editor colorado
Official publication of the Colorado Press Association / coloradopressassociation.com / Vol. LXXXV, No. 5
Law may offer records relief By Jeffrey A. Roberts CFOIC Executive Director CORA sticker shock. You probably know the feeling. You make a public records request and find out that it’s going to cost hundreds, or maybe even thousands, of dollars to get the documents you want. What could have been an important story might be prohibitively expensive to pursue. Some relief may be on the horizon. A
new state law that goes into effect July 1 will reduce the price of records requested under the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) in some jurisdictions. In many places, it should at least make the price more predictable. In others, a price increase is possible. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen. CORA, for the first time since its enactment in 1969, will specify research-fee parameters. Until now, the law said nothing about how much
local governments and the state are allowed to charge for researching and compiling public records that aren’t criminal-justice records. It addressed only the cost of data manipulation and computerized records, and it limited copying charges for most documents to 25 cents per page. With state statutes silent on research-andretrieval fees, governments in Colorado set their own rates with some guidance from the
RECORDS on Page 7
Governor John Hickenlooper visits with Senator John Kefalas just before signing HB 1193 as CPA Interim Executive Director Jeanette Chavez (second from left), Representative Joe Salazar (far right) and other supporters look on. The bill, which was supported by CPA, requires all governments to have a written policy for fees for research and retrieval of records and provides that at least one hour of such services must be provided at no charge and that fees for the service cannot exceed $30 per hour.
Every week is Sunshine week for rebooted CFOIC Every March around James Madison’s birthday, news and civic organizations celebrate the laws that help us keep our governments open and honest. We call it Sunshine Week. But on CFOIC’s website, every week is Sunshine Week. Since the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition’s reboot last summer, coloradofoic.org has become something of a clearinghouse for anything
and everything related to open government in Colorado. The news feed (on the menu tab labeled “News”) is where we link to Colorado-focused stories and editorials about FOI issues and problems. The National Freedom of Information Coalition supplies similar articles from elsewhere in the United States. The blog (on the menu tab labeled “Blog”) is written by us. Ideally, it should also be written
by you – and other reporters and editors in Colorado. The website of our sister organization, the New England First Amendment Coalition, routinely features blog articles written by New England-area journalists. Recent topics included texting by state employees in Maine, legislation in Massachusetts blocking access to police reports on domestic abuse and a move by Connecticut’s governor to put more
public data online. We’ve already published more than 75 posts on CFOIC’s blog, many involving FOI matters in the Colorado legislature. There’s a lot more to talk about. To suggest or submit a blog article, contact CFOIC Executive Director Jeff Roberts at jroberts@ coloradofoic.org. Follow @CoFOIC on Twitter. Like CFOIC’s Facebook page.
CU’s JMC grads free to enter the media world PAGE 5
May/June 2014
A look at winners, losers of 2014 session
Overall a successful year for transparency By Jeffrey A. Roberts CFOIC Executive Director For those concerned about government transparency, there were more winners than losers in this year’s legislative session, although some successful bills still await action by Gov. John Hickenlooper. “The Legislature did good work on open government issues in 2014,” said lobbyist Greg Romberg, who represents the Colorado Press Association and Colorado Broadcasters Association. “Passage of HB 1193 ensures that research and retrieval fees (for public records) will be kept in check. Bills to address privacy concerns on passive surveillance and mug shots were done in ways that preserve public access to government records, and the Legislature acted quickly to overturn a terrible district court decision to limit the public’s right to challenge open meetings violations.” The Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition followed 21 bills that had the potential to affect the availability or flow of information in Colorado. HB 14-1193, which standardizes CORA research-andretrieval fees, was the centerpiece. But one could argue that HB 141390, which amends Colorado’s Open Meetings Law, was just as important, if not more. SESSION on Page 7
State of the Industry: Digital advertising’s status and future By Cheryl Ghrist Contributing Editor Bring up digital newspaper advertising to newspaper professionals, and you’ll get many opinions. They range from “Print is not the
future, but it’s not the past either” (Peter Preston, The Observer) to “Digital newspaper: same advertising impact and so much more” (Erik Grimm in his Media Research Blog for The International News Media Association). In his article, Preston said the
Newspaper Association of America recently reported: “Print advertising is 10 percent off the previous pace. You can find some upswings – in paywall and wider subscription cash, plus sponsorship and allied devices – but the bottom line is still 2.8 percent worse than 2012. And
the statistic that arrives with an added jolt shows digital advertising, once the supposed wonder ingredient of future prosperity, stalled: in fact at the same level as it was in 2007.” However, earlier this year, Rick Edmonds, a researcher and
writer for the Poynter Institute on business and journalism issues, said: “A new analysis of the most recent newspaper audience reports suggests a surprising split in reading habits. Digital audience continues to grow. Mobile audience is growing DIGITAL on Page 6
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colorado editor
May/June 2014
10 Questions with: colorado editor ISSN #162-0010 USPS # 0122-940 Vol. LXXXV, Issue 4 April 2014 Colorado Editor is the official publication of the Colorado Press Association and is published monthly at 1336 Glenarm Place. Denver, CO 80204-2115 p: 303-571-5117 f: 303-571-1803 coloradopressassociation.com
Subscription rate: $10 per year, $1 single copy Staff Jerry Raehal Chief Executive Officer jraehal@colopress.net Brian Clark Design Editor Board of Directors OFFICERS Chair Bryce Jacobson The Tribune bjacobson@greeleytribune.com President Terri House The Pagosa Springs SUN terri@pagosasun.com Vice President Keith Cerny Alamosa Valley Courier krcemail56@gmail.com Treasurer Bart Smith The Tribune bsmith@greeleytribune.com Secretary Laurena Mayne Davis The Daily Sentinel laurena.davis@gjsentinel.com DIRECTORS Matt Lubich The Johnstown Breeze mlubich@johnstownbreeze.com Don Lindley The Durango Herald dlindley@durangoherald.com Larry Ryckman The Denver Post lryckman@denverpost.com Joe Hight The Gazette joe.hight@gazette.com Beecher Threatt Ouray County Plaindealer beecher@ouraynews.com Lisa Schlichtman Steamboat Pilot & Today lschlichtman@steamboattoday.com Periodical postage paid at Denver, CO 80202. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Colorado Editor 1336 Glenarm Place Denver, CO 80204-2115
Denver Post’s Rick ‘Worm’ Charbonneau By Cheryl Ghrist Contributing Editor 10 Questions this issue checked in with Denver Post State Circulation Manager Rick Charbonneau, known by most people as “Worm.” We may never know how he got that nickname, but we do know that he is respected in the industry, evidenced by his acknowledgement as Colorado Press Association’s 2012 Newspaper Person of the Year. Here’s what else we know about Worm: 1) What is the Denver Post’s state circulation manager in charge of exactly? I work with Denver Post carriers, distributors, dealers and partner newspapers in getting the Denver Post distributed throughout the state. Try to network with other Colorado newspapers whenever possible. 2) What challenges do you encounter in your work? Weather, distances or just the changing scene of journalism? Colorado weather can always be a challenge – closed roads, chain laws, avalanches and rockslides all affect our transportation efforts. Getting papers from Denver to Cortez and Telluride is challenging even on good roads. We have a network of relay haulers throughout the state and making connections is crucial. 3) What is the extent of Denver Post coverage in the state, via boxes, single copy sales, special promotions? Is the rural crowd picking up newspapers or turning more to online? We service the state of Colorado with home delivery and singlecopy sales. Much of the area out of the Front Range in Sunday Only delivery though. We continue to have strong (though declining) home-delivery numbers. Our single-copy sales on Sunday are fairly strong, bolstered by “coupon clippers” and events like the Broncos in the Super Bowl. Mountain towns have seasonal sales that are boom or bust. 4) You seem to be everywhere in the state where something interesting is going on: Ride The Rockies, Pedal The Plains, Special Olympics and Volunteers of America events, Fort Lupton Trapper Days, even the Carvin’ Up Colorado competition out in Gunnison. Are these work-related, volunteering or both? And don’t you ever get tired? The events you listed are all volunteer efforts. Some achievable because of the traveling I do throughout Colorado. Ride The Rockies and Pedal The Plains are both Denver Post signature events, but I am a volunteer on both. 2014 will be my 28th year as Technical Coordinator on Ride The Rockies. Seems like I tire more easily as I get older.
Above: Rick “Worm” Charbonneau, Jill, dogs Stella and Qanik, amid metal roosters (courtesy of Diane Veldhouse) and hens during a November 2013 day at The Little Dog Ranch:. Says Rick: “Notice we got photobombed by (cat) Prune Juice in the background; (another cat) Orange Juice was off somewhere napping.” Right: Worm shows off his brand new Branson 3510h tractor (complete with loader, box scraper and mower) from Colorado Tractor Corporation in Berthoud.
5) Most memorable driving story while on duty? Dangerous or wondrous: I was driving north in the San Luis Valley one winter morning. There was fresh snow on the peaks of the Sangre de Cristos. Below the snow line, the mountains were a blue that perfectly matched the sky, and it looked like all the peaks were floating. The San Luis Valley is a magical place. 6) When did you do “Find the Place” in the Denver Post (where you published a photo of some sign or item in the state, and readers had to tell you where and what it was to have a chance to win a prize) and did you come up with more photos and things for readers to spot than you had time and room to publish? Were there weeks when no one knew what it was? Find The Place was a popular feature of the Colorado Sunday section. I had a store of pictures waiting to be published. When the newshole got tightened, Find The Place went away since it was non-revenue producing. Always got answers every week, and always learned interesting info from people’s answers. Dana Coffield and
Claire Martin both spearheaded this effort in Editorial. I fed them pictures. 7) We won’t ask about the nickname here (unless you want to volunteer that story), but is there something about you we don’t know that would amaze us? A hobby, a talent, an accomplishment you’d like to share? The nickname – many people don’t know my real name – and only one other person knows the true story. Many theories exist, but none are close. I did happen to be born under “The Full Worm Moon” in March 1957, but that is just coincidental. Most cherished accomplishment – I was inducted into the Hall of Fame for Special Olympics Colorado in 2010 for volunteer of the year. The athletes all know me as Worm. 8) You live on The Little Dog Ranch, with all the farming and livestock duties that implies. But is there something special you do in your spare time to give yourself a break from all your work duties and chores? The Little Dog Ranch is a fairly new chapter in my life. Been living there about a year and a half and love the agricultural area. Have 19 laying hens, seven new chicks, two
cats and two dogs – one, Stella, is a Corgi … The Little Dog. It’s an old dairy farm with a couple of old outbuildings and a new house. Had to have a tractor. 9) Neat desk or messy? Traditional desk or mobile command center? What would we see there? MESSY. Always have 20 projects going at once. Mobile command center in my van – many tools and communication devices to hopefully attend to any need. 10) What’s next on your horizon? Do you do extra work projects during the good summer weather? I am getting married to Jill Colby on July 26. Jill is an educator and co-owner of The Little Dog Ranch. Getting married in the historical fort at Fort Lupton (did I mention I LOVE Colorado history). I have been volunteering with Homes For Our Troops for the last few years. They build specially adapted homes for severely disabled veterans. I believe there are now over a dozen in Colorado with a cluster in Elizabeth and Parker. There is a groundbreaking ceremony in Windsor in early June. Hope to help that group put together a home for a deserving veteran. Happy this is coming to Weld County.
colorado editor
May/June 2014
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From the President
Out of sight, but on site New public notice website is effective, important, simple
Writing columns is not my forte. I had hoped someone would forget to tell me one was needed for this month’s Colorado Editor. Jeanette didn’t forget. She called me. She even had a topic idea. Jeanette Chavez, our interim director for Colorado Press Association, suggested that I, or someone in my office, attend the training session for putting notices on Terri Colorado Press Association’s House new public notice website. CPA She said it would President be a great topic for this column. Of course, the training was scheduled for my newspaper’s production day — during a week we were already short three employees. I put my delegation hat on and found one person who had time to attend the session. And he forgot to attend. Well, he did remember 30 minutes after it started. And, the session was only 20 minutes long. I wasn’t about to let Jeanette down. I read the quick reference sheets. I hate reading directions. I knew these instructions had to be much simpler than the time I put my barbecue grill together. The fire department showed up at my house last summer when we were grilling due to the excess smoke. That’s not a good thing … especially when the West Fork Complex fires were only 15 miles from my house. The “quick references sheets” lived up to their name. I requested a password from Jeanette, who seemed rather hesitant about me going this alone. If I couldn’t get an employee to attend the training, how could I follow any instructions? I headed out of town for a week; however, I didn’t let Jeanette know.
Courtesy photo Jennifer Kline, of the Greeley Tribune, participates in a webinar for the CPA’s new public notice website. Several papers have already taken part in the free training and are posting legals to publicnoticecolorado.com. Newspapers of standing must post legals to the website by Jan. 1, 2015, due to a new state statute. If you need to set up a training or want more information, contact Jerry Raehal at jraehal@colopress.net. Training sessions take 20-30 minutes.
There was no time to test out the public notice website before I left. Once I arrived at my destination. I had one day left to write this column – and to figure out the dreaded website. I reviewed the directions one more time. Five minutes later, I had my first two notices published on the site. And, unlike my barbecue grill, my computer wasn’t even smoking. Yep, it was that easy. Then I played on the site searching for other notices from people who actually showed up for the training. The site is nifty. Helpful. Useful. When you first go to the site, you are reminded about the importance of the Public Notice Law: “Public Notices inform citizens of the everyday activities of government. From government spending and
developing new policies to requests for proposals and hearings about retail marijuana licenses, it is important for people to be informed of actions taken by public officials that affect citizens’ everyday lives. “Public Notices are essential to a democracy and an informed citizenry. Without Public Notices, citizens cannot adequately make informed decisions. “While the Internet is a great resource for information, Public Notices have been and remain the most effective in newspapers. Newspaper[s] are the watchdogs of their local communities and can most effectively monitor the actions of their respective local governments. This not only allows local residents to be informed, but it also forces local public officials to be held accountable. Additionally,
Public Notices in newspapers are permanent records that cannot be altered or deleted, and the printed version provides a permanent archive and third-party verification of authenticity. Today, newspapers are still the most accessible medium, especially in the far-reaching corners of Colorado where many families are still without Internet access. “In Colorado, legislators recognized the importance of maintaining an accountable and transparent government by first requiring the publishing of Public Notices in newspapers followed by uploading them to one centralized website — Public Notice Colorado. Effective Jan. 1, 2015, Colorado law will require that all public notices and legal advertisements published in Colorado newspapers be uploaded to a centralized website maintained
by Colorado Press Association. This is to be done at no additional cost to any government entity. This site, PublicNoticeColorado.com, meets the requirements of the new law and will be maintained by the Colorado Press Association, which represents the majority of Colorado newspaper publications.” While we have until Jan. 1, 2015, for our newspapers to upload public notices to PublicNoticeColorado. com in accordance with this new law, The Pagosa Springs SUN will start publishing our notices when I return from my trip. The site is a benefit to our advertisers. The better response entities have to public notices, the more they will see the benefits of publishing them in Colorado newspapers. It’s that simple.
Less money, more profits: AP posts gain in 2013 even as revenue falls NEW YORK (AP) — The Associated Press recently reported it posted a net profit of $3.3 million in 2013, as it cut costs across the organization. In 2012, AP reported a loss of $25.5 million, according to the news cooperative’s annual financial report. Revenue fell 4 percent to $596 million as income from newspaper clients continued to fall and Google stopped licensing news content.
The revenue decline was offset by a sharper drop in operating expenses, which fell nearly 7 percent, to $604 million. The AP earned nearly $11 million from equity stakes in joint ventures such as its entertainment photo service, Invision. The AP eliminated its long-term debt and said it expects a small amount of revenue growth this year, which would mark the first gain
since 2008. “AP is in a financially strong position,” CEO Gary Pruitt told staffers at a town hall meeting last week. The decline in newspaper revenue was partially offset by gains in video and photo sales, as well as in the sale of infrastructure support to other news organizations. The support comes in the form of equipment and camera crews, which it supplies
through its Global Media Services product. The AP’s forecast 2014 revenue gain is expected to come from increasing sales of video, photos and its video newsroom software, Essential News Production System, said chief financial officer Ken Dale. In 2014, AP plans to bolster its coverage of the 50 states, focusing on state government. The organization plans to add 20 to 30 new reporters
to help with the effort. The AP also plans to improve its video capabilities and revamp its Arabic language news service. The Associated Press, founded in 1846, is owned by 1,400 U.S. newspapers and is largely a wholesaler of news. It sells the content that its journalists gather and produce to newspapers, commercial websites and radio and TV broadcasters.
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colorado editor
May/June 2014
From the CEO
Storms have passed and print is not dead
It started with text message alerts, followed by tornado warnings and sirens blaring in downtown Denver. It culminated with a group of us hanging out in the basement, waiting for calm to return. Another day and more text message alerts of Jerry flash flood warnings. The Raehal highways looked like Water World theme rides, and the CPA/SYNC 2 thunder boomed so loud CEO it literally made our house tremble. Was it the apocalypse? No. It was my first week with the Colorado Press Association and SYNC2 Media. As I sat down to write this column after the storms had passed – with the grass looking greener, weather feeling warmer and bird song filling the air – I saw the mid-May weather front as a metaphor for our industry. We have had warnings and some of us have taken shelter. Yes, there have been losses. And
sadly, there has been collateral damage. But after a storm passes, there also is new growth … even if it takes a while for it to take hold. Here’s the rub: While newspapers do a good job of telling people about how the “Internet storm” has rattled our industry, we do a poor job of sharing our strengths and successes. This became all too apparent while on a public engagement tour during my last month as the Laramie Boomerang publisher. During tour presentations, I went over upcoming changes to the paper but also discussed the industry as a whole. I asked audience members to raise their hands if they had heard the question (or statement), “Is print dead?” All of them raised their hands. It’s a question to which we control the answer. There is no doubt the Internet has changed the newspaper industry. But newspapers are not the only ones impacted. We just put it on our front pages. Look at radio. At home, people can listen to sites such as Pandora and Groove Shark. On
Page One priorities
Some months ago, friend LEAD HEADLINE: If and follower Roger Ruthhart your centerpiece is not your sent a quick email asking news lead, give that lead about front page priorities: headline size and strength. “We have been talking A super-bold sans serif about front pages lately typeface, like a condensed and I just wondered if you black, works well to indicate have ever put together a to readers that the story is a list of dos and don’ts for must-read. effective fronts, or maybe a Ed prioritized list…” NEGATIVE SPACE: Let Henninger I don’t recall having the page breathe. Allow done that previously, but enough space between I’ve given his note a lot packages so readers can of thought in the time since, and I clearly distinguish one from the believe I have some suggestions that other. I advise at least three picas of may be helpful: space between packages on the front page. DOMINANT PHOTO: I consider this the absolute number one design HEADLINE HIERARCHY: Place priority for page 1. A front without larger headlines higher on the page, a dominant photo (or other visual smaller headlines toward the bottom. such as a graphic or map) is a front But you also want … that fails to draw readers to your newspaper. A secondary but very A HARD BOTTOM: Don’t let the important point about this element: bottom headline on the front page Place the visual first. Always. Place fade into a size that’s just too small. I the visual first. recommend a headline that’s at least 36-to-42 point here, to help hold the CENTERPIECE: Create a package bottom of the page. (often, it’s the one with that dominant visual element) that you want your THE NECESSARIES: You need readers to home in on when they first a space to contain elements such as look at the front page. This need not your UPC code, weather, contact be the lead news story, but you want info, a deaths list, an index and the to give your page a strong focus to like. I prefer placing this package attract reader attention. across the bottom of the page, though it could go in narrow column on NAMEPLATE: It’s a given, but it the right or left side of the page. requires mention here. Make sure Readers—especially new readers— your nameplate is large enough so look for this information. Package it it doesn’t get lost — but not so large tightly but be sure to include it. that it tends to dominate the page. Placing it so there’s a bit of space Your front page is the face you on either side (if it’s a traditional give your newspaper with every centered style) often helps it stand issue. Make sure it’s clean, fresh and out better. inviting. TEASERS: Take the time to design these well—teasers thrown in just before deadline just don’t do the job. Use visuals that grab attention and write them with verve. You’re counting on these to get readers inside your paper.
ED HENNINGER is an independent newspaper consultant and the Director of Henninger Consulting. • edh@henningerconsulting.com. • henningerconsulting.com. • 803-327-3322.
the road, people can plug in their smart phones for music, listen to audio books, or turn on SiriusXM. Look at network TV. It faces competition from cable stations and TiVo. Cable stations and TiVo have to deal with online streaming sites such as Netflix. Other than sports, almost all of my “television” viewing is online. Some websites boast that the Internet is the fastest growing source to find news; however, those same sites fail to mention that newspaper sites are the major reason for that. Take a closer look at what the Internet has done to newspapers. For many papers, print circulation has been impacted. But for several papers, readership has never been higher thanks to print and digital modes of distribution. Print media isn’t dead. It’s getting smarter. And it’s still the No. 1 choice for locals to find their shopping information. That last statement is based on independent studies done in several Colorado communities. Several surveys found that the power of the print media to reach readers looking for local shopping information is better than all other mediums.
That doesn’t sound like death to me. Sounds more like a springboard to greater things. After the Laramie presentations, the “print media is not dead” section is what I heard the most about – that audience members had heard it and believed it, but now they had a new view (and some even talked about changing advertising strategies) To be honest, I was a little stunned. I knew the industry wasn’t dead. But it’s easy to understand why the public might think so, as we’ve done a good job of informing them on our so-called demise – a demise that has been predicted since the advent of the radio. But we weathered that storm, as we weathered the storm of television, and we will weather the storm of the Internet. The storm will impact us and change us, but new growth will occur. But for that growth to take place faster and hold longer, we have to do a better job of letting people know of our strong present and stronger future. Or we run the risk of the storm’s doom and gloom becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Political ads: Don’t forget the ‘ask’
Another election Familiarize yourself season is under way, and with the races and newsrooms are gearing the issues. News and up for campaigns that last advertising departments weeks and even months. should connect early in Coverage will consume the the election cycle and news pages from candidate communicate regularly. profiles and community Adjust ad campaigns as forums to photo requests the issues change. and letters to the editor. Assign ad reps to Jim And don’t forget the steady specific races so they barrage of press releases. Pumarlo are comfortable with Step-by-step coverage the candidates and the of political campaigns dynamics of the race. likely prompts more than Understand who one publisher to utter: Why are we controls the advertising dollars. In giving the candidates all this free local races, candidates themselves publicity? Where are their ads? may oversee all aspects of the A first response: Have you campaign. As you ascend the approached the candidates? Better political ladder – legislative and yet, are you prepared to pitch an ad congressional races, for example campaign? – most candidates have campaign In other words, does your managers who control the purse newspaper have a plan to introduce strings. yourselves to the candidates and Be aware of key advertising promote how you can generate opportunities for maximum attention for their campaigns? exposure for the candidates. For It’s important to remember that example, when will candidate many candidates are novices in the profiles be published? Will the political arena, especially when it newsroom be covering specific comes to launching and running a candidate forums? Identify the campaign. This is especially true in editions when the reports will local campaigns. Newspapers have appear. Will a Voter Guide be an opportunity to be a key adviser produced? in how they organize and spend Organize your own candidate their advertising dollars. forum and seek sponsors. One of the first orders of Develop advertising packages. business in organizing election Present candidates with the coverage is convening a joint spectrum of opportunities from meeting of the news and print editions to audio and video on advertising staffs. Reporters can the Web to social media channels. familiarize sales representatives Present yourself as a one-stop-shop with the candidates and the issues. for their advertising needs. Ad reps can likely provide some Create a separate tab on your valuable information for the news website for election coverage. staff, too. Promote advertising and candidate Here is one checklist as messages here as well. newspapers prepare to pitch Be aware of legislative and/or political advertising. Convene a congressional seats in targeted or brainstorming session, and you’ll swing districts. Extra advertising likely generate more ideas: dollars may be available from Introduce yourself to the the respective political parties or candidates. Make an appointment special-interest groups. to connect face-to-face as soon as Know your market share. Most they announce their candidacies. community newspapers are the
primary source of local news; make the argument that candidates should divide their advertising dollars accordingly. Promoting a candidate is no different than promoting a new store or a new product. Candidates stand their best chance of securing votes if they are in front of their constituencies early and often. A successful advertising campaign will introduce the candidates and underscore what they bring to the table for their constituencies, the voters. In that regard, newspapers should be unabashed in promoting their ability to deliver those votes. Even in today’s fractured media landscape, community newspapers remain the primary source of local news. That’s underscored by MRI – Survey of the American Consumer: “Nationwide, newspapers have been ranked as the media used most by the ‘Influential’ community. Local newspapers, overwhelmingly, still hold the largest share of the adult audience in their market compared to any other local media.” You should be first at the doorstep of the candidates, announcing why your newspaper is in the best position to deliver consistent and credible messaging for their campaigns. Jim Pumarlo writes, speaks and provides training on community newsroom success strategies. He is author of “Journalism Primer: A Guide to Community News Coverage,” “Votes and Quotes: A Guide to Outstanding Election Coverage” and “Bad News and Good Judgment: A Guide to Reporting on Sensitive Issues in Small-Town Newspapers.” He can be reached at www.pumarlo.com and welcomes comments and questions at jim@pumarlo.com.
May/June 2014
colorado editor
CU Later
School’s Journalism & Mass Communications grads ready to make their marks in the world
Above: Senior Wylie Urig celebrates after walking during the University of ColoradoBoulder’s Journalism & Mass Communication graduation ceremony on May 8 in Macky Auditorium. Right: Andrew Haubner, president of the journalism board, speaks during the ceremony.
Above: A JMC student wears a decorated hat during the JMC graduation ceremony. Left: Graduates swap their tassles after receiving their diplomas. Photos by Kai Casey, CU Independent
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colorado editor
May/June 2014
Digital advancing rapidly DIGITAL from Page 1
quickly.” He added, “The transition to digital and to mobile-only users continues to advance at a rapid pace.” And Daniel R. Mueller, of Demand Media, Inc. – a digital content and media and domain services company – recently noted: “Print and digital advertising are better suited to reaching different demographic groups than other forms of advertising. Digital advertising helps cast a wider geographic net toward a specific kind of customer, whereas traditional print advertising is often more effective at driving business at a local level. Exploring how each form of ad reaches the reader, and how much those ads cost versus how much they return on the investment, is important in deciding what ad scheme is best for a particular company or product.” Closer to home, we asked several newspaper professionals for their views on the subject. Brenda Brandt – past CPA Board chairman, publisher of The Holyoke Enterprise, and coowner of Johnson Publications, Inc. – looked at the reader’s point of view when she said: “More and more readers are getting their first look of the news via the paper’s website, whether it be through a free or partially free web edition or an e-edition of the print version. Advertising targeting this evergrowing group of readers is the key leading into the future.” At the Denver Post, Adam Lee (Digital Marketing Strategy/Major Accounts) agreed to contribute an overall view of the current importance of digital advertising in the industry, and also take a look at where it might be headed: “Digital advertising in the publishing space is extremely important to the overall health of our business,” said Lee. “Not only do we need to consistently increase digital revenue to negate print losses for our own internal purposes, but we also need to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to digital solutions for our clients. With our readers accessing our content in various ways (tablet, smartphones, desktop, social media, etc.), we must continue to have a solution for our advertisers to reach all of our audience no matter the medium.” Lee said Digital First Media and The Denver Post has been a leader in audience extension. “As digital solutions started to flood the marketplace, we quickly realized that there was a real opportunity to grow and diversify our portfolio of solutions that fall outside of the publishing space (SEO, SEM, Social Media, Video, Native Advertising, etc.),” he said. “Having the knowledge, tools and vision to help clients of all sizes with all aspects of their digital marketing, while also utilizing our built-in everyday audience from our publications, gave us a significant leg up on our competitors.” Assisting ad clients in reaching
readers – everyday readers
The basic premise of newspapers being a print only vehicle is wrong. We are a media company with strengths and scale in multiple platforms.” Brad Howard, The Gazette
and beyond – is what will keep the industry moving forward, Lee said. And so will content. “Quality content from trusted journalists is becoming increasingly harder to find, and we strongly believe that there will continue to be a demand for this type of content for as long as we will live. Combine that audience with quality and diverse marketing solutions, and it seems we have a template for success.” Brad Howard, vice-president of Sales and Marketing at The Gazette in Colorado Springs, said the newspaper’s approach to digital sales – including Gazette Media – “refers to the multiple delivery methods of our content, which ultimately allows businesses to advertise their messages to our readers. “While our paid daily product is still our largest delivery vehicle, we offer many options to give our readers the information that they want, when and how they want it.” Howard said the Gazette offers many options in the digital space, including businesses website development, search engine marketing, social media marketing, reputation intelligence, retargeting site and search campaigns, email marketing, daily deal coupons, video development and analytics to show performance of these products and specific advertising campaigns. “Having Gazette.com – Colorado Springs’ largest media website – allows us to reach the community and give people content using their desktops, laptops, notebooks, mobile phones, apps and email,” he said. “Recently we launched coloradodrives.com for readers looking for used, new and certified vehicles. It will be the largest online auto marketplace in our region.” However, Howard also defends the relevancy of both newspapers and print advertising. “Successful newspaper companies, such as The Gazette, have evolved with our communities and offer both reach and targeted solutions, as specific as the zip code level,” he said. “An advertisement that runs on a Sunday reaches 40 percent of El Paso and Teller counties and increases to 53 percent when it runs four consecutive Sundays (source: Scarborough). This same advertisement reaches more than double the Colorado Springs adults than a spot on each of our local television’s late news programs.” Howard said it’s “a consistent message” to readers that print
works. He also said, “The basic premise of newspapers being a print only vehicle is wrong. We are a media company with strengths and scale in multiple platforms.” As far as Colorado Press Association goes, the company conducts its advertising work through SYNC2 Media, “a fullservice print and digital placement agency offering a full spectrum of audience extension platforms.” With “the most comprehensive knowledge of Colorado news media,” SYNC2 Media has a negotiation sales team that works to ensure the client receives “the best rates, placement dates and logistics of all print and digital buys.” The agency handles state, regional, national and global placements, and offers white-labeled digital audience extension tools for advertising agencies, media companies and partner affiliates. According to its website, “SYNC2 Media is not your ordinary media buying agency, in fact we are truly unique. We know and understand local print audiences and how to bridge the gap between these unique audiences to progressive digital platforms using data technology. Our goal is simple: facilitate cost-effective, streamlined multimedia campaigns that produce tangible results.” Specifically, SYNC2 Media offers: print buys in-state and outof-state, as well as statewide print networks; search engine marketing and social media campaigns; direct email marketing; targeted display, mobile and tablet advertising; automotive leads packages; lead generation; and mobile websites. “We offer dozens of print and digital products across multiple platforms at a variety of price points,” said Elizabeth Bernberg, SYNC2’s vice president of Sales and Marketing. “Most importantly, we’ll help you develop a custom media plan guaranteed to reach your audience and maximize your dollars.” Bernberg pointed to a recent article from Poynter regarding the future of digital advertising. Edmonds penned a column titled, “Forecast: Papers will lose more than half their share of digital ads in next 5 years.” In it, he referenced Borrell Associates’ annual review and forecast: “Borrell sees the next wave of digital ad growth concentrated in mobile and social media or the two together. By 2018, 80 percent of all digital ad messages will be received on a mobile device, the firm predicts.” As far as what lies ahead on the digital advertising front, Edmonds himself predicted that: “In a period of explosive expansion in which digital advertising will pull even with all advertising in traditional formats, newspapers and legacy media will get only a little of that increase.” So it looks like it all adds up to this: While the industry’s jury is still “out” on a definitive opinion on the subject, digital newspaper advertising remains “in.”
Did the dog eat your homework? It’s no secret that the more sales monitors, poring over online and people know about their prospects database research, surrounded by – before they begin a charts and graphs. sales presentation – the Their mantra is not better their chances for “Ready, aim, fire.” It’s successful outcomes. In “Ready, aim, aim.” This advertising, this means approach creates the risk learning prospects’ of losing relevant, usable business and marketing information in a mountain histories, identifying of details. major competitors and analyzing what they want 5. Poor time John to accomplish in their management. You may Foust advertising. be familiar with the time Since pre-presentation management grid which homework is such a crucial illustrates four categories: step in the sales process, (1) Urgent and Important, why don’t more sales people make (2) Urgent but not Important, (3) it a top priority? There are several Important but not Urgent and (4) possible reasons: not Urgent and not Important. It’s human nature to concentrate on the 1. Impatience. High-energy tasks that are in the urgent category, sales people thrive on the adrenaline regardless of their importance. of the pitch and are eager to get to Something shouts “do this now,” the main event. After all, isn’t that and we do it – often without asking where their powers of persuasion ourselves if it can wait. come into play? And isn’t that where Good time managers discipline decisions are made? themselves to focus on tasks that Impatience has a big downside. are important but not urgent. It sends a signal that sales people Preparation time can easily be put are (1) unprepared and (2) on the back burner, but they don’t concerned only about themselves. let that happen. That’s a negative first impression that is difficult to overcome in a 6. Lack of desire. Every job has presentation. its most favorite and least favorite parts. Strong sales people persevere 2. Overconfidence. This through the parts they don’t like, is particularly common with because they see how those duties experienced account executives; fit into the big picture. Weak sales they feel like they can wing it, people simply avoid the things they instead of spending time gathering don’t like. information. They have dealt with so many widget dealers that they 7. Lack of perspective. Too think they can skip the discovery many sales people – veterans as step. well as rookies – simply don’t realize the importance of research. 3. Lack of knowledge and The message here for them is: skills. Sales people may skip this knowledge is power. That goes for step because they don’t know the knowledge of the sales process, techniques to gather information. as well as knowledge of their They may not have learned how prospective advertisers. to ask open-ended questions to encourage prospects to talk. They © Copyright 2014 by John Foust. may be poor listeners. They may not know where to find information All rights reserved. (online research, networking, etc.). John Foust has conducted training programs for thousands of newspaper 4. Research paralysis. Some advertising professionals. Many ad people are more comfortable with departments are using his training technology than they are with videos to save time and get quick people. Rather than avoid gathering results from in-house training. information, they overdo it. You’ll E-mail for information: find them at their desks, basking in the glow of their computer jfoust@mindspring.com
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colorado editor
May/June 2014
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Open Meetings Law a session surprise SESSION from Page 1 Before the session began, nobody expected the General Assembly to enact a major clarification of the Open Meetings Law, also known as the Sunshine Law. But HB 14-1390 became necessary at the end of March, when a Jefferson County District Court judge dismissed a citizen’s lawsuit against Arvada for allegedly violating a 2012 ban on the use of secret ballots. The judge said the Arvada City Council “may have violated the secret ballot provision” when it marked unsigned sheets of paper four times Jan. 10 to eliminate candidates for a vacant council seat. But she ruled against Arvada resident Russell Weisfield because he couldn’t prove he had been personally harmed by the council’s hidden votes. The surprise ruling, which The Gazette in Colorado Springs called “obnoxious and dangerous,” threatened to make the Sunshine Law “a dead letter” in the words of CFOIC President Steve Zansberg. But the legislature took care of that by explicitly stating that anyone has legal standing to challenge violations of the Open Meetings Law. Introduced late in the session, HB 141390 zipped through the legislative process with no opposition.
School board executive sessions HB 14-1110 and SB 14-182 were among the most controversial – and politically charged – transparency bills of the session. Both were introduced in response to a perception that some boards of education have held secret meetings in violation of the Sunshine Law. The House bill died in the Senate with opposition coming from lawyer lawmakers up in arms about a provision requiring the electronic recording of all portions of school board executive sessions, including attorney-client discussions. Keeping the recorder going would chill those privileged conversations, they argued, even though a judge’s OK would have been necessary to release any recordings to the public. The Senate bill, dubbed a “Mini-Me” version of HB 14-1110 by sponsoring Rep. Cherylin Peniston, D-Westminster, merely adds the requirement that executive session minutes reflect the amount of time spent discussing each topic, in addition to a broad description of each topic as required under current law. The House re-passed SB 14-182 on the last day of the session, agreeing to Senate language stating that any electronic recordings of school board executive sessions must be kept for at least 90 days.
Journalist shield law Sen. Bernie Herpin, a Colorado Springs Republican who came to the legislature via a recall election last year, was so moved by the plight of Fox News reporter Jana Winter that he made strengthening Colorado’s journalist shield law his first priority as a state lawmaker. Winter faced the possibility of jail time for failing to reveal her sources for an article about a notebook that James Holmes mailed to his psychiatrist before the Aurora movie theater shooting in July 2012. Because the story was based on information told to Winter in confidence
Law should aid records access RECORDS from Page 1 courts that many lawyers say is ambiguous. As a result, fees for public records have been “all over the map,” according to a 2013 report by Colorado Ethics Watch. Hourly research prices can reach $50 in Aurora while Denver charges $35 per hour after the first 30 minutes. Lakewood also starts charging after the first half hour, but its fees are based on the “hourly rate, including benefits, of the least technically trained person capable of performing the search/retrieval.” The governor’s office and several state agencies require $20 per hour to process records requests that take more than two hours of staff time, but fees vary among other state government entities. Under the new law: The maximum hourly research-andretrieval rate is set at $30, with the rate adjusted for inflation every five years. The first hour of work must be provided at no charge. Governments are prohibited from charging research and retrieval fees without first posting their fee policies on the Internet or publishing them in some other form. It sounds cut and dried, but CFOIC President and First Amendment lawyer Steve Zansberg notes that the legislation signed by Gov. John Hickenlooper capped
the hourly rate but didn’t address the total cost of filling a records request – a function of hours multiplied by the hourly rate. Case law, he says, still requires that the total charge be “nominal” (legally defined as “trifling, especially as compared to what would be expected”). That means you still might find yourself disputing total charges levied by a government or an agency. And, in some circumstances, it might be worth it to fight a legal battle over those costs. This summer, check on your local government entities – cities, counties, school districts, special districts, etc. – to see if they are complying with the new law. Are those governments that currently charge more than $30 per hour rewriting – and publishing – new policies that reflect lower fees? Conversely, are those governments that now charge less than $30 per hour and provide two hours free switching to the maximum rate and giving away just one hour? Contact CFOIC and let us know what you find out. We’ll keep track of compliance statewide while also working proactively to get governments and agencies to adopt a model CORA policy based on the new statute. Email Jeff at jroberts@coloradofoic. org. Follow @CoFOIC on Twitter. Like CFOIC’s Facebook page.
and civil union license applications that now become public records after 50 years. The applications may contain personal information such as Social Security number, mother’s maiden name and date of birth. HB 14-1112 requires county clerks to redact the first five digits of a Social Security number on an electronic copy of a public document, if a person makes a request.
Remote testimony on state legislation HB 14-1303 is an overdue measure that will let Colorado residents who live far from the state Capitol testify on proposed legislation using conferencing technology. The remote sites, to be introduced in phases, most likely would be at state colleges and universities. At least one site would be on the Western Slope.
Lobbyist disclosure SB 14-217, which won final passage on the last day of the session, establishes new disclosure rules for lobbyists, including a requirement that professional lobbyists list other lobbyists they work for as subcontractors.
Sealing pot records Introduced a week before the session ended, SB 14-218 didn’t last long. The bill would have eased the process for sealing the records of marijuana crimes now legal in Colorado under Amendment 64. It was intended to help people who have trouble getting jobs, loans and housing because their records reveal minor marijuana convictions. But opponents said laws already on the books allow for the sealing of petty-offense convictions. Others said the proposal should be studied more thoroughly over the summer. SB 14-129 automatically seals the first-offense records of minors charged with pot use or possession after a deferred judgment, payment of a fine or completion of substance abuse education. Offenders may petition a court to seal records of subsequent offenses.
by law enforcement sources, attorneys for Holmes subpoenaed the New York-based reporter to testify in Colorado, saying the unidentified officers had violated a judge’s gag order. SB 14-034, as introduced, would have made Colorado’s shield law more like New York’s, giving journalists here the same absolute protection against being compelled to reveal confidential sources and unreported information. Herpin agreed to a weaker version of the bill before it died in the Senate Judiciary Committee in late January.
Apr. 11, is aimed at Internet sites that publish booking photos and then charge people to take them down. Under the new law, which takes effect Sept. 1, obtaining an arrest mug shot with the intention of posting it online and charging a fee to remove it would be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000. The status of mug shots as public records is not affected, but news organizations and others who request booking photos from law enforcement agencies must promise in writing not to violate the law.
Transportation transparency
Passive surveillance images
Private association records
HB 14-1152, signed by Hickenlooper on Apr. 4, mandates the purging of most images captured by government cameras after three years. Access to the images is restricted after the first year unless they are shown to be needed as evidence in felony criminal proceedings or in civil, labor or administrative proceedings. The privacy legislation includes passive surveillance images taken by photo radar cameras, license plate readers and HALO street cameras operated by police. Images currently available under public records laws – before restrictions kick in a year after an image is created – would continue to be available.
SB 14-070 died a quick death early in the session. The bill would have opened records kept by private associations that have memberships consisting primarily of state or local elected officials and collect at least 10 percent of their annual revenues from “public moneys.”
Public outcry over the handling of the Boulder Turnpike toll-lane expansion project led to SB 14-197, which was sent to the governor at the end of the session. Residents complained that they didn’t find out about key details of a 50-year agreement between the Colorado Department of Transportation and an Australian-based company until the project’s final planning stages. For future public-private transportation projects, the bi-partisan bill is intended to give the public more information and more opportunities to weigh in. It also would require more communication with state legislators, and any deal longer than 35 years would need the General Assembly’s OK.
Mug shots for profit HB 14-1047, which Hickenlooper signed
Identity theft HB 14-1073 and HB 14-1112, both of which were signed by Hickenlooper, are aimed at curbing identity theft from public documents. HB 14-1073 closes marriage
Meetings of new healthcare commission SB 187 creates a new commission to study and make recommendations for controlling health-care costs. Up to five of the commission’s 12 members could meet to review data without having to comply with the Open Meetings Law. Visit CFOIC’s legislature page for details on these and other bills from the 2014 session with the potential to affect the flow or availability of information in Colorado.
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colorado editor
May/June 2014
CPA Marketplace LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE EDITOR BALLANTINE COMMUNICATIONS INC., a multi media company based in Durango, Co., owns and operates award-winning print publications, innovative digital marketing agencies and online video channels focused on the Four Corners area. BCI, with 60 years of experience using media to inform and strengthen communities, is always looking for talented, driven and creative individuals to help continue our legacy business lines and help forge new exciting paths for the future. BCI is looking for a LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE EDITOR. This position is a full time benefited position. Durango has a year-round vibrant lifestyle and we want to showcase it with your help. The perfect person would have prior magazine experience, a love of fashion, food, gala events as well as indoor/outdoor activities and style. For more information or to apply, please go to http:// careers.bcimedia.com BCI is an EOE employer.
and publishers of 22 weekly local community newspapers and 24 websites is seeking to find a Classified Sales Representative & Territory Sales Representative. Colorado Community Media offers competitive pay and benefits package. No phone calls please.
PRESS SUPERVISOR CMNM’s state of the art printing facility in Gypsum, CO is seeking a Press Supervisor to print Vail, Summit, Glenwood, and Aspen Dailies and magazines. Come Live, Work, and Play in America’s playground. We are a part of Swift Communications: http://www.swiftcom.com/ Candidate will be a crew Leader responsible for all functions on the press for the assigned shifts including SAFETY, performance, training, and communication to and from the company, while printing our daily products. Be resourceful, mechanical, self-reliant , and enjoy printing high quality work with pride. Be able to work quickly and safely, and be eager to grow and learn more about the business. This position is full-time with competitive benefits including health, dental and 401k. To apply: send letter of interest and C.V. or resume to Bill Walker, Plant Manager at bwalker@ CMNM.org EOE.
Territory Sales Representative will receive: • Unlimited earning potential (no cap on commissions) • Salary • Benefits package offered • Sell multiple programs to a wide array of clients – print, digital, direct mail, inserts, special projects and much more! • Able to sell multiple programs to all advertisers within territory – print, digital, direct mail, inserts, special projects and much more! (did we mention no cap on commissions?) • Current established accounts Helpful skills include: • Strong outbound contact with new and existing clients • Handle a fast paced environment in an ever changing industry • Be able to multi-task
CLASSIFIED SALES REPRESENTATIVE & TERRITORY SALES REPRESENTATIVE Join the Team Colorado Community Media, Colorado’s second largest newspaper group
Classified Sales Representatives will receive: • Unlimited earning potential (no cap on commissions) • Hourly pay • Benefits package offered • Sell multiple programs to a wide array of clients • Current established accounts Helpful skills include: • Strong outbound contact with new and existing clients • Handle a fast paced environment in an ever changing industry • Be able to multi-task
CIRCULATION MANAGER Colorado Community Media is a group of weekly community newspapers and websites serving the suburbs of the Denver and Colorado Springs Metropolitan areas. Of our 22 publications,
9 are paid and the rest are free. Paid newspapers are all mailed and the balance are carrier delivered. Total circulation is 200,000. We seek a Circulation Manager. The best candidate will have the following skills: • Build paid circulation for awards winning weekly newspapers • Come prepared with toolbox of programs that build paid circulation • Understanding of USPS regulations and requirements • Ability to analyze rack and counter sales in order to maximize those sales • Hire and motivate carriers for free, home delivered papers • Be a positive addition to our bright and motivated management team We offer health/dental insurance plus vacation benefits. This position will report directly to the Owner/Publisher. We have 6 offices in the state. The main office for this position is in Highlands Ranch. Please send resume and cover letter to: Jerry Healey, Owner/Publisher Colorado Community Media jhealey@coloradocommunitymedia.com No phone calls please. HELP WANTED We believe in small town newspapers and are looking for someone that shares that belief. We are a small but successful NE Neb. newspaper group looking for an ambitious reporter. Successful candidate would be on the fast track to editor. Send resume, cover letter, clips to ccnews@mac.com. Rob Dump, Northeast Neb. News Company, PO Box 977, Hartington, NE, 68739 REPORTER The Durango Herald seeks a reporter with digital experience to cover state government and politics in Colorado. The Denver-based job requires proven ability to mine and interpret data, research public records and cultivate sources. We seek a reporter who can handle a changing mix of day-to-day breaking news, enterprise and investigative stories while reaching a growing
digital audience. Experience working in a merged digital and print news company is desirable. A clear understanding of the importance of updating news quickly on the website and through social media is a must. The Herald is the flagship daily of Ballantine Communications Inc. It has a proud tradition of journalistic excellence and repeatedly has been honored as the best small daily in Colorado. Ballantine Communications Inc. owns and operates award-winning print publications, innovative digital marketing agencies and online video channels focused on the Four Corners region. If interested, please email a cover letter, resume, reporting clips and examples of multimedia work to Don Lindley, editor, at dlindley@durangoherald. com. The Herald is an equal opportunity employer. ASSOCIATE DESIGNER High Country News, a nonprofit magazine that covers the West’s environment, public lands and communities, seeks a multitalented visual journalist to join the team in rural Paonia, Colorado. Work with art director to design and produce pages in our twice-monthly magazine; find/assign great photojournalism for magazine and website, including photo stories for print and web; convert and upload our print magazine to web, and perform miscellaneous tasks to close out each issue. We need someone with a good news sense who can work closely with art director and editors, who understands the West and the issues we cover, and who can maintain the quality, high-level journalism and storytelling we’re known for. Newsroom and photo research/editing experience, Creative Suite proficiency and familiarity with High Country News are top requirements. Full-time, fully benefited position. Enthusiasm for small-town living is a must. This is a Paonia-based job; no telecommuting. Email cover letter, résumé and clips to Associate Designer, jobs@hcn.org. HCN is an equal opportunity employer. People of color and individuals from other underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Application deadline is June 27. For full details & job descrip tion visit: http://hcn. adqic.com/finder/ad_1812775.html