertaining for fans and non-fans alike. This is not your traditional sports reporter position. We want someone who has a passion for going beyond scores and highlights. We need a compelling story tell who knows how to zero in on local sports and develop content on multiple platforms.
The successful candidate should be able to develop sources, maintain contacts and pursue leads that result in original stories. Gather information, video content, interviews and other elements necessary to produce thorough, high-quality sports material. Will present sports news and other related content across all platforms including social media in a way that connects with viewers, demonstrating credibility, authority and broad based knowledge of news. We are looking for the best of the best!
EDITOR
Van Wert Times Bulletin
Van Wert, OH
We are seeking an editor for our Van Wert Times Bulletin. The Time Bulletin is a five day a week publication. Duties include the planning, getting the news to the community in a timely manner, manage and supervise our staff of three full-time employees, and setting policy to get the news to the community in print and our digital products. Our editor would be required to write, edit, select, and revise material for publication. Our editor would be required to attend community meetings and would be the editorial face of the community. Our editor should have a strong layout background. Contact David Thornberry 419-238-2285 ext. 202 or send resume to dthornberry@timesbulletin.com
GROUP EDITOR
Times Bulletin Media
Northwest, Ohio
Responsible for coordinating our group news team located in northwest Ohio. Our group newspapers include: Van Wert Times Bulletin, Delphos Herald, Putnam County Sentinel, Putnam County Vidette, Ada Herald and Paulding Progress. The Van Wert Times Bulletin is a five day publication and the others are weekly newspapers. We maintain websites at each location and have shopper publications at each location. Contact David Thornberry at 419-238-2285 or send resume to dthornberry@timesbulletin.com
MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST
Logan Daily News
Logan, OH
Position is responsible for generating editorial content for both print and online publications and will report to the Editor. Successful candidate must be a flexible self-starter and attentive to details, as well as be able to multi-task and meet deadlines. Candidates for this position should have strong written and oral communication skills, be familiar with Associated Press Style; be able to generate copy, photos and video for our print and online publications.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Assists in posting online content to include text, photos and videos; writes editorials
- Works with all other departments, helps to achieve daily goals
- Must be able to edit and format copy and be able to anticipate workloads based on productions schedules
- Perform job duties and conduct self in accordance with company core values
- Initiate and nurture effective, professional relationships with internal and external contacts
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Prior reporting/editing experience required
- Demonstrate ability to multi-task
TECHNOLOGY SKILLS:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook is required along with social media such as Facebook and Twitter
EDUCATION:
- Bachelor's degree in journalism or related field preferred
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Apply for an internship at the Knight Foundation
Internships at Knight Foundation allow promising college students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain 10 weeks of experience at one of the largest nonprofit foundations in the United States. We offer competitive paid internships in many areas that allow interns to help us provide communities with the tools to shape their futures. Curious? Read about the experiences of past interns
Chris Caines and Lucas Hernandez.
Applications are now open for summer 2016. To begin an application, please send a cover letter and resume to:
internship@knightfoundation.org
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Rosalynn Carter Fellowship in Mental Health Journalism
In order to access the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism application, you must establish a user account. You will be propmted to create a user name and password, and provide a valid e-mail address. Your user account will give the option to save and continue your application at a later date, as well as check the status of your applicant file after your application has been submitted. Please be aware that once you submit your application, you will be unable to do any additional editing. To apply click 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 |
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