Writer's Week 
March 28, 2016
Deadline for next edition April 8

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President's Message
Let's get on social media and promo "Videofreex"
Rodney Bengston
Rodney Bengston
  
I am asking for your help in promoting our Cleveland International Film Festival selection, "Here Come the Videofreex."
 
The movie 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 of 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."
 

Here are the things you can use on your personal Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts to help promote the film:

Facebook:
Mention the Cleveland International Film Festival, and link to the film's writeup on the CIFF website. If the link here doesn't work for you, go to www.clevelandfilm.org and search for the film by name.  
Twitter:
@CIFF and #CIFF40

Instagram:
@CleFilmFest and #CIFF40.


Remember to include the fact the people using the promo code SPJ will get
$2 off each ticket.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks,
Rodney Bengston
Past President of the Cleveland Pro Chapter
rodbengston@sbcglobal.net

Renegade reporters covering 1960s counterculture are the subject of "Here Come the Videofreex" at the Cleveland International Film Festival April 7, 8
About this newsletter: how to find what you want 

Coming events
are below the news items, so scroll down. We include events from other organizations as well. We're interested in all programs aimed at professional writers, multimedia journalists, photographers and graphic designers. So let us know about events here!
Job seekers,
find opportunities below the other news.
Students,
scroll down past the jobs for internships.
Fellowships
are under the internships; they're for professionals.

This newsletter goes out to members two days earlier than to subscribers who are not SPJ members. This gives our members first crack at opportunities listed here. If you're not yet a member of SPJ but thinking about it, check out this list of reasons to sign up:

1


aGroup of event related 3D words. Part of a series.
Group of event related 3D words. Part of a series.
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  
Click here for details and to register

March 30
Enduring Questions: The Mark Collier Lecture Series    
Pulitzer Prize-winner Jose Antonio Vargas explores the definition of "American,"
his work at Time Magazine and the award-winning film "Undocumented,"
in a free appearance
 at Baldwin Wallace University
 
Gamble Auditorium
 Kulas Musical Arts Building
Berea, OH 44017
8 p.m. 
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
 
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 44118 
7 p.m. 
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Registration is required, visit
Questions? Call 216.987.4805

March 31
Cleveland Digital Publishing
Users Group General Meeting
 
 
Cuyahoga County Library 
Garfield  Innovation Center,
5409 Turney Road, Cleveland 44125
Join (CDPUG) for an orientation on 
3-D printers and scanners, laser engravers, vinyl cutters, and embroidery machines. There are even Macs and PCs with Adobe Creative Suite software, along with an Audio and Video Recording Studio.  
 An RSVP is not required but strongly encouraged.  
  
March 31
 
Writing about Nature and Science with Kristin Ohlson
Immerse yourself in writing about science and the natural world with the guidance of this nationally renowned author. Get constructive feedback on your writing as you get to know Kristin who has written about everything from a humanitarian hairdresser living in Afghanistan to the evolution of modern agricultural practice. 

April 7-10

Association of Health Care Journalists 
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. 
April 8 
All Eyes on CLE:
The RNC, 15,000 Media and How You Can Get A Piece of the Spotlight
Presented by The Press Club of Cleveland in Cooperation with NIRI and PRSA
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 
All you can eat of your favorite ballpark food at the Terrace Club Progressive Field 

April 11 
Ideastream | WVIZ/PBS
"An Evening with Cokie Roberts"
Westfield Insurance Studio Theatre 
The Idea Center at Playhouse Square
1375 Euclid Ave., Cleveland 44115
 
  Thursdays -- May 5, 12, 19, 26  
Make Short Films with 
Adam Fleischhaker
Mac's Backs, 1820 Coventry
 Cleveland Heights 44118 
This workshop will cover the basics of what it takes to turn what's inside your head into a short film, experimental documentary, narrative, even all -- or none of the above.
Click for cost and to register

Thursdays  - May 12, 19, 26
Inspired by Nature: A Writing Workshop
in the Cuyahoga Valley 
Hines Hill Conference Center, 
Peninsula, Ohio
In these three workshops sessions be inspired by America's best nature writers, write about the intersection of nature and people and share feedback. All genres -- fiction, nonfiction and poetry -- are welcome.  

Deadline extended to April 4 for Ohio SPJ Awards
   
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. April 4.
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:
Sarah Mills Bacha
614.563.1066
contact@ohiospjawards.org 
Job opportunities
MORNING SHOW PRODUCER
CBS Radio, 92.3 The Fan
Cleveland, OH

Description:
92.3 The Fan is looking for a Full-Time Producer to shape the sound of our morning show.
Required Qualifications:
Basic computer skills are a must to post audio and written content to the web and multi-task to provide help to the rest of the staff. Candidates must be familiar with the Cleveland sports scene and be able to work under pressure. In addition, all who apply must be able to network and build a guest contact list if necessary. 
Preferred Qualifications:
Candidates have at least one year assisting a sports talk show and understand that there is more to sports than the action on the field. 
EEO Statement:
Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled

Click here to apply online

Multimedia Journalist
WEWS-TV
Cleveland, OH

Description:
Join Cleveland's premier television station, WEWS NewsChannel 5, an ABC affiliate. We are seeking an innovative, dynamic Multimedia Journalist. The Multimedia Journalist is responsible for researching, writing, capturing visual content and editing general assignment stories for multiple platforms.

For a complete description, interested candidates should submit their resume.

Click here to apply


Newspaper Sports Reporter
Marysville Journal-Tribune

Marysville, OH 

Position available. Must have a journalism background. Photography, Photoshop and InDesign experience a plus.
Send resume c/o Marysville Journal-Tribune, PO Box 226 Marysville, OH 43040 or email: kb@marysvillejt.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
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Submit a cover letter and resume with references to dtobin@logandaily.com
Internships 
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 

Fellowships
Ida B. Wells Fellowship for Reporters of Color

The Nation Institute's Investigative Fund has launched a one-year Ida B. Wells Fellowship, which seeks to bring more reporters of color to investigative journalism and largely white male dominated newsrooms. The fellowship is named after Ida B. Wells, a Jim Crow era investigative journalist. 

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.  
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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