Writer's Week
August 12, 2016
Deadline for next edition Aug. 20

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President's Message
In changing world for journalists, we're here for you
Chris Mosby
Chris Mosby
It is a weird time to be a journalist. Comedians are now sitting behind real news desks and delivering fake news. Most of our cable news networks are focused on column-style programming. Old positions are being retooled and renamed. Yet nothing has shifted the face of our industry quite as much as technology.
 
Technology has altered almost every facet of our daily activities. Social media have given us unprecedented access into the lives of subjects, and created a type of built-in news alert and story creator. We can communicate directly with our audience. We grab leads from social media postings, we dig through public records online. While our stories may now be reaching more people than ever, they're also being pushed through digital channels; channels that no one has fully mastered or learned how to monetize.
 
In this frequently frantic environment, it's easy to get mired in a tornado of new apps and tech updates and start to overlook the fundamentals. I realize that the old message of "Remember the basics: verify, verify, verify" is clichéd at this point. Every single one of us has heard the mantra or recited it to a coworker or an intern or a student journalist. I was never a choir boy and I do hope that I'm not adding my voice to a drowned out chorus of noise that everyone will forget about the moment they close this email.
 
With that said, forgive me for saying, "Remember the basics: verify, verify, verify." If you run into a problem, a moral dilemma, regarding this new technology, reach out to us. Our mission is to help protect the integrity of journalism, specifically journalism being done in Northeast Ohio. We're happy to help you navigate unfamiliar and choppy waters.
 
If you want to learn more about our chapter, our mission, and how we can help you as a journalist, visit our website here. 
 
And if you want to share your challenges with other journalists, discuss matters pressing in our industry, or simply learn something new...you should consider booking a trip to the SPJ, "Excellence in Journalism" conference in New Orleans. To learn more about that conference, visit here.  
 
Until next time true believers,
Chris Mosby
SPJ Cleveland President
chrismosbynews89@gmail.com
Help is at hand 

We are planning a Google-SPJ training evening on Tuesday, Sept. 13 (venue TBA) with a certified SPJ national trainer, to introduce all the Google tools useful to journalists. More on that in the next edition of Writer's Week.

Further to Chris' exhortation to "verify, verify, verify!" we recommend the Verification Handbook, a free online (downloadable) resource for those dealing with social and digital, as well as old-fashioned, media. There is a special version for investigative reporters and a new handbook for emergency coverage, all available from links on the main website. Note: while it offers a "buy the book" option, you can get the PDF and/or online versions FREE on the linked site.

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 as our own. 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 (none this week).
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:




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

SATURDAY, AUG. 27
Ohio SPJ Awards celebration  
at noon 
The Boat House at Confluence Park,  
679 W. Spring St.,  
on the Scioto River in Columbus  
Hosted by the  
SPJ Central Ohio Pro Chapter  
 

 

SAVE THE DATE! 

TUESDAY, SEPT. 13
evening 
Google-SPJ training  
on the Google tools most helpful
and interesting to journalists.
Location, exact time TBA
With Google-SPJ national trainer
Deb Wenger

Click here for more info 
  

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 31
The Press Club of Cleveland
The Party's Over: 
Media and PR lessons
from the RNC
11:45 a.m.
luncheon program
The Music Box
1148 Main Ave.
Cleveland
$30 members
$35 IABC and PRSA members 
$40 nonmembers

 
 
Job opportunities

ASSISTANT NEWS SPECIALIST/ASSOCIATE PRODUCER 
WOIO/WUAB TV
Raycom Media
Cleveland, Ohio 

WOIO is seeking a part-time Assistant News Specialist/Associate Producer. Successful candidate will assist the producers and directors of the various news broadcasts produced by WOIO/WUAB. Entering, recalling and proofing on-air font and still store graphics, being responsible for spelling and grammar. Assisting producers anchors and reports in researching and writing stories for inclusion in the news broadcasts. Script sorting and dissemination. Teleprompter operation. Occasionally driving reporters to and from assignments. Other duties as assigned by department management. 

Experience: 
This is an entry level position. Applicants must have a desire to succeed in broadcast news. Must be an excellent speller. Must be computer literate.
This job requires a valid driver's license, good driving record and proof of insurance.

 
OPERATIONS MANAGER, WJCU
John Carroll University
University Heights, Ohio
Part-time

 This individual serves as WJCU's operations manager and assists in the oversight and continuity of day-to-day operation of the radio station under the direct supervision of the Director of WJCU. This is a part-time, non-benefits eligible position.

Required Qualifications:
  • A bachelor degree
  • Strong organizational, communication and human relation skills, both written and oral
  • Demonstrated basic user competence in the use of digital audio editing software
  • Demonstrated ability to learn and use BSI Simian broadcast programming automation software at an intermediate user level
  • Knowledge of and related experience in broadcast radio programming and operations
VERSATILE JOURNALIST
The Commercial Review
Portland, Indiana 
 
The Commercial Review, a daily newspaper in Portland, Indiana, is looking for an entry-level journalist for city government beat and police beat. The job also includes feature writing, photography, layout/design, column writing and covering breaking news. We're looking for someone who, through professional work, internships or their college newspaper, has displayed a passion for journalism. Recent college graduates are encouraged to apply. Send resume and three examples of your work to editor Ray Cooney at r.cooney@thecr.com


MULTI-MEDIA JOURNALIST
Logan Daily News
Logan, Ohio  

This person 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 and be able to generate copy, photos and video for 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 production schedules
  • Perform job duties and conduct self in accordance with company core values
  • Initiate and nurture effective, professional relationships with internal external contacts.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
  • Prior reporting/editing experience required
  • Demonstrate ability to multi-task 
  • 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 in journalism or related field preferred.   
 
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: 
Submit a cover letter with resume and references to: dtobin@logandaily.com  

EDITOR

Portsmouth Daily Times, Community Common
Portsmouth, Ohio  
 

The Portsmouth Daily Times seeks an energetic, forward-thinking editor to lead both the Daily Times and the weekly Community Common. The Daily Times publishes six days a week, Monday-Saturday. The 32,000 circulation Community Common is published on Sunday. In addition to our print products the newspaper has a robust website and social media presence. See our website at portsmouth-dailytimes.com Our editor should be an individual who understands how to connect content to our readers by providing depth and context to the news we deliver. Our next editor should be someone who can mentor a staff and develop an open dialogue with readers and community leaders. In addition, our editor is part of the management team of the newspaper and is a part of the face of our newspaper in the communities we serve. Additionally, s/he will: *Have a solid understanding of the fundamentals of local news. *Understand the value of social media and use it as much as an engagement tool as a promotional tool. *Constantly search for new ways to tell stories and present news, both online and in print. *Understand and manage a news budget. *Be a constant, contributing reporter. *Write 2-3 editorials each week on local or state issues that impact Scioto County and Ohio River Valley. If you value local journalism, love nothing better than helping journalists grow in their craft, believe newspapers - both online and print - remain the foundation of an informed community, and are looking for a great community in which to live, we want to hear from you. Email us your resume`, five working links to some of your latest and best reporting (editorials, too, if you have them), and a cover letter explaining why you're the best person for this job. Please send those documents to Bud Hunt, bhunt@civitasmedia.com EOE


PART-TIME SPORTS ANCHORS
CBS Radio 92.5 The Fan
Cleveland

92.3 The Fan is looking for part-time anchors to deliver sports news every 20 minutes during nighttime, weekend and fill-in shifts.
Apply online at www.cbsradio.com
Internships

FALL INTERNSHIP 
The CelebrityCafe.com/FashionWeek.com 

Like many sites, at TheCelebrityCafe.com, we've been tightening our content and are are focusing on our core sections-movies, television, music, listicles and celebrities. FashionWeek.com turned 1 and is continuing to grow. We cover business of fashion, trends, beauty, fashion weeks and listicles three

We are really looking for students that have original ideas and can work independently for our online program. Excitement over interviews and social media conversations, especially via music reviews, is a big part of what we're looking for in interns. 

We do ask for academic credit, or a letter of recommendation from a faculty member, to qualify for our program.  

Contact: Angela Corry, Editor-in-Chief, angela@thecelebritycafe.com 

FALL NEWSROOM INTERNSHIP POSITION
Cleveland Jewish News
 
The award-winning Cleveland Jewish News is looking for a fall editorial intern. This Violet Spevack Editorial Internship is for a high school senior or local college student who has a passion for journalism. Candidates will be assigned stories for publication in print as well as online. Interest in photography and social media helpful.
 
The 10-week position begins in September.
This is a 20-hour per week paid internship. (We will work around your school schedule.)

Deadline for applications is Aug. 19. Interviews will be held Aug. 22 to Aug. 25.
Questions? Contact Managing Editor Bob Jacob at bjacob@cjn.org.

Applicants should submit a resume and three writing samples to editorial@cjn.org and place "Fall Intern" in the subject line.

YODA NEWTON EDITORIAL INTERNSHIP
Cleveland Jewish News
 
The Cleveland Jewish News is seeking candidates for the inaugural Yoda Newton Editorial Internship, which will begin in the fall. The internship will offer four candidates an opportunity to work for 10-week "semesters," beginning in October 2016 and through May 2017. Interns gain on-the-ground journalism experience in a fast-paced, professional newsroom environment. Interns will be involved in all facets of the newsgathering process including but not limited to assisting reporters with research, verification, securing and speaking with sources, proofreading, copy editing, etc.  Editorial interns will have an opportunity to pitch and write stories for all CJN platforms and publications, including all digital, social and magazine properties. Yoda Newton Editorial interns will learn about all facets of the Cleveland Jewish community, gaining new appreciation and insights into the people, congregations, agencies and organizations that comprise our vibrant community.
At the conclusion of the internship, it is expected that the intern will have a robust portfolio of published and accomplished work.  
This is a 20-hour per week paid internship over the course of 10 consecutive weeks.
Deadline for applications is Aug. 25.
For questions, contact Managing Editor Bob Jacob at bjacob@cjn.org.
The Cleveland Jewish Publication Company is an equal opportunity employer.

Applicants should submit a resume and three writing samples to editorial@cjn.org and place "Fall Intern" in the subject line.

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Writer's Week is a service of the Cleveland Pro 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