editor colorado
Official publication of the Colorado Press Association / coloradopressassociation.com / Vol. LXXXIV, No. 9
Left: From left: Kara Mason, CSU-Pueblo, student editor; Leticia Steffen, CSU-Pueblo, Mass Communication associate professor; and Richard Joyce, CSU-Pueblo, Mass Communication associate professor. Center: Colorado Press Association Counsel, Steven D. Zansberg, of Levine Sullivan Koch Schulz, LLC , presents to more than 80 journalists about Colorado Freedom of Information Laws at Colorado NewsTrain Sept. 28. Right: APME Director, Michael Roberts, engages the audience with his opening session: Five Stages of a Story. More than 80 journalists attended Colorado NewsTrain in Colorado Springs Sept. 27-28.
Ideas, energy fuel NewsTrain A majestic setting, world class speakers and more than 80 Colorado and Wyoming journalists set the stage for NewsTrain 2013 at University of Colorado – Colorado Springs. NewsTrain, a national touring workshop sponsored by APME and hosted by Colorado Press Association and The Gazette, provided journalists from 29 organizations with worldclass training in a variety of critical areas including video storytelling, data-driven reporting and social media.
PAGE 3
October 2013
Contest deadline nears
NewsTrain 2013
Event equips attendees with valuable new tools, skills
Inside: Moloney created legacy behind lense.
“I can’t recall a time when I’ve This year’s committee was made Tweets been surrounded by so many up of more than a dozen newspaper from the Colorado journalists brimming with and collegiate professionals who Colorado ideas and energy and passion for helped to drive a curriculum that this industry and our future,” said would address some of the biggest Springs CPA Executive Director, Samantha training needs across diverse NewsTrain Johnston. newsrooms. Topics included Page 6 multiple sessions on data-driven The event, held annually in reporting, video storytelling, locations determined by an APME Colorado FOI laws and basic story writing. selection committee based on an application “It’s one thing to stand in front of a class process, travels around the country and tell stories about cool projects you did,” conducting seminars based on specific needs said APME Director, Michael Roberts. determined by a curriculum committee comprised of staff from large and small newsrooms across the state. NEWSTRAIN on Page 6
The CPA annual Better Newspaper Contest deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 15. Changes to the contest’s overall point calculations as well as the addition of an Online division should bode well for this year’s competition if survey feedback is any indication. “The annual post-contest survey made two things abundantly clear: if we didn’t include website points in the General Excellence point totals, we would have a contest boycott on our hands; and the awards ceremony is just too darn long,” said CPA Executive Director, Samantha Johnston. “So, we made some changes that are long overdue and I’m very excited to see how this changes the dynamics of the competition.” Since website categories were added more than a decade ago, points awarded for placing in the categories were not counted in overall point totals, meaning that neither winning entries nor lack of entries for a newspaper impacted that paper’s opportunity to win a Sweepstakes or General Excellence Award. “For many years, the philosophy was that many smaller newspapers didn’t have the staff or the resources to create and maintain a website, so it was unfair to penalize them by awarding points to papers that did have such resources,” Johnston said. “In 2013, we’re not doing any newspaper – large or small – favors by pretending that a web presence isn’t important. The digital era is here. It’s been here. It’s going to be here. We CONTEST on Page 7
IAPA convenes in Denver
Moore honored for First Amendment work Editor’s Note: Bob Moore is a Colorado Press Association Past President and has strong roots in Colorado journalism.
El Paso Times duo wins James Madison award. The Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas on Aug. 9 drew journalists, open government advocates and media attorneys to Austin to evaluate actions of the current Texas Legislature and to honor outstanding First Amendment work. The daylong conference incorporated seminars with panelists speaking about recent legislative
issues, transparency in higher education, how to follow money using public records, and a luncheon honoring multiple award recipients. Each panelist and speaker capitalized on the necessity for a more transparent and open government – while highlighting the role that newspapers play in public accountability. The James Madison Award went to both Robert Moore and Zahira Torres of the El Paso Times. Moore, who serves as editor of the Times, said “Zahira and I are so humbled to receive this award.” “The Freedom of Information MOORE on Page 8
Bob Moore
The Inter America Press Association (IAPA) is holding its 69th General Assembly in Denver Oct. 18-22. Special rates will be offered to Colorado journalists and Colorado Press Association members. The IAPA conference offers a unique opportunity to network with journalists form across Latin America and engage in discussions about the media business with some of the industry’s top talent. Guests and speakers will include Associated Press CEO and President Gary Pruitt, Washington Post Deputy Managing Editor Milton Coleman, Newspaper Association of American President Caroline H. Little, Pew Research Center’s director of journalism research Amy Mitchell, former State Governor of New Mexico Bill Richardson, Senator Michael Bennet,
Former Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo, owners and publishers of the top media across Latin America, and many more. Topics will include the status of press freedoms across the Americas, including recent cases of government spying on U.S. journalists, the implications of legalization of marijuana, U.S. immigration reform and the significant changes in the news industry in the 21st century. This year’s program includes a series of seminars that will focus on technology and new tools to make the print media more effective and productive. Presenters will review the use of new video channels in the news media as a strategy for audience growth; present alternative models for the growth of news com-
IAPA on Page 5
2
colorado editor
October 2013
Industry Talk On campus
colorado editor
Colorado Press Association Executive Director Samantha Johnston presents an overview of the Colorado newspaper industry to graduate students and faculty at the Colorado State University Journalism and Technical Communication Department’s Back to School Media Review held Aug. 21 at the CSU Online Plus building in Ft. Collins.
ISSN #162-0010 USPS # 0122-940 Vol. LXXXIV, Issue 9 October 2013 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
Greg Luft
Subscription rate: $10 per year, $1 single copy Staff Samantha Johnston Publisher/Executive Director sjohnston@colopress.net Brian Clark Design Editor Board of Directors OFFICERS Chair Brenda Brandt The Holyoke Enterprise bbholent@chase3000.com President Bryce Jacobson The Tribune bjacobson@greeleytribune.com Vice President Terri House The Pagosa Springs SUN terri@pagosasun.com Treasurer Keith Cerny Alamosa Valley Courier krcemail56@gmail.com Secretary Bart Smith The Tribune bsmith@greeleytribune.com DIRECTORS Mark Drudge Cortez Journal mdrudge@cortezjournal.com Laurena Mayne Davis The Daily Sentinel laurena.davis@gjsentinel.com Paula Murphy Trinidad Times Independent paulamurphy@ratonrange.com Matt Lubich The Johnstown Breeze mlubich@johnstownbreeze.com Don Lindley The Durango Herald dlindley@durangoherald.com Larry Ryckman The Denver Post lryckman@denverpost.com Periodical postage paid at Denver, CO 80202. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Colorado Editor 1336 Glenarm Place Denver, CO 80204-2115
Georgia publisher named NNA president
PHOENIX, AZ—Robert M. Williams Jr., chair and publisher of SouthFire Newspaper Group in Blackshear, GA, was elected as president of the National Newspaper Association, during the association’s 127th annual convention and trade show Sept. 14, 2012. He had been vice president. Williams succeeded Merle Baranczyk, publisher of the Salida (CO) Mountain Mail, who became immediate past president. Elected vice president was John Edgecombe Jr., publisher of the Nebraska Signal in Geneva, NE. He had been treasurer. Elected treasurer was Chip Hutcheson, publisher of the Princeton (KY) Times Leader. He had been Region 3 director (Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia). During his acceptance speech at the association’s business meeting, Williams thanked not only those in attendance for being community newspaper publishers, but all those who own and work at community papers. From an extensive list of reasons on why community newspapers and those who work at them are important, he said, “Thank you for being the greatest link—and the strongest protection—between your readers and those with the power to tax and regulate and govern—and the few who choose to abuse that power. Thank you for speaking truth to power without fear or favor. Newspapers are often the only ones in a community willing to do that. “Thank you for being the first transcribers of the only history your communities will likely ever record. The words and photos we preserve today are the priceless artifacts of lives treasured for generations to come. “Thank you for providing a low-cost, effective and reliable connection between hundreds of sometimes struggling small town businesses and the buying public. You are a vital link between buyer and seller and, most important, you are an invested partner in the success of your friends and neighbors. Thank you for working hard to help them succeed.
Incoming NNA President Robert M. Williams Jr., right, hands outgoing NNA President Merle Baranczyk a gavel plaque to symbolize his year in office. Standing with Baranczyk is his wife, Mary.
“You do it week after week with sensitivity and caring and fairness and accuracy. Thank you for that. “Thank you for not blindly following the lemmings over the cliff … Those doomsayers who love to shout that newspapers’ best days are behind them. But what do they not say—that TV viewership is being splintered into hundreds of channels—with far more of them focused on promoting sex and silliness than vital information that makes our families stronger, our values deeper … our home lives happier. When was the last time television covered good news in your community? “We are the only true mass medium in thousands of markets nationwide!” Williams also noted that: “The work of our National Newspaper Association has paid countless dividends to our newspapers for decades. Many are unaware of the significant discounts and privileges NNA has won with the U.S. Postal Service that we now take for granted. We cannot count the dollars we’ve saved through rate increases delayed or avoided entirely. Newspaper readers and the public at large have benefitted from our advocacy on Capitol Hill in ways that have strengthened our country’s Democratic principles. “This work is hard. And it is
costly. Our numbers, although stable and even growing some, still include too few of our brethren. Too many newspaper companies wish to ride on your shoulders. Every member needs to be an advocate for protecting and promoting the work of newspapers in general and NNA specifically. Too many want you to pay the cost for them. “I ask you simply: Go home and be an advocate for your industry. Be an advocate for community newspapers. Be an advocate for NNA.” Elected to his first three-year term is Philip Vega, publisher of the Siera Vista (AZ) Herald as Region 11 director (Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Guam). He succeeds Sharon DiMauro, publisher of the Fort Bragg (CA) Advocate-News and the Mendocino (CA) Beacon, who completed her second threeyear term on the board. Elected to their second threeyear terms were Pat Desmond, publisher the Milton (MA) Times, as Region 1 director (Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont); and David Puddu as Region 10 director (Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming). Continuing on the board are Carl Aiello, president of Times Community Publications of the Hudson Valley in Newburgh, NY, as Region 2 director (Delaware,
Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York and the District of Columbia); Susan Rowell, publisher/regional manager, The Lancaster News/Carolina Gateway Lancaster, SC, as Region 4 director (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina and Puerto Rico). Rowell was appointed to serve the unexpired term of Bill Jacobs, publisher of Southwest Publishers Inc. in Brookhaven, MS. Jacobs had recently sold his newspaper company; Jeffrey “Jeff ” Farren, president and publisher of Kendall County Record Newspapers Inc. in Yorkville, IL, as Region 5 director (Indiana, Michigan, Illinois and Ohio); Andrew Johnson, Dodge County Pionier in Mayville, WI, as Region 6 director (Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin). He succeeds Steve Andrist, former president of Journal Publishing Inc., publisher of The Journal in Crosby, ND, and The Tioga (ND) Tribune. Andrist recently sold the family newspaper company and was named executive director of the North Dakota Newspaper Association; Dane Vernon, Vernon Publishing Inc. in Eldon, MO, as Region 7 director (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska); David Fisher, president and publisher of Fisher Publishing in Danville, AR, as Region 8 director (Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas); and Tom Mullen with the Phillipsburg (MT) Mail as Region 9 director (Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington). Appointed to the board was Jerry Tidwell, publisher of the Hood County News in Granbury, TX, as an at-large director. Remaining on the board as atlarge directors were Jeff Fishman, publisher of The Tullahoma (TN) News; and Deb McCaslin, publisher of The Custer County Chief in Broken Bow, NE. Continuing on the board were David Bordewyk, executive director for the South Dakota Newspaper Association, representing the Newspaper Association Managers; and Michael Bush, president and chief executive officer for Civitas Media LLC in Davidson, NC, as an at-large director.
colorado editor
October 2013
3
Moloney created legacy behind camera lens By Irv Moss The Denver Post Paul Moloney remembers being a little nervous when he found out photography would be part of his duties when he joined the staff of the Greeley Tribune in 1956. He had worked for the Idaho Falls Post Register for four months at his first job after graduating from the University of Colorado. Even with just limited newspaper experience, Moloney was up to the challenge when Tribune editor Floyd Merrill explained he would be a sports editor and sportswriter. But when Merrill added photography to Moloney’s duties, sirens went off. “I worried about that all night,” Moloney recalled. “I really was shook up. I didn’t know anything about photography.” Moloney not only mastered his new assignment, it turned out to perhaps be his most prominent trademark in 25 years at the Tribune. He won five national awards for his photo coverage of the Colorado State College baseball teams. His camera was loaded and ready to go for any of the Bears’ sports teams. And his photo subjects also included baseball great Stan Musial of the St. Louis Cardinals, thenpresidential candidates Ronald Reagan, Richard Nixon and Jimmy Carter, as well as Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa. “I couldn’t have asked for a better life covering sports and doing my photography,” Moloney said. “I enjoyed it all the way.” The first hurdle was learning how to use a camera. He credits Merrill and Ken Hikida, who operated a camera store in Greeley, with helping him through the early
Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post Paul Moloney worked for the Greeley Tribune from 1956-81, and went on to became a teacher of photography at the Colorado Institute of Art and CU. rough spots. “I was a combination sports editor, writer and photographer during all of my time at the Tribune,” Moloney said. “At first, I was primarily a writer who dabbled in photography. After the paper was out, Floyd and Ken worked with me at nights until I was comfortable shooting pictures.” When Moloney arrived in Greeley, he felt right at home. He found a small-town atmosphere with fans loyal to the college and its high schools. The Bears and Greeley
High School, as well as the college preparatory high school, were the talk of the town. Moloney chronicled some of the greatest sports years at Colorado State College, which is now the University of Northern Colorado. The Bears ruled the Rocky Mountain Conference in 1971-72, when they won the football and baseball conference titles. From 1964-65 to 1967-68 the Bears won conference titles in basketball and baseball. “The 1969 football team was
10-0 under coach Bob Blasi,” Moloney said. “That probably was the highlight for me.” The coaches from Moloney’s era are prominent parts of the college’s sports history. Blasi and Joe Lindahl in football, John Bunn in basketball, John Hancock in wrestling and Pete Butler and Tom Petroff in baseball form an impressive hall of fame. Tony Rossi was a nationally recognized athletic trainer. Moloney’s chance to interview Musial came when the Cardinals great was a guest speaker at a
banquet honoring Butler upon his retirement. Moloney has a special attachment to the Cardinals. Way back in his family tree, members of his family owned the property where old Sportsman’s Park was built in St. Louis. Moloney left the Tribune in 1981, but he didn’t leave photography behind. He became a teacher of photography at the Colorado Institute of Art and later moved his classroom to CU. “I believe I was ready to change careers,” Moloney said. “I found that I also enjoyed teaching.” Small-town guy The pain of arthritis in his hands has minimized his photography today. He also is battling other ailments. “I battle diabetes, heart problems. ... You name it, I’ve got it,” Moloney said. He remains active on the selection committee of the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame — and as the last of the original selection committee members, he is in his 50th year on the committee. Moloney, who played shortstop for the Monte Vista High School baseball team, doesn’t mind being called a small-town guy. “Greeley was a typical small town when I got there,” Moloney said. “I grew up in Monte Vista, and I was used to that. I’ve always preferred to be a small-time somebody rather than a big-time nobody.” Irv Moss: 303-954-1296, imoss@denverpost.com Reprinted with the permission of The Denver Post.
obituary
Former Rocky, AP sportswriter DeBruin dies at 51 SALT LAKE CITY—Lynn DeBruin, who worked for The Associated Press covering sports since 2010 and had been a writer with the Rocky Mountain News and the East Valley Tribune, has died. She was 51. DeBruin died in a Denver hospice early Saturday, said her sister, Linda Luther-Veno, who was present along with friends. DeBruin had been battling cancer. DeBruin joined the AP in 2010 to cover the Jazz, college athletics and winter sports in Utah. She reported on the surprise resignation of Utah Jazz coach Jerry Sloan in 2011 after 1,127 wins. She was the lead reporter for the AP when Brigham Young University made its run to the Sweet 16 behind rising star Jimmer Fredette. Her professional career also included coverage of the World Series, six Super Bowls and golf ’s majors. She spent 10 years as an NFL
beat writer, first in Arizona, then with the Broncos for John Elway’s final Super Bowl. “Lynn was a tenacious journalist who made us all strive to be better, especially as she fought with such courage and strength over the past several months,” said Lou Ferrara, AP’s managing editor for sports and entertainment. “Our thoughts are with her family and her many friends and colleagues.” Luther-Veno said DeBruin’s passions included travel and photography. She also was an avid golfer. Luther-Veno said memorial services will be held in Denver and in DeBruin’s native Pennsylvania. Along with Luther-Veno, DeBruin is survived by her mother, Mary Luther, and a brother, Stephen Luther. Reprinted with the permission of The Associated Press.
Marla Ridenour Associated Press sports writer Lynn DeBruin poses on the summit of Grays Peak in Colorado in this undated photo. DeBruin worked for The Associated Press covering sports since 2010 and had been a writer with the Rocky Mountain News and the East Valley Tribune.
4
colorado editor
October 2013
The newsroom zoo You’ve heard the expression before: “It’s a jungle out there!” Sometimes, it’s a jungle in here. And “here” is our own newsroom. During my more than 24 years as a consultant, I’ve encountered just about every animal in the newsroom zoo. You may not have all of these in your newsroom... but I’m willing to bet you’ve identified at least a couple of these where you ed henninger work. Here they are:
• Ursa obstructionensis: The obstructionist is best recognized by body position: sitting back, arms folded, a quiet yet defiant sneer. This is the newsroom animal who dares you to try to accomplish anytahing—especially in its square acre of jungle. • Mentus nongottus disguisus: This mammal is distinguished by the fact that it mimics real motion and thought. However it has been brain-dead for years. • Esteemus nongottus survivus: This bottom-dwelling organism chooses to go through life like a clam, always closing tightly when challenged. •Meetingus eternalissimus: Its body locked in a permanent sitting position, this organism survives by attending every gathering of the group—and then going into a self-induced coma between those gatherings. •Nonparticipatimus bitchiensis: This jungle denizen lies in wait for others to create something of value—never taking part in their effort but always first to find fault with the result. • Writissimus compulsus: Distinguished by a deep and passionate love for creating written documents of inordinate length, this vertebrate lives with the illusion that the sole purpose of newswriting is the act of writing itself, and not the imparting of useful information to readers. • Paralyzus perpetualiis: This hairy arachnid makes a lifelong endeavor of devising ways to forestall movement. Instead, it outwaits its victims, tiring them with its infinite patience and its inbred inability to make the first move. It rarely leaves its web. However, it kills just as effectively—if more agonizingly and slowly—by practiced delay. • Tempus fugitardimus: A mollusk whose chief characteristic is the ability to always take much more time than is alloted for a specific task. Researchers have observed this being driving others in the newsroom to insanity by its instinct for doing everything at a pace so slow that it cannot be measured by even the most sophisticated scientific instruments. • Dezynus whinissimus: This invertebrate surrounds itself with colorful objects (usually produced by others of its type) and is known to emit harsh and drawn-out nasal sounds when approached. Those sounds are its defense mechanism against any being or event that challenges it to consider designing something different. • Paginatus assemblitudicus: A voiceless mammal possessing two legs and only a vestigial brain. This being will respond only when given clear and point-by-point instructions on placement of elements in its area of responsibility. It is absolutely incapable of coloring outside the lines.
• Managissimus micronos: A crustacean easily recognized by its elongated neck—the result of eons spent peering over the shoulders of other newsroom inhabitants and constantly criticizing and altering their work. This being has never been known to have an original thought, yet it spends its days belittling the work of others. So, there you have it. The newsroom zoo. Perhaps there are other animals who should join them. Suggestions?
We have to do better than this It wasn’t an email I enjoyed reading. Here are the essential paragraphs: “He [the editor] pretty much admitted they don’t know anything about design, just basic layout and what you so aptly called ‘assembling the paper’ each week. They appear to have never thought about what readers respond to at all.... I don’t think they’re even aware of the many readership / visual impact studies that have been conducted over the years. “In fact, get this [bold is the writer’s emphasis]: the writers do all the graphics and the layout on each of their pages/stories!!! They are in charge of the design. “Their fonts are a mess, a pull down menu of 300 fonts to choose from every time they do anything. They have no templates, no stylesheets, nothing, except the nameplate and bottom footer.” The illustration at right replicates an inside page from that newspaper. I replaced the headlines, text and ads with blocks so as not to embarrass anyone. The page was assembled, I assume, by the writer. Two headlines, two stories. A sea of gray and—get this!—the stories jump. No subhead. No photo. No pullout. Not even a mug shot. It’s pretty bad. Actually, it’s worse than pretty bad...it’s a disaster. Sometimes, I’m afraid I’ve become little more than a scold, pointing fingers at people and telling them they gotta do better—but without telling them how. And then I see a page like this and I realize there are some newspapers and some publishers and some editors (you know who you are!) that I just can’t help. Why? Because this page speaks to me of an editor and a publisher who just do not understand the critical importance of design. They see design as an extra, something they can do without. They actually believe that their stories are so important to the community that design just doesn’t matter and that readers will read the stories all the way through even if they were printed upside down. In mirror image. In magenta ink. That’s just not so, and any editor or publisher who thinks so is fooling him/herself. So...how can I help you? By insisting, pleading—begging if I must—that you begin to give design its due. That you leave designing to the designer, and not to your writers. Either that, or get design training for your writers. And begin to realize that design is not about pretty baubles and gaudy bangles—that it is about thinking and planning and placing the reader first because your reader and your advertiser are the same person. It’s the 21st Century. And we just have to do better than this. WANT A FREE evaluation of your newspaper’s design? Just contact Ed: edh@ henningerconsulting.com, or 803-327-3322
Illustration 1: Worse than bad, it’s a disaster.
WANT A FREE evaluation of your newspaper’s design? Just contact Ed: edh@henningerconsulting.com | 803-327-3322 IF THIS COLUMN has been helpful, you may
be interested in Ed’s books: Henninger on Design and 101 Henninger Helpful Hints. With the help of Ed’s books, you’ll immediately have a better idea how to design for your readers. Find out more at www.henningerconsulting.com
colorado editor
October 2013
5
Opportunities available for small papers Over the past 15 years or so, I’ve worked with newspapers of all sizes. My clients have included some of the biggest newspapers, as well as a few of the smallest papers in North America. I would like to dedicate this column to my friends in the community newspaper world. So much is going on in our business - and I receive so many messages asking me to write about my thoughts on these events - that I wanted to take one column to explain how I think some of the big “stories” about kevin the newspaper industry slimp particularly effects those of us at smaller papers.
Cleveland Plain Dealer & The Oregonian cut daily delivery The Newhouse folks, aka Advance Publications, continue to convert their daily newspapers to non-daily distribution. I’ve lost count of the number of Advance papers that have made the move, starting with nine properties in Michigan, then moving through New Orleans, Alabama, Pennsylvania, New York and now, Cleveland. In July, I took a trip - on my own dime - to meet with media, business and civic leaders in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to hear how the loss of a daily paper had effected their community. In a community meeting hosted by the Home Builders of Southwest Michigan, I listened as one attendee after another spoke up about the negative impact felt after The Kalamazoo Gazette made the now familiar move from daily to non-daily delivery. On my way to the meeting, I stopped at a supermarket and purchased a copy of the Wednesday edition of the paper. The 20-page edition was filled with one ad, 1/4 page in size. That’s not a misprint. Other than a few classifieds and public notices, there was one ad in the entire newspaper, not including house ads. There were at least two persons in attendance who owned community newspapers in the area. One of these owned a very healthy free newspaper, while the other owned a successful paid weekly paper. Of particular interest to me was that both were very disappointed with the changes at the Kalamazoo newspaper, but were taking advantage of increased advertising revenues
as a result of the changes. Let’s face it. Advertisers still need to advertise, even if they’ve lost their daily paper. Also in attendance were broadcast media representatives. It was interesting to learn that their revenue had also increased significantly as a direct result, they felt, of the changes at the daily newspaper. In addition, local civic and business leaders, as well as others, shared their concern for a community without a “serious” newspaper.
Jeff Bezos bets $250 million on Washington Post I didn’t plan to write about this. But I’ve received a bunch of emails and other messages asking me to share what I think about the purchase of The Washington Post by Jeff Bezos. In a nutshell, I’m optimistic and worried. Like Warren Buffett, Jeff Bezos is a huge name that brings instant attention to an industry that can use some positive public relations. It’s concerning that someone with no significant background in newspapers will take control of one of the most recognized newspapers in the world. At the same time, Aaron Kushner and Eric Spitz had no previous newspaper experience, yet they’ve made huge advances at The Orange County Register. So my hope is that Bezos will follow the examples of Buffett, Kushner and Spitz and invest in ways to improve the newspaper in the long run, rather than seeing it as a cash cow to be dismantled for a quick return. I’m optimistic that could happen. At the same time, I’ve been around this business long enough to recognize that the most successful papers are those that are run by people in their communities. The further the leadership is from the community, the less successful the papers tend to be. When newspapers get bought up by large corporations with no historical tie to the industry, it’s obviously a concern that they are being purchased simply as a commodity, with no thought to the responsibilities that come with newspaper ownership.
What does this have to do with community newspapers? There are several ways smaller papers can
Special rates available IAPA from Page 1 companies, including practical examples of practices developed in Latin American countries, with a view to maintaining a healthy press; provide training about the use of adaptive Web design versus tablets and the manner in which information will be disseminated in the future; and the use of Big Data (systems that manipulate large amounts of data and
through which its intelligent use enables better audience understanding and behavioral predictions) in the news media. IAPA is offering special Colorado journalist rates for one-day, two-day and full-conference attendees. To register or to learn more about the conference, visit http://www.iapadenver.org/.
take advantage of the atmosphere created by unrest in larger papers. First, I’m a firm believer that what hurts our metro papers hurts all of us. We’re all better off if our large, visible newspapers, are healthy and growing. It presents advertisers with a negative view of print advertising in general when our large brethren are making moves that cause the world to see newspapers as a “dying industry.” But like the publishers I met in Michigan, community papers can benefit by aggressively seeking advertisers in these same areas. Let’s face it, the home builders group in Michigan hosted the meeting in Kalamazoo because they feel like they’ve lost their most precious method of advertising, daily newspapers. While the drop in home delivery can be catastrophic in a metro paper, area community papers can pick up the slack. It’s also the case that, in communities served by metro papers who have decreased home distribution, readers are looking for solid local news. One of the themes I heard time and
About IAPA The Inter American Press Association (IAPA) is the premier organization dedicated to defending freedom of expression and of the press throughout the Americas. IAPA is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization representing more than 1,300 news outlets with a combined circulation of more than 43 million. IAPA’s more than 1,300 members span from Alaska to Patagonia and include major media outlets across Central, North and South America and the Caribbean.
again in Kalamazoo was that the reinvented newspaper had cut their news staff to the point that there wasn’t much real news in it. Community papers can provide the news that readers are looking for. I had a phone conversation with my friend Ed Henninger this morning. Ed has long been a very respected name in the newspaper world. He mentioned to me that he thought the changes in the Newhouse properties would ultimately be a big boost to community papers, who could pick up the slack in news and advertising. If I were to wish, I’d wish that other metro papers would invest and improve in ways that the folks in Orange County are finding profitable. But in places where that is not the case, I would suggest that community newspapers can fill the advertising vacuum by using this opportunity to improve their presence and offer advertisers the resources they are searching for.
About the 69th General Assembly
IAPA Student Scholarship The IAPA General Assembly is an annual info. Page 8 gathering of hundreds of high-level media representatives from across the Americas. Nearly 400 out-of-town attendees are expected for the event, primarily journalists, media owners, publishers, editors and other representatives from Latin American press organizations as well as leading newspapers in the U.S. Guests also will include heads of governments, public officials, and other international figures, including Nobel Prize winners in such areas as politics, technology, media, literature, and the arts. This is the first time IAPA has hosted its annual Summit in Denver. Elizabeth Ballantine, director of The Durango Herald, will be named IAPA president during the conference. For a copy of the agenda or to register, visit www.iapadenver.org
6
colorado editor
October 2013
How to fix a common ad design flaw
The Flaw: An advertiser 2. Readable type. is concerned, because her ad Here are some quick rules seems to blend in with the for print and online ads: others on the page. She says, Upper and lower case type “There’s a lot of information is easier to read than allin the ad, but it gets lost on caps. Sans serif headlines the page.” are generally bolder than The Fix: The problem serif headlines. In long starts with her statement copy, serif fonts are easier that “a lot of information” to read than sans serif john is a good thing. Like many fonts. Copy that is flush foust advertisers, she thinks an ad left (with an equal vertical should be noticed because it margin on the left side) is is loaded with information, easier to read than copy but the opposite is true. A that is flush right. preponderance of information is usually synonymous with clutter. 3. Graphic hook. When Cluttered ads get lost on the page. everything in an ad has the same Let’s look at five tools that can visual weight, it all blends together help an ad break through the clutter: into one nondescript blur. To stand out, simply make one 1. White space. An ad layout element – preferably an illustration can be compared to a room in a or photo – substantially larger than house. Just because it’s possible to the other elements in the ad. This put a coffee table on top of a sofa technique is especially effective doesn’t mean that’s a good idea. when you’re working with smaller And just because you can overlap ads. illustrations and copy blocks in an ad doesn’t mean that’s a smart tactic. 4. Color. Because most pages Just like a room should allow are black and white, it makes sense plenty of space to walk around the to use color to attract attention. furniture, an ad should allow room However, it’s important to use for the reader’s eyes to navigate the restraint. Too much color – like elements. too many graphic elements in an White space equals drawing ad – will result in clutter. And that power. That usually means taking defeats the purpose of using color in something out of the ad to make the first place. room for it. We’ve all seen ads that look like
an explosion in a crayon factory. So when it comes to color, remember that a little bit is often all you need to stand out. 5. Break the rectangle. Think about shapes. The page is rectangular. Most photographs are rectangular. Comics are rectangular. Crossword puzzles have multirectangles. And the majority of ads are rectangular. One way to stand out is to break the rectangular pattern – in a unique, non-symmetrical way. Forget about rounding all four corners or putting everything inside a circle. Instead, let a top-to-bottom illustration with a curved left edge serve as the left side of the ad. Or move the top border down to let a design element “extend” above the border. © Copyright 2013 by John Foust. All rights reserved. John Foust has conducted |training programs for thousands of newspaper advertising professionals. Many ad departments are using his training videos to save time and get quick results from in-house training. E-mail for information: jfoust@mindspring.com
New skills will have immediate impact
NEWSTRAIN from Page 1
“NewsTrain is about giving journalists practical tools and skills that they can take back to their newsrooms and use to make an immediate impact.” The sessions, while titled with familiar terms such as “Social Media,” brought more to the table than just basic information about Twitter and Facebook.
“I wasn’t very excited about going to the social media session,” said, Amy Hamilton, general assignment reporter at The Daily Sentinel. “But I left there realizing that there are some things I can definitely be doing while covering my beat to help our digital team.” A collection of best practices, tips and tricks from attendees will be posted online and will appear in the November edition of Colorado
A sampling of #CONewsTrain Tweets Jesse Byrnes@jessebyrnes Enjoyable time at #CONewsTrain meeting other newsies. Reinvigorating to be among journalists. Thanks, @NewsTrain @csgazette @ColoradoPress. Jason Pohl@pohl_jason #BREAKING: Apparently using word “Breaking” in Tweets gets 40-50% more engagement, even if journos HATE it. #CoNewsTrain via @MistyMontano Kara Mason @karanormal Great time at #CONewsTrain. Learned so much! Met some fantastic journos! Nissa LaPoint @DCRegisterNissa Love the deluge of journalism tips and tricks at the #CONewsTrain conference. And it’s a beautiful day in CO Springs
Editor. “Overall, this event was a success. Not only did we bring 80 Colorado journalists together, but we offered useful training and an opportunity for these writers and editors to get to know others from across the state,” Johnston said. “Now the goal is to translate this attendance into similar attendance and enthusiasm for sessions at the annual convention in February.”
Becca Sickbert @BeccaSickbert “The outside of any building is boring unless there’s a naked person standing in front of it.” -@vhoeppner #CONewsTrain #mobilevideo Misty Montano @MistyMontano “Video is both mobile and long-form storytelling” says @vhoeppner - I agree! #CONewsTrain Jason Pohl @pohl_jason RT @ColoradoPress: @vhoeppner: clicks are like eating popcorn - they are low calorie. Engagement is where the value is. #CONewsTrain Tyler Silvy @tylersilvy Michael Roberts’ “Playing around with point of view...” statement piqued my interest. Journalism is, should be fun. #CONewsTrain Joe Hight @JoeHight There are 29 news organizations represented at the NewsTrain in Colorado Springs. #CONewsTrain
Reporting business news – the good and bad Nearly 50 employees are out I recall the time we provided of jobs due to the decision of an a local angle to the potential out-of-state insurance company impact of legislation on financial to close its local office. We caught institutions. We were able to word of the news through an contact all but one of the local employee and promptly carried banks. The phone rang the next a report. The company morning with the question: never made a public Why did we snub one of announcement. the newspaper’s customers? In contrast, Editors have a another company with convincing message headquarters in Red for underscoring the Wing opened a retail importance of businesses store at the Mall of to talk to the press. America 50 miles away. Stories straight from the jim Our staff worked with source ensure accurate pumarlo information that may serve company representatives to prepare a story before to quash rumors. the doors opened. Trust between writers Surprising? Not and news sources really. Editors and is imperative in any reporters face the same challenges reporting, but especially so pursuing stories with “private” when issues involve profits and officials as they do with “public’ livelihoods. officials. Everyone is eager to share The changing business what’s considered good news, but landscape is another challenge to reluctant to talk about bad news. substantive business reporting. A major difference is that Many newspapers enjoy good laws generally guarantee the relationships with locally owned press access to government news, businesses, but it’s just reality – for whether it paints a positive or a variety of reasons – that it’s more negative picture. For equally difficult to develop those same ties sound reasons, the press does not with companies run by out-ofhave the same level of access to town ownership. Local managers information on private business. often want to share information, The two examples underscore but their hands are tied by the challenge of providing corporate policy. consistent and credible business The challenge to improve reports. The challenge to improve business reporting is reaching coverage is a two-way street – a a common understanding that message that editors should deliver reporting on business means to their readers, and specifically covering both the good and bad to business owners and managers, news. whenever possible. There are a variety of Most community newspapers opportunities to underscore devote immense resources to the message. Address the issue covering local government. But in a column. Insert a note to it’s arguable that news about advertisers with your invoices. employers – large and small – has Invite business representatives to a even greater meaning. After all, it’s conversation over lunch. Pitch the news about friends and neighbors. topic as a program for a local civic Business start-ups, acquisitions club’s meeting. and expansions, promotions and A one-time appearance before labor strikes are obvious stories. the local manufacturers association Other reports can have an impact will not suddenly transform a on a community, too. For example, newspaper’s business coverage of a contract settlement at a major business. But it’s a beginning. employer might set the parameters for other employers. Jim Pumarlo writes, speaks and It’s understandable why a provides training on community business is at times hesitant to see newsroom success strategies. its name in the paper. Even good news can backfire. Consider the He is author of “Journalism announcement that a company Primer: A Guide to Community became a corporate sponsor of News Coverage,” “Votes and a national event. It prompted Quotes: A Guide to Outstanding a local resident to question the Election Coverage” and “Bad News expense when an employee event and Good Judgment: A Guide to was canceled due to an apparent Reporting on Sensitive Issues in shortage of funds. Small-Town Newspapers.” Just as businesses can feel the sting of what appears to He can be reached at www. be straightforward reports, pumarlo.com and welcomes newspapers can feel the backlash, comments and questions at too. jim@pumarlo.com.
colorado editor
October 2013
cpa marketplace FULL-TIME GENERAL ASSIGNMENT REPORTER Colorado Community Media’s Golden office seeks a full-time general reporter. Prefer at least two years experience. Photo skills important and social media skills a plus. Must know AP style. Please email a cover letter, resume, 3-6 clips to Mikkel Kelly at mkelly@ourcoloradonews.com. Please include “General Assignment Reporter” in the topic line. DIGITAL SALES MANAGER Plugged in? Money-motivated? Goaldriven? Help Coordinate and Grow a Thriving Digital Advertising Sector. Requirements: • Sales experience • Commitment to helping local business thrive • Positive, goal-oriented demeanor • Experience with management, projectcoordination and digital platforms preferred The Pay Out: • Commission based income growth • Takeover of an existing, healthy group of online accounts and projects • Rewarding relationships with local businesses • Full-time position with full benefits, 401K, medical/dental, vacation/holiday pay and spa membership Please email or drop off your resume to: The Taos News Attn: Chris Wood 226 Albright Street, Taos, NM 87571 | Email: admanager@taosnews.com PAGE DESIGNER/ COPY EDITOR The Greeley Tribune is seeking a topflight page designer and copy editor to work on our universal copy desk. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from some talented, award-winning co-workers and the opportunity to design and edit daily news, sports and feature pages, weekly newspapers and ag-focused publications. We work in InDesign and the DTI content-management system. This is a full-time position and likely will require night and some weekend work. We’re looking for somebody who has a great eye for producing a visually appealing newspaper as well as strong line editing and headline writing skills. Competitive salary and benefits package. Please send a resume and examples of your work to Editor Randy Bangert at rbangert@greeeleytribune.com. MANAGING EDITOR Ballantine Communications Inc. seeks a hands-on managing editor for three community newspapers and an affiliated website in beautiful Southwest Colorado. The successful candidate will have strong leadership skills, editing prowess on all platforms, a keen eye for local news stories that engage demanding audiences and thorough knowledge of the role of social media in modern journalism. Experience with video storytelling would be a plus. The managing editor will lead a small news staff in producing compelling content for the bi-weekly Cortez Journal, two weeklies – The Mancos Times and The Dolores Star – and the website. The managing editor also will work closely with a Durango-based design and production team to ensure strong presentation in the print publications. Key responsibilities include assigning and editing stories, writing stories when neces-
sary, mentoring a young staff, participating in website development, representing the papers in the communities served and collaborating with the BCI sister news organization in Durango, Colo. Salary is commensurate with experience. A generous benefits package includes paid vacation, 401K, health and life insurance, and more. EOE. To apply, please email a cover letter, resume and supporting materials to Don Lindley at dlindley@durangoherald.com or by mail to 1275 Main Avenue, P.O. Drawer A, Durango, Colo. 81302. PRESSROOM ASSISTANT MANAGER The Garden City Telegram, a six-daya-week newspaper in southwest Kansas, has an immediate opening for an assistant pressroom manager. We’re looking for someone with a record of success in running a newspaper printing press. The ideal candidate will have spent time managing a press crew. Duties include helping the Pressroom Manager run an efficient, quality-driven pressroom. The successful candidate also will possess a stable work history. This is a full-time position with excellent benefits that include 401K, health, dental, life, LTD, Flex, savings, paid holidays and vacations. Pay commensurate with experience. The Telegram is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please submit work history and salary requirements to: Dena Sattler, Editor-publisher, The Garden City Telegram, 310 N. Seventh St., Garden City, KS 67846, or by email to denas@gctelegram. com. FULL TIME REPORTER/ EDITOR NEEDED The Pikes Peak Bulletin , the weekly newspaper for Manitou Springs, is looking for a full time reporter/editor to handle City Council, Police Beat, Sports, features and more. Proficient with social media, update website, familiar with InDesign. To apply send resumes, cover letters and references to Bruce Schlabaugh, Pikes Peak Bulletin, 441 Manitou Ave. #200, Manitou Springs, CO 80829. Application deadline is 10/30/2013. GENERAL MANAGER The Julesburg Advocate, in northeastern Colorado, is looking for a General Manager to head the newspaper operation, publishing 1200 weekly print copies with unique digital views of 8,000 and 18,000 page views. This is an exceptional opportunity for the person who loves running a newspaper from the ground up. This is not a typical desk job; it offers opportunities and rewards daily. The successful candidate will welcome the daily responsibilities while driving growth of digital revenue and maintaining and growing strong print advertising products. We offer a competitive salary plus annual MBO bonus potential. As well, we offer paid vacation and sick leave, medical, dental and vision insurance, life and AD&D insurance, managed disability insurance and a 401(k) investment savings plan. Interested individuals should send resume with salary requirements to jobs@ dailycamera.com. The Julesburg Advocate is a division of Prairie Mountain Publishing, part of the Digital First Medical family, and a subsidiary of MediaNews Group.
COLORADO MANAGING EDITOR The Montrose Daily Press is accepting applications and resumes for the position of Managing Editor. The Daily Press is an award-winning, six-day morning daily newspaper on the Western Slope of Colorado. We have a daily circulation of about 5,500; and daily average views on its Web site in excess of 9,000. It is owned by Wick Communications, now in its third generation of family ownership. Montrose is near first-class outdoor recreation with the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Telluride and Crested Butte ski areas; national forests, rivers and lakes are close. For a community of its population, 19,000, it is culturally rich and engaging. Our managing editor position is a handson leadership job. Expectations include: • The ability to edit stories tightly and quickly in order to help readers digest the news and information; the editor will write most of the headlines and oversee/paginate pages under daily deadline pressures at night. • Assign stories and coverage and when necessary, grab a camera, a pad and cover the story. • The managing editor will also have an appreciation of news presentation, the visual design and appeal of the newspaper. • Perform in an administrative position. He or she will manage weekly mileage reports, overtime issues, coaching the staff and their progress. It is a six-person staff, plus the use of free-lance writers and photographers. • Contribute as a leader in the newsroom and community. • Exhibit a “get it online first” attitude; a “get it in the newspaper, today,” philosophy. He or she must know that local news is always, always the top priority. • Foster the Press’ lively editorial page that has locally written commentary, local columns and more than 600 letters to the editor annually. • Show an awareness and appreciation of local politics and the community’s rich local history. This is a difficult job requiring similar experience. The successful candidate likely has managed other community newspaper newsrooms and at a minimum has management experience. Recognizes that putting out a daily paper is hard work, takes tremendous focus, organization and communication. A college journalism degree or in a related field, with post-college training at state or national programs, is expected. The Montrose Daily Press is an appealing place to work, beyond its outstanding geographical and community aspects: • We offer competitive pay, 401K retirement plan/match, paid vacation, a top-notch major medical plan and relocation assistance. • Our new office and press buildings illustrate our appreciation of a good working environment and commitment to being a leader among our media peers. • You will find competent, friendly managers and staff throughout the organization. Please apply ONLY electronically. Send a cover letter, a resume and references, salary history and expectations to: Francis Wick, Publisher, Montrose Daily Press. francisw@montrosepress.com. You will get a confirmation of your application.
7
Changes address digital era CONTEST from Page 1 here. We can no longer use lack of resources or time as an excuse to be irrelevant. It doesn’t mean that a newspaper without a website can’t compete, it just means that others in their same circulation class with a website have an opportunity to earn additional points.” In addition to the website change, an Online category was added, recognizing online breaking news, multimedia, video and social media strategy as important components of the daily content cycle. “We’re simply turning our back on the responsible growth and imperative diversification of our industry through online platforms and tools if we fail to recognize the important role that they play in our dayto-day work,” Johnston said. “Not only is it exciting to see what sort of online work is being done out there, the addition of these categories is a tremendous learning opportunity for everyone – large and small – when it comes to how similar events are treated across different organizations.” The contest, which officially opens for entries Monday, Sept. 9, will again require that all entries be submitted online using CPA’s official contest entry site BetterBNC. The last day for entries is Tuesday, Oct. 15. The 2013 Contest Guidebook will be distributed to all member newspapers the week of Aug. 12 and will be available on the CPA website at coloradopressassociation.com/news-events/ contests. Entry judging will be completed by the Virginia Press Association and newspapers will be notified of the results in early December. “The CPA Contest Committee, chaired by Mark Drudge – Cortez Journal, has done a tremendous amount of work in the last two years to improve contest entry rules and instructions, analyze contest categories and make changes to optimize relevance and spirit of competition and reevaluate circulation categories to ensure the most fair competition,” Johnston said. “Constructive feedback, critique and great ideas are encouraged as is participation on the Contest Committee.” The awards ceremony, typically scheduled as the closing event on Saturday during the annual convention held in February will be revamped this year to shorten the event length, improve the video presentation and create a more traditional culture of celebration. “This awards ceremony is my single biggest hurdle during the convention,” Johnston said. “What should be such a fun and celebratory time has turned into a long and arduous presentation. A growing number of entries is a great problem to have; now we just have to get creative about how to recognize the award winning work. Thanks to many of our members, we have a lot of great ideas and I really look forward to wowing everyone at the 2014 banquet.” There is so much great work to be recognized, yet the length of the ceremony has gotten to the point where people are leaving early and it’s just missing the celebratory feel of year’s past. For more information about the contest, contact Lisa Woodworth at 303-571-5117 or by email at coloradopress@colopress.net or Samantha Johnston at 303-571-5117 or by email at sjohnston@colopress.net.
8
colorado editor
October 2013
Scandal was reminder of importance of papers MOORE From Page 1 involved a cheating scandal in the El Paso Independent School District. Their reporting exposed the district for purposely failing students and enabling them to take standardized tests, thereby inflating the school district’s performance. By the end of their investigation, evidence concluded that the school district had failed in its responsibilities to hundreds of its most susceptible students. “Every significant institution that was supposed to be protecting these kids failed them,” said Moore. “We sure were not going to let the El Paso Times be added to the list of institutions that failed our children.” As a consequence, numerous
elected members of the board, including two superintendents, were removed, fired or forced to resign. Moore said that the whole scandal was a reminder of the critical function that newspapers play in communities. “Much work remains to be done, but the El Paso Times’ investigation and the community’s response has made reform possible,” Moore said. “We’re honored with this award.” The Open Government Lawmaker of the Year award was presented to Rep. Todd Hunter R - Corpus Christi for his legislative efforts. During the last two sessions, Hunter authored bills aimed at fostering responsible free speech rights through AntiSLAPP, and continual efforts in protecting whistleblower’s rights. The State Bar of Texas presented
Craig Malisow of the Houston Press, Emma Perez-Justin of the Valley Morning Star, and Brandi Grissom, Justin Dehn and Ryan Murphy of the Texas Tribune with this year’s Texas Gavel Awards. These individuals were recognized for their excellent reporting and for giving the public a deeper understanding of the legal system. Sen. Wendy Davis commended journalists and advocates for their role in improving transparency in open government. “You’ve taken on more assignments with less, you cover more issues with less, and at the same time you continue to strive to remain fair and impartial,” Davis said. “As you well know, this type of unbiased and accurate reporting depends on your ability to ask informed questions of
leaders in your government and to be able to be provided access to primary sources.” Davis was elected to the Texas Senate in 2008 and is vice chair of the Texas Senate Open Government Committee. She commented on her proposal of a transparency bill that was related to the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and other bills updating the Texas Public Information Act. Davis said, “I’m proud to have worked closely with my colleagues in the legislature to increase transparency and shed light in some corners of state government that had been dark for too long.” Recounting the events that took place the night of her 11-hour filibuster on the final day of the 83rd regular session of the Texas
Legislature, Davis attributed the success of the night to the people — more specifically, to those who were there and reporting for those who were unable to attend. “As participation in our democracy increases, so will the inevitable improvements to the transparency and accountability that are vital to ensuring that state leaders represent the interest of all Texans,” said Davis. “And with that increased public interest, the value of good, aggressive, responsible reporting becomes even greater.” Reprinted with permission from the Texas Press Association. Article first appeared in the September edition of the Texas Press Messenger.
Journalism Professors – Nominate Students to attend IAPA on scholarship IAPA will offer up to 25 scholarships to Colorado journalism students to attend the industry/business sections of the program, which includes panels, seminars and VIP presentations from personalities such as former State Governor of New Mexico. Bill Richardson, CEO and President of the Associated Press, Gary Pruitt, Senator
Michael Bennet, Former Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo and many more. Discussions will be focused on the issues of freedom of the press and of information, the implications of legalization of marijuana, questions concerning the U.S. migratory reform, and, the significant changes in the news industry in the 21st century.
The program will be divided into panel discussions and seminars. There will be sessions on the investment of media in their own video channels, on alternative models for the growth of news companies, analysis of Web designs and apps for tablets and how information will be disseminated in the future. We will also be reviewing the impact
of Big Data in the news media. The current debates between the right to press freedom and national security, the case of the Associated Press, the U.S. government’s espionage techniques, and Ecuador’s gag law, among others, will be thoroughly covered during the Assembly. To submit a student nomination, including contact
information and a brief student bio, email Mr. Emilio Sanchez at esanchez@sipiapa.org. Students may apply directly, but must provide university information as well as which professor recommends them. Communication about winners will go directly to the person who submitted the nomination (either student themselves or professor).