State Headlines

106th Annual NMPA Convention is in the books...

Newspaper professionals from around the state gathered at the Hyatt Tamaya on September 26-27.  NMPA saw near record crowds once again highlighted by the annual awards banquet on Saturday with 240 attendees cheering on fellow winners and our newest HOF inductee Robin Martin.   Several golfers on Thursday brought Twin Warriors to its knees - or vice versa - either way the Foundation benefited greatly and we appreciate the support.  Friday and Saturday were full of workshops for advertising, circulation, reporting and open government.  Saturday's luncheon showcased Tony Marsella and he did not disappoint - a fantastic keynote.  The membership also heard from candidates for governor and attorney general.  

It was great to see large crowds and enthusiasm in the workshops, around the halls and after hours.   Thank you to all for putting on another successful convention.   We are already looking forward to the 107th convention next year.   

HOF inducts Santa Fe New Mexican's Robin Martin 

On Saturday evening NMPA was proud to induct Robin Martin and thankful for all the work she has done for our industry over the years.  It was well-deserved and congratulations, Robin.   

Here is a link to an introductory video produced on Robin's behalf:  

2014-15 board of directors elected

At the general business meeting the following slate of officers for NMPA/NMPS/NMPAF were presented and voted on by the membership. 

President
Rory McClannahan Mountain View Telegraph
1st Vice President
John Elchert Farmington Daily Times
2nd Vice President
Chris Wood Taos News
Secretary-Treasurer
Martin Salazar Las Vegas Optic
Past President
Richard Coltharp Las Cruces Bulletin

Term Expiring 2015
Ginny Sohn Santa Fe New Mexican
Leota Harriman Edgewood Independent
Term Expiring 2016
Viola Gonzales Clovis New Journal
Nick Siebel Silver City Daily Press
Term Expiring 2017
Carol Burgess Alamogordo Daily News
Brian Fantl Albuquerque Journal 

If you have interest in serving on various committees or attending future board meetings contact the NMPA office.   

And the winners are...

The 2014 Better Newspaper Contest winners were announced Saturday evening.  You can view the press release and a link to all the winning entries here. 

If you have convention photos to share please send them to NMPA or post on facebook

Convention feedback: 

Please let us know what you liked, what we can improve on and what you'd like to see next year.   Send an email to director@nmpress.org or call into the office at 505-275-1377. 

Sweeping changes to association bylaws approved

During the annual general business meeting several changes to the association bylaws were proposed, discussed and enacted.   These changes have updated the language in the bylaws and further defined specific membership categories.   A copy of the new bylaws can be found here.   

Around the Industry

NEWSPAPER DIGITAL AUDIENCE HITS NEW PEAK 

Audience and Reach

The newspaper digital audience increased by 18% over the past twelve months, rising to 164 million unique visitors (adults 18+) from 139 million in August 2013 (see chart). That audience level was 25 million larger than a year ago.

The previous peak level for the newspaper digital audience occurred in March of this year, at 161 million unique visitors. After a seasonal decline to 153 million unique visitors in June, the audience count grew in July (to 155 million) and again in August (to 157 million). Read more 

As election fever spreads, a new tool may help journalists keep spin doctors away.

Oligrapher, a research platform for investigating conflicts of interest and corruption in the upper echelons of business and government, was publicly announced in July. The power mapping tool draws on the database ofLittleSis, a project of Public Accountability Initiative, a nonprofit organization based in Buffalo, New York. Being open source, Oligrapher's code is available on GitHub. Read more 

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