State Headlines

Robert E Trapp 

Earlier this month we were saddened to learn the news of the passing of Robert E Trapp.   

During his newspaper career, Mr. Trapp served as president of the New Mexico Press Association and president of the International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors. He was a founding member of the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government and served as its president.

Trapp received many writing awards during his 60 years in newspapers, mostly for his fire-breathing editorials and quick witted columns. However, he also won many awards for strong news writing about topics most weekly newspapers refuse to touch, even today.  He was inducted into the New Mexico Press Association's Hall of Fame in 2000, was given the (Eugene) Cervi award for community newspapering by the International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors  in  1992  and  was  given  the  (Bill) Dixon Award for fighting for openness in government in 2002.

You may read more here including additional coverage from newspapers across the state. 

High School Journalism Workshop Recap 

We hope that you enjoyed your copy of the most recent edition of The Future Press (sent directly to publishers at every member newspaper), it was another great edition put together by the students at the workshop.   We had several students from across the state participate and two wrote of their experiences. You can read the firsthand account here.   

Many of the students attending the summer workshop do so in need of financial assistance.  The registration fee ($150.00) covers the expenses of room and board, and other costs that come with hosting students over a 3 day workshop.   If you would like to donate to the Foundation to assist these students in need, now and in the future,  please contact NMPA.   It is a worthwhile effort that we are proud to offer and do so with your support.   

2014 Better Newspaper Contest - Call for Entries 

Contest time is here again.   It's time to go the BNC website and log in.   Entries are due July 21st.  But, please don't wait until July 20th to access the website.   Go on today and get yourself familiar with the entry process.   If you need help with log in, passwords or anything technical contact NMPA right away.   Details on the contest were emailed out recently and if you have questions on divisions, categories or policies let us know.   

NMPA Convention 

Save the date for our annual convention.  NMPA will be returning to the Hyatt Tamaya  Sept 26-27.  Details will be sent out directly via email regarding registration, agenda and the awards banquet.   

We have several workshops that will be offered on Friday afternoon and all day Saturday, highlighted by a keynote session with Tony Marsella, a nationally renowned speaker and expert on newspaper topics.   We have several special events in the works and, with attendance growing the last three years, we are excited for another great turnout this year.  Keep your eyes open for ongoing updates via email.   We look forward to seeing you all at the Tamaya in September.   

There are several vendors already registered as sponsors of the convention.  If you have contacts of any vendor or supplier that would have interest in being a sponsor send that information in to NMPA.  This includes companies you are doing business with or ones that contact you to solicit business.   

Rio Grande Chapter of SPJ event 

Get ready for election season in New Mexico by learning how to follow the money and navigate existing and emerging tools to track campaign contributions and expenditures. - See more at: SPJ

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR 2014 DIXON AWARDS

Around the Industry

Send updates of new hires, promotions, retirements, memorials, etc to  director@nmpress.org.  We will print the news in this section each month.