newsclips MAY 2014
New Book Chronicles How a Small Town Newspaper Publisher Took on a Publishing Company Paul Winkler and Mary Lynn McCauley Winkler, a Fonthill couple, have collaborated to write a newly released memoir. Written through his wife’s eyes, the book recounts how Winkler, a former newspaper publisher, successfully sued one of the world’s largest newspaper companies. A COSTLY STAND: My husband’s brave and lonely fight for justice against his powerful bosses at Hollinger is a story of business intrigue and courtroom drama. Mary Lynn, who is an elementary school teacher with the District School Board of Niagara and a former journalist, says the memoir is a narrative of how her husband stood alone in his effort to expose misdeeds by the top brass at Hollinger, long before others accused them of what eventually brought them down. “I wanted to document for our children how their father courageously took a moral stand and stayed true to his values and principles. “Suing a big corporation, run by executives Conrad Black and David Radler, was an emotional and financial toll, and I thought it important to let our kids know how their dad and mom coped and supported each other through trying times,” she says. Winkler’s story, which has never been told in detail, revolves around factual and historical events, mostly from 1996 to 2004. Mary Lynn writes the story in an interview style and provides the deeper emotional experiences surrounding those events. “Hats off to you, Mary Lynn, for taking a complicated business intrigue and court drama and making it understandable. I think oligarchs like Radler and Black count on making business deals so Byzantine that even if they are discovered; no one truly comprehends what they’ve done. But this book exposes their treachery and arrogance in simple-to-understand terms.” – Andrew Hanon, former journalist for the Edmonton Sun. Although Winkler’s story happened a number of years ago, the book’s themes – truth-telling, integrity, trustworthiness, and strength of character – are timeless. Mary Lynn and Paul both attended a book signing on Saturday, May 24 for the launch of their new book. Pictured above they are shown cutting a cake version of A COSTLY STAND: My husband’s brave and lonely fight for justice against his powerful bosses at Hollinger. The Winklers have lived in Fonthill since 2001. Books can be purchased for $20 by emailing pwinkler@vaxxine.com or calling 905-892-9582.
WHAT’S INSIDE:
ALCOHOL ADVERTISING FROM OUTSIDE RETAILERS
PROVINCIAL ELECTION GUIDELINES
Rules for advertisements from liquor sales licensees located in border towns.
The next provincial election will take place on Thursday, June 12.
See Page 6
See Page 8
PAGE 1 PRIORITIES Your front page is the face of your newspaper. Make sure it’s clean, fresh and inviting.
See Page 15
May 2014 MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE ONTARIO1 COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS ASSOCIATION www.ocna.org
ASSOCIATION NEWS
Farley Mowat’s Time in Newspapers By Anne Lannan OCNA Executive Director Renowned Canadian author and environmentalist Farley Mowat passed away in May, a week shy of his 93rd birthday. His literary career is undoubtedly impressive and his causes well documented, but not many remember that he was once a community newspaper publisher. Yes, Farley, along with journalist/professor John Miller and a few others, launched the weekly Port Hope Crier in 1999. He would have been 78 years of age. I recall it was done as a statement of their discontent with the editorial quality of their local daily. The paper ceased in June 2000 but they had said their piece. As a member of the Ontario Community Newspapers Association, the Port Hope Crier entered the OCNA Better Newspaper Awards, and yes, Farley Mowat was a finalist in an editorial category. The day the list of finalists was released I responded to a phone call that began, ‘Farley Mowat? Farley Mowat? You expect me to compete against Farley (*expletive*) Mowat?’ Yes, he set the bar that year.
NEWSCLIPS VOLUME 03, ISSUE 08 3228 South Service Rd. Suite 116 Burlington, ON L7N 3H8 p.905.639.8720 f.905-639.6962 e. info@ocna.org w. www.ocna.org
OCNA BOARD PRESIDENT
Gordon Cameron
FIRST VP INTERIM
Dave Adsett
SECOND VP
Andrea DeMeer
SECRETARY/ TREASURER
Dave Harvey
PAST PRESIDENT
Mike Mount
DIRECTORS
Anne Marie Creskey Abbas Homayed Mike Power Rick Shaver Ray Stanton John Willems
Ad*Reach Moving to Direct Deposit One of the benefits to member newspapers in regards to national advertising is the association’s prompt payment policy – and it’s getting even better. Currently, cheques are produced the 15th and end of each month. In general, payment to a newspaper will include ads run approximately 30-45 days prior to the cheque date. For example, cheques processed at the end of June will include payment for ads that ran up to the end of May. Those processed on the 15th of July will include payment for ads that ran through the first half of June. The exception is if there are outstanding tearsheets on an order. When Ad*Reach launched its eTears service in April 2012 the process improved as papers could easily and quickly upload their tearsheets as soon as they sent their files to the printer.
OCNA STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Anne Lannan
CONTROLLER
Todd Frees
MEMBER SERVICES
Karen Shardlow Kelly Gorven
06 .........ALCOHOL ADVERTISING FROM RETAILERS OUTSIDE ONTARIO
ACCOUNTING
Lucia Shepherd
07 ..................................................LA PRESSE TO CEASE PRINTED PAPER
AD*REACH
Ted Brewer Carolyn Press Erica Leyzac
Continued on Page 4 >>>
IN THIS ISSUE... 08 .......................................................PROVINCIAL ELECTION GUIDELINES 10 ..........................................................MUNICIPAL ELECTION GUIDELINES 14 ....WHEN TO SMARTLY WITHDRAW FROM A BUSINESS NEGOTIATION 15 .....................................................................................PAGE 1 PRIORITIES 16 .........................................................................THE EVIL TWIN I JUST HIRED
May 2014
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MEMBER NEWS
Happy 135 Birthday to the Manitoulin Expositor
OCNA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Saturday, May 24 marked the 135th anniversary of the Manitoulin Expositor - Northern Ontario's oldest newspaper - and what better way to mark the occasion than with cake! Publishers Rick and Julia McCutcheon, who have published The Expositor since 1970 (making them the longest-runnning publishers in the newspaper's history) invited the public to the paper's downtown Little Current office on Friday, May 23 for cake and refreshments. The already busy office was a hive of activity as visitors poured in to wish the McCutcheon family and Expositor staff well on this special birthday. Rick, Julia and Alicia McCutcheon and the staff of the Manitoulin Expositor are proud to be Manitoulin's newspaper of record and of the role they continue to play as the keepers of the Island's ever-changing history.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND READERSHIP TESTIMONIAL York Region Media Group has become deeply involved in supporting the York Region Abuse Program which is a local charity that provides counseling for children who have suffered sexual abuse. Many staff volunteered to run the annual gala for this organization and as part of their involvement, they worked to secure a quantity of knitted teddy bears to go to child patients as they progress through treatment. As such, the group reached out to the local communities with one quarter page ad in York Region newspapers looking for knitters to donate a bear. The result - 192 knitters ranging in age from 11 years to 95 years donated 1,570 bears. On the morning the ad ran, the phone in the office began ringing at 10:30 AM and didn’t stop for three weeks. The group has received bears from as far away as Nova Scotia. This incredible outcome answers the question about the readership of newspapers and its ability to influence and mobilize a population. Pictured below is Retail Manager Laurie McDonald, who spearheaded the knitting program, surrounded by donated bears.
Rick and Julia McCutcheon have been publishers of the Manitoulin Expositor since 1970.
VALLEY GAZETTE CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY On May 20, the Valley Gazette in Barry’s Bay turned four years old. The first paper rolled off the press on May 20, 2010.
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Ad*Reach Payment
OCNA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
>>> Continued from Page 2
We no longer had to wait for newspapers to mail us their hardcopy tearsheets. Well, it’s getting even better as Ad*Reach will soon be moving to Direct Deposit so payments are sent electronically to your bank account. The system is now being set up and tested. Once complete OCNA’s Accountant Lucia Shepherd will be contacting our publishers to obtain your banking information. Once established Ad*Reach cheques will no longer be mailed.
CELEBRATING 26 YEARS WORKING IN THE NEWSPAPER INDUSTRY Rick Shaver GM TCMedia Cornwall, as well as OCNA and CCNA Director presented on behalf of CCNA a silver quill to Seaway News employee Jennifer Mayer in during a staff lunch in May. Jennifer has been an employee of Seaway News/TC Media for over 26 years working in all departments. Pictured is Shaver, Jennifer Mayer and Jacques Blais, Regional GM Ouest, TC Media.
Newseum Now Features Community Newspaper Front Pages Thanks to the great response from editors to our call for Front Page submissions during April’s Community Newspaper Front Page Blitz to the Newseum in protest to being excluded from their Front Page Exhibit. Well, your efforts were fruitful. Newseum now welcomes community newspapers to upload their front pages. http://www.newseum.org/todaysfrontpages/default.asp The Newseum says that on big news days, more than 75,000 unique visitors come to the Today’s Front Pages website to see how newspapers around the world cover major stories, as well as news of local interest. Your newspaper will get worldwide exposure on our site. All front pages - whether the newspaper is published daily, several times a week or once a week - are displayed for one day only: the date that is printed on your newspaper. In addition to appearing on their website, your front page also may be printed and displayed as part of our physical exhibit at the Newseum in downtown Washington, D.C. There are no fees involved with the Today’s Front Pages exhibit. The exhibit relies on the volunteer efforts of each newspaper and the work of a small number of Newseum staff. Consider what that means when you look at the online exhibit. On an average day, the Today’s Front Pages display is the result of the efforts of people at more than 800 newspapers from around the world. All those people - from more than 80 countries on nearly every continent - took time out of their busy schedules to contribute to a project that they feel is worthwhile. There are no formal contracts involved. These 800+ newspapers send us their front pages voluntarily, simply because they want their voices to be heard. If you would like your newspaper to be part of the Front Page Exhibit, contact Courtney Irvine The Newseum - Front Pages Exhibit 555 Pennsylvania Ave Washington DC cirvine@newseum.org (202) 292-6607
TORONTO DOWNTOWN BULLETIN LAUNCHES LICENSING PROGRAM On May 20, the Bulletin launched its licensing program to journalists and ad sales pros in Canadian cities with 6,000 or more high-rise apartment units with mailboxes that can be reached only by Canada Post carriers. The licensing program enables unemployed and underemployed journalists and sales pros to team up and own a community newspaper in their city for very minimal investment. It provides a full Canada Post distribution plan plus mailing, a newspaper template, printing facility and full-featured website. Editorial content and direction is completely at the discretion of the licensees. Included will be revenue sharing of ads sold by The Bulletin and various licensees for national ads and help with such ad sales. See more: http://thebulletin.ca/?p=6802
STAFF CHANGES Amanda Bergsma has joined the Blyth/Brussels Citizen as a sales representative. She recently moved to Huron County after working for the town of Ingersoll for 15 years. She replaces Susan Brindley who is leaving the industry to pursue other options. May 2014
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Reminder: Funding is Available from the Business Innovation Component of the Canada Periodical Fund for 2014-2015 Projects The Canada Periodical Fund Business Innovation Component is presently accepting funding applications for 2014-2015 fiscal year. This component offers project funding to eligible small and mid-sized print magazine and digital periodical publishing firms. It encourages innovation to adapt to changing market conditions and contributes to the diversity of content sought by Canadian readers. For details concerning applicant, periodical and project eligibility criteria, application requirements, the assessment process and application forms, please consult the Canadian Heritage (PCH) website: http://www.pch.gc.ca/cpf New: ▄▄
Please note that in 2014-2015 the CPF has implemented the minimum average price criteria for both subscriptions and single copies/newsstand copies sold. Please carefully read the Notice on the minimum average price criteria available on our website or consult section D.1.2 of the Guide. ▄▄
As part of an ongoing Government of Canada Initiative (http://www.pch.gc.ca/eng/1370873738331), Business Innovation will continue to offer support for history related projects and history periodicals. ▄▄
Business Innovation will be hosting a Webinar session to assist applicants in understanding application requirements and eligibility criteria in May. An e-mail invitation will follow shortly. It is recommended that applicants submit applications at least four months prior to the project start date. Applications are accepted throughout the year. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the program: Telephone 1-800-641-9221 (toll free in Canada); Email: fcp-cpf@canadianheritage.gc.ca
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Send your happenings to newsclips@ocna.org and your newspaper could be featured in the next issue of NewsClips!
BREAKING NEWS
Newspaper layout expert goes freelance • More than 20 years’ experience in newspaper production Deadline-driven, meticulous • production professional • Reasonable rates • References available
Photos are always welcome! We are pleased to run any classified ads you have, for FREE! May 2014
If you are an established or start-up newspaper looking for a reliable design and production expert to work from home, give me a call...let’s chat.
613-612-5373 • patti@pattimoran.ca www.coroflot.com/pattimoran
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Alcohol Advertising From Retailers Outside Ontario A few of our member newspapers have inquired about the rules around advertising from liquor sales licensees (mainly retailers) located in border towns from the United States and Quebec as this appears to be happening more. We checked with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and ads in Ontario are permitted as long as the ads meet the current Advertising Guidelines as set out by AGCO in regards to content. They have not had any issues with current ads that are running from licensees outside Ontario. To be clear, these advertisers are not selling alcohol in Ontario, but advertising for the sale of it in their own state or province outside Ontario. The content of their ads still must conform with Ontario requirements. http://www.agco.on.ca/en/whatwedo/advertising_liquor.aspx Please see the full version of the Alcohol Advertising Guidelines above, but they include such things as: - No person may offer a gift or the opportunity to receive a gift, which requires the purchase of liquor, except for a gift of a nominal value in relation to the regular purchase price of the product. - Coupons redeemable on the purchase of items other than liquor (i.e., snack foods, soft drinks, juices, etc.) are permitted provided they are of a nominal value. Coupons redeemable on the purchase of liquor product are not permitted. - Except for public service advertising, the holder of a licence to sell liquor or a manufacturer of liquor may advertise or promote liquor or the availability of liquor only if the advertising: (1) is consistent with the principle of depicting responsibility in use or service of liquor; (i) An advertisement cannot promote excessive consumption or depict excessive or prolonged consumption, or excessive quantity of liquor, or occasions of use or drinking situations, which are likely to involve risk to those present. An example of excessive consumption, which cannot be implied, is consumption of more than three drinks on an occasion. (2) promotes a general brand or type of liquor and not the consumption of liquor in general; (i) Advertisements may not promote the merits of consumption. (ii) Advertising, produced by individual manufacturers or organizations representative of a group of manufacturers, pertaining to generic categories of liquor, is permitted provided the advertising is consistent with all other advertising regulations. (iii) Advertisements may not make claims, direct or implied, of healthful, nutritive, curative, dietetic, stimulative or sedative benefits of the liquor product. However, factual attributes of the liquor product which are commonly accepted by recognized authorities (such as the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, May 2014
Health & Welfare Canada, or national or provincial medical associations) may be stated in the advertisement provided the attributes relate to the particular brand or type of liquor and does not promote the consumption of liquor in general. (3) does not imply that consumption of liquor is required in obtaining or enhancing: (a) social, professional or personal success, (b) athletic prowess, (c) sexual prowess, opportunity or appeal, (d) enjoyment of any activity, (e) fulfilment of any goal, or (f) resolution of social, physical or personal problems. (i) Endorsement of a liquor product by well-known personalities shall not directly or indirectly suggest that the consumption of any liquor has contributed to the success of their particular endeavours. (4) does not appeal, either directly or indirectly, to persons under the legal drinking age, or is not placed in media that are targeted specifically at people under that age. Also of note for advertisers from other provinces is the Importation of Intoxicating Liquors Act which states: Notwithstanding any other Act or law, no person shall import, send, take or transport, or cause to be imported, sent, taken or transported, into any province from or out of any place within or outside Canada any intoxicating liquor, except such as has been purchased by or on behalf of, and that is consigned to Her Majesty or the executive government of, the province into which it is being imported, sent, taken or transported, or any board, commission, officer or other governmental agency that, by the law of the province, is vested with the right of selling intoxicating liquor. There is an exception on record for wine that is imported for personal consumption that was added in 2012. The association checked with the Ministry of National Revenue who told us, “Your newspapers will not contravene the Importation of Intoxicating Liquors (IILA) solely by virtue of advertising alcohol that is for sale by a third party. In this situation it would be the purchaser who causes the alcohol to be imported and is therefore responsible for complying with the IILA or other legislation that applies to purchasing, transporting or selling alcohol. The IILA, which was enacted after prohibition, is not a taxing statute, its purpose is to control the importation of intoxicating liquors into Canada and between provinces. Essentially, alcohol imports from one province to another must be made by the provincial liquor board. Provincial liquor boards have agreements 6
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with the Canada Border Services Agency for the collection of certain provincial fees on alcohol imported by individuals into Canada. The IILA was amended by a private member’s bill in 2012 to allow individuals to import wine across provincial borders for personal consumption. The federal government is building on that change and is further modernizing the IILA by introducing legislation in its current budget to expand the individual wine exemption to include both beer and spirits for personal consumption. While the federal laws may permit an individual to import personal quantities of alcohol, such importations could be in contravention of other provincial laws and regulations therefore individuals are advised to consult the provincial authorities prior to importing alcohol.” The association is in the process of checking with the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) to review the advertising guidelines they have with their licencees.
Mark Your Calendars!
TRAINING NEWSPAPERS CANADA WEBINARS: From social media and sales to audience measurement data and search engine optimization, the 2014/2015 webinar series features relevant and engaging material for all sectors of the industry. This summer, newspaper managers and staff are invited to sign up for two FREE webinar presentations. ▄▄
In this session, you will learn: - The sales revenue growth formulas - The importance of having special sections and share pages for revenue growth - Creating an ad campaign with Toolbox - Presentation of the best money-making ideas in North America ▄▄
June 19 - Canadian Newspapers in 2014: The Best Ads! The Latest Research!
CLASSIFIED AD
In this annual offering, Newspapers Canada shares exciting new research on engagement, growth in devices used to access newspapers, flyers and more. This is combined with the best examples of the most innovative newspaper ads in print, web, tablet and phone - from Canada and around the world.
Independent Publishers’ Retreat November 7-8 Independent Publishers can look forward to social and networking opportunities, informative sessions, food and fun!
Stay tuned for more information! May 2014
June 5 - Money-Making Content Ideas for Newspapers
A full list with details and registration information is available on the Newspaper Canada Web site at www.newspaperscanada.ca
CCAB WEBINAR: ▄▄
June 18 - BPA New Rules Webinar
Please join Russ Haderer, Sr. Vice President, as he hosts a free webinar on June 18th at 1:00pm EST to review BPA’s latest rule changes and recent initiatives. In addition to bringing you up to date on the rules, he will review the BPA Brand Report that continues to grow and gain more attention in the marketplace. Visit www.bpaww.com to register
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Provincial Election Guidelines June 12, 2014
Important information for all ADVERTISING departments
This information is provided by the Ontario Community Newspapers Association as information for our member newspapers. Specific questions about conforming to the legislation relating to election advertising or editorial guidelines should be directed to Elections Ontario. The next provincial general election will take place on Thursday, June 12. The Elections Ontario site has a list of guidelines posted online at http://www.elections.on.ca/en-CA/Media/ For additional information on the electoral process, or to book an interview with an authorized spokesperson at Elections Ontario, please contact: Media Centre at 416-212-6186 or 1-866-252-2152, media@elections.on.ca between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST. www.elections.on.ca
LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS Advertising outlets in broadcast, publishing and other mediums must meet certain legal obligations when conducting business. The Election Finances Act has been amended with changes to the rules affecting advertising by candidates and political parties and now, third parties. During a campaign period, political advertising (defined by the Election Finances Act) may be arranged only by a registered political party, constituency association, candidate or third party, or by any person, corporation, or trade union acting with or without the knowledge and consent of the political party, constituency association, candidate or third party. For liability purposes, PLEASE NOTE: No broadcaster or publisher shall allow a political or referendum advertisement to appear without ensuring compliance with the Election Finances Act and the Regulation 211/07 under the Electoral System Referendum Act, 2007.
Important information for all EDITORIAL departments LIMITS FOR STILL AND VIDEO PHOTOGRAPHY Media are also reminded that filming is not permitted in a provincial polling place. Media must film from outside the voting location and not from the doorway of the polling place. An exception has been allowed by the Chief Electoral Officer for media who wish to obtain still or video photography of a candidate casting his or her ballot. Candidates must make prior arrangements with the local returning officer for written consent to be provided for admission to a polling place. Still/video cameras are not permitted in the polling place without advance permission. Any media admitted to the polling place for the above purpose must be aware that they are not to approach, film or photograph any other voters, even if the voters give their consent.
BLACKOUT PERIOD The Election Finances Act imposes a blackout period on political advertising on the day before polling day and on polling day itself. The initial advertising blackout remains in effect from the day the writ was dropped until May 20, inclusive. The prohibition against the publication of political and referendum advertisements does not apply to: ▄▄ genuine news reporting ▄▄
the publication of advertising, on polling day or the day before polling day, in a newspaper that is published once a week or less often and whose regular day of publication falls on that day
CLOSE OF POLLS AND ELECTION NIGHT RESULTS News media representatives may be in attendance at the local returning offices at the close of polls. Media are advised to make arrangements with the returning officer in advance. Live election results will be available on the Elections Ontario website www.elections.on.ca. The website will detail the number of votes cast for each candidate and the number of polling places reporting. Live results on polling night are unofficial.
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an advertisement on the Internet or in a similar electronic medium, if posted before and not altered during a blackout period ▄▄
an advertisement in the form of a poster or billboard, if posted before and not altered during a blackout period A blackout period restriction does not apply to: advertising of public meetings in constituencies, including fund-raising events or those related to the referendum
SURVEYS Please note it is an offence under the Election Finances Act to publish, broadcast, or transmit to the public on election day, before 9 p.m. (ET), the results of an election survey that have not previously been made available to the public. This applies to any opinion survey of how electors voted or will vote or respecting an issue with which a political party or candidate is associated. May 2014
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announcing the location of candidate or constituency association headquarters 8
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▄▄ ▄▄
advertising for volunteer campaign workers
or third party during a blackout period.
announcing services for electors by candidates or constituency associations respecting enumeration and revision of lists of electors ▄▄ ▄▄
AUTHORIZATION OF POLITICAL ADVERTISING AND REFERENDUM ADVERTISING ‘Political advertising’ means advertising for the purpose of promoting or opposing a registered political party or the election of a registered candidate. All political and referendum printed advertising, handbills, placards, posters and broadcast or telecast advertisements shall bear or make reference to the name of the registered party, constituency association, third party, referendum campaign organizer or person, corporation or trade union authorizing the political or referendum advertising. No person, corporation, trade union, registered party, constituency association, third party or referendum campaign organizer shall cause a political or referendum advertisement to appear without providing the following information to the broadcaster or publisher, in writing:
announcing services for electors on polling day
any other matter respecting administrative functions of constituency associations or referendum ▄▄
campaign organizers.
The above is based on the provision that such advertisements, announcements and other matters are done in accordance with the guidelines of the Chief Electoral Officer. Act reference 37(5) The Chief Electoral Officer has determined, therefore, that while it is permissible for such an advertisement or announcement to contain the name of the candidate and/or the political party, and to include a picture of the candidate and/or the logo of the political party, a reference to the particular exempt service or activity listed in subsection 37(5) of the Election Finances Act must constitute the dominant feature of such advertisement or announcement. Further, such advertisement or announcement must not contain any slogan, motto or other wording promoting the candidate or registered party, or opposing another candidate or registered party, such as “join the winning team”, “work for continued good government”, “our candidate is best qualified”, etc. Note that a blackout period restriction on advertising does not apply to fund-raising activities or campaigns and conventions carried on or held in relation to contested constituency nominations for endorsement of official party candidates provided the advertisement content conforms with this guideline.
1. The name of the person, corporation, trade union, registered party, registered constituency association, registered third party or registered referendum campaign organizer that is causing the political advertisement to appear. 2. The name, business address and telephone number of the individual who deals with the broadcaster or publisher on behalf of the person or entity mentioned in paragraph 1. 3. The name of any other person, corporation, trade union, registered party, constituency association, third party or referendum campaign organizer that is sponsoring or paying for the political or referendum advertisement.
LIMITS ON RATES TO BE CHARGED During a campaign, no person or corporation shall charge a registered party, constituency association, candidate, third party, or referendum campaign organizer, or any person, corporation or trade union acting with the party’s, association’s, candidate’s, third party’s or referendum campaign organizer’s consent, a rate for making political or referendum advertising available in any broadcast, print, electronic or other medium that exceeds the lowest rate the person or corporation charges anyone else for the same amount of equivalent advertising space or time during that period. It is recognized that, in certain media, advertising rates may depend upon the volume of time or space purchased over the year. For the purposes of the Election Finances Act, the lowest rate shall refer to the lowest rate available to any other customer purchasing advertising equivalent to the total volume of political advertising carried on by or on behalf of a registered political party, constituency association, candidate May 2014
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS The broadcaster or publisher of a political advertisement shall maintain records for a period of two years after the date the political or referendum advertisement appeared and shall permit the public to inspect the records during normal office hours. A record maintained shall contain the following: ▄▄ the information required in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 above ▄▄
a copy of the political or referendum advertisement, or the means of reproducing it for inspection ▄▄
a statement of the charge made for its appearance
For further information contact: Election Finances Division Telephone: (416) 325-9401 Toll Free: 1-866-566-9066 Email: electfin@elections.on.ca 9
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What Newspapers Should Know About the Municipal Election The following is information from the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 and Regulations passed under it relating to campaign expenses of candidates and other relevant matters. The full Municipal Elections Act, 1996 as amended and the applicable regulations may be found at http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page219.aspx.
recorded for donations more than $10. The financial statement is a public document. Clerks are required to make all financial statements available in an electronic format free of charge. The limit on contributions donated in money, goods, or services from an individual, corporation or trade union is $750 to any one candidate, regardless of the number of offices the candidate was nominated for during the election period. The limit on contributions to a candidate who is running for mayor in the City of Toronto is $2,500. The maximum total amount a contributor may contribute to candidates in the same jurisdiction is $5,000. Each municipal council and each school board is a separate jurisdiction. Only the candidate and those persons authorized by the candidate can accept campaign contributions. Contributions can only be accepted during the campaign period and only from a person or entity entitled to make a contribution. For the purpose of this Act, costs incurred for goods and services by or on behalf of a person wholly or partly for use in his or her election campaign are expenses.
Dates to Remember Nomination Period: Jan. 2, 2014 - Friday, Sept. 12, 2014 at 2pm Final Day to Withdraw: Friday, September 12, 2014 Voting Day: Monday, October 21, 2014 Council Terms Begin: Monday, December 1, 2014
Contributions and Expenses Please note there are no advertising blackout periods nor requirements to print that ads are ‘authorized by’. Limits for newspapers selling advertising for less than market value: If goods and services used in a person’s election campaign are purchased for less than their market value, the difference between the amount paid and the market value is considered a contribution. The value of free political advertising, provided that such advertising is made available to all candidates and is in accordance with the Broadcasting Act (Canada) is not considered to be a contribution.
Formula to calculate the candidates spending limit: • Head of municipal council: $7,500 + .85 per eligible elector • Member of municipal council or school board: $5,000 + .85 per eligible elector During the period that begins on the day a candidate is nominated, and ends on voting day, his or her expenses shall not exceed an amount calculated in accordance with the prescribed formula. Within 10 days after nomination day, the clerk must give candidates a final spending limit.
Joint campaigns/Running on a slate - There is nothing in the Municipal Elections Act, 1996 that would prevent like-minded candidates from campaigning on the same platform or identifying themselves as a group or slate. However, each candidate must keep their campaign finances separate and any joint expenses (for example, signs with two candidate’s names on them) must be divided between the campaigns.
Other Considerations
For the purpose of this Act, a candidate’s election campaign period for an office shall be determined in accordance with the following rules [and subject to some variations set out in the Act]: 1. The election campaign period begins on the day he or she files a nomination for the office 2. The election campaign period ends on December 31 in the case of a regular election, but can be extended if campaign has run a deficit.
New for 2014 - Voters are required to show identification in order to vote. The requirement to show identification that has your signature on it has been removed. Reporting and photography at polling stations - Under section 47(1) of the Municipal Elections Act, the only people who may remain in a voting place when the vote is being taken or counted are election officials, candidates, and scrutineers. Please note that the clerk designates each voting place, and the designation may include the entire property of the building where voting is taking place. There are also strict regulations about interfering with voters, influencing voters, showing/looking at ballots, etc. Reporters and photographers should be aware that penalties for contravention of the Act are fines of up to $25,000 for individuals and up to $50,000 for corporations and trade unions, or up to six months in prison.
A contribution shall not be made to, or accepted by, or on behalf of a candidate outside his or her election campaign period. Contributions received outside the campaign period that cannot be returned to the contributor, or any anonymous contributions, must be turned over to the clerk. An expense shall not be incurred by or on behalf of a candidate outside his or her election campaign period. Contributions accepted by the candidate must be reported in the financial statement to be filed with the clerk by the candidate, which includes the name and address of any contributor who made a total aggregate contribution, including the value of goods and services, exceeding $100. Funds collected at fundraising events must also be May 2014
The Municipal Elections Act, 1996 does not prohibit campaigning on voting day. While there are restrictions on advertising for federal and provincial elections on voting day, these ‘blackouts’ do not exist for municipal and school board elections. 10
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ASSOCIATION NEWS
CLASSIFIED AD Publisher Wanted North Huron Publishing Company Inc. Want to be your own boss but can’t afford to buy? Our community-owned publishing company, located in southwestern Ontario, 20 minutes from the sands of Lake Huron, is seeking a creative, energetic individual to succeed the founding publisher. We operate a community newspaper serving two villages of 1,000 each, a farm magazine of 11,000 circulation and a tourist publication. For an information package write to: Keith Roulston, President, North Huron Publishing Company Inc. P.O. Box 429, Blyth, ON N0M 1H0 CLASSIFIED ADor email call 519-523-4792 keith@northhuron.on.ca
May 2014
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ASSOCIATION NEWS
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InDesign 101: Introduction to InDesign Thursday, June 12
Seeking Experienced Publisher/General Manager Come join an award winning, deeply rooted community newspaper looking for a hard working publisher/general manager with a passion for community, news, and strong leadership skills. REQUIREMENTS: • Knowledge of the newspaper industry • Strong leader • Post Secondary Education • Sales skills an asset • Great personal skills • Have a positive attitude • Willing to take chances and learn from your peers • Hard working and enjoy rewards in a team environment
Presenter Russell Viers, Atomic News Tools
Handling Objections, Follow-up & Optimizing Sales Performance Thursday, June 19
Presenter Allan Barmak, The Barmak Group
Register at onlinemediacampus.com High-quality, low-cost web conferences that help media professionals develop new job skills without leaving their ofces.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • Manage the sales, editorial and operations with a focus on building upon the strong history of the paper • Sell advertising in our local community newspapers across numerous regions for maximum growth • Be part of an ever growing team, developing new verticals and supplements for new revenue and income opportunities COMPENSATION: Base + Performance Bonuses
Let’s Talk. EMAIL RESUME FOR CONSIDERATION: John Miles Operations Manager Simcoe York Printing and Publishing john@simcoeyorkprinting.com
May 2014
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ADVERTISING
An Advertising Lesson in Tombstone, Arizona By John Foust Raleigh, NC
One of the most memorable ads I’ve seen was a billboard on Highway 80 north of Tombstone. I was in southern Arizona on business and had some free time to make a side trip to the town where the Earp brothers and Doc Holliday had their famous gunfight in 1881 with the group known as the ‘Cowboys’ at the OK Corral. The billboard promoted the Tombstone Motel with the simple line, ‘Rest in peace.’ That’s a phrase which wouldn’t work for any other business with any other name in any other town. But for a motel in an Old West town named Tombstone – with the main attraction being the site of a gunfight which has been the subject of movies and books – the line seemed entirely appropriate. I didn’t spend the night in Tombstone and I’ve never met anyone who has stayed at the Tombstone Motel, so I can’t speak for that establishment. All I know is that – years after the trip – I still remember that billboard. I mention it here, because it illustrates some important principles of advertising:
consumers. On the other hand, can you imagine ‘rest in peace’ in an ad campaign for Hilton or Marriott?
1. Billboards can teach us a lot about advertising. Newspaper and billboard advertising face the same basic challenge of being readable and attracting attention at a glance. As you drive, you have a few seconds to read a roadside sign in its entirety. And as you turn the pages of a newspaper or scan a web site, you have only a few seconds to decide if a particular ad is worth further reading.
I think it’s safe to say the Tombstone Motel adopted a slogan that was uniquely theirs.
4. The best messages are simple. Obviously, ‘rest in peace’ had a double meaning. While acknowledging the town’s well-known background, it suggested a reason to stay at the Tombstone Motel. With the combination of the headline and the motel’s logo, that simple sign communicated: (1) a clearly stated consumer benefit (rest), (2) a connection to history (the Old West), (3) the advertiser, and (4) the location (which was part of the advertiser’s name).
If a message doesn’t communicate at a glance, it will miss the mark.
2. The best ads are targeted. Tombstone is a tourism destination. It’s a safe guess that a large number of out-of-towners traveling to Tombstone are planning on visiting the OK Corral, the Boot Hill cemetery and various buildings which have been preserved as they were when Wyatt Earp was Marshall.
All of that was communicated in just a few words. In a few seconds. That’s a worthy objective for all advertisers.
It’s smart to appeal to those travelers’ knowledge of what made Tombstone famous. And it’s smart to place the sign on the road leading into town.
(c) Copyright 2013 by John Foust. All rights reserved.
3. Uniqueness is an advantage. In the environment of Tombstone, Arizona, ‘rest in peace’ does not appear offensive at all. Sure, it’s a little corny. But the slogan is not likely to generate outrage among May 2014
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 13
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BUSINESS
When to Smartly Withdraw from a Business Negotiation By Patrick Tinney Managing Partner Centroid Training & Marketing a strategic negotiation.
He who controls “ others may be
3. Profit - If your negotiation partner does not respect your need to make a profit than I see this as a big red flag. This is reminiscent of a ‘User Mentality’. On the rare occasion with a new business negotiation partner we may open with a test period of our products and services to prove their worth but even in these circumstances operating without a profit is senseless and weak. Remember after any test period we must return to normalized profit margins.
powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still. - Lao Tzu
”
4. Cascade/contagion price erosion - Picking up on the last point if normalized profit/price perimeters are not maintained your company risks what I refer to as a cascade or contagion price erosion. Years ago when I worked for a large media company, I was approached by one of my large department store clients to lower our insert distribution rates or they would have to consider moving to our competitor in a specific region. Against incredible pressure within my own company I withdrew from that proposal from this huge retailer for fear of Pan-Canadian price erosion on this account and others of its size. Years later I was vindicated and actually congratulated for my courage in taking this unpopular price stance with one of the world’s largest retailers.
Entering in to a negotiation typically means there is great potential for both parties involved. We savor the opportunity of gathering new wind in our business sails and pressing forward into new lucrative waters. However, for reasons generally not known upfront, negotiations can stray into territory that at best feels uncomfortable and at worst makes us feel very exposed. The bargaining horizon suddenly looks fraught with danger. So what circumstance would be so pernicious as to make us pull the plug on what we thought was a good opportunity? Below is a short list of negotiation scenarios to be wary of. At this point, we must count our gains or losses and leave the bargaining table not to return.
1. Lose/win - I cannot tell you why but some business professionals are so competitive they lose sight of the fact that negotiation is about making both parties feel like they are constructively engaged and not taken to the cleaners financially. The minute you feel the other side is pressuring you into uncomfortable territory regarding pricing or future opportunities in a deal….stop and think about it. Think hard. Ask yourself if this feels like the bad side of a binary we lose, they win scenario? If so pause. Call for a timeout. Do not agree to a final deal until you have had time to review your cost modeling and your BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement).
5. Ethics/values - If you feel like you want to take a shower after a bargaining session with a customer or vendor, your stomach is talking to you. On the issue of ethics and values always listen to your gut. At the very least, refer to your company’s ethics and values policy. Once you have crossed the line on constructive bargaining and are in the deep water of dubious ethics and values it is very hard to swim to terra firma and undo bad judgment. 6. Legalities - I can tell you without question the easiest deals to withdraw from are the ones that bring negative legal implications/exposure into play. Don’t go there! A long business career is to be treasured not wasted on short term gain.
2. Lose/lose - You might think ‘we both lose’ scenarios are so rare that it could never happen to me. Wrong! Spoiler deals where everyone loses can happen. Think of it this way….what if the other side wants to do a deal with you so you cannot make progress. Your bargaining partner may actually fear you knowing they cannot win with you in the long run so until they have a better plan they may actually elect to do a deal that does not make them money but actually slows you down. It’s sometimes referred to as May 2014
PATRICK TINNEY is the founder of Centroid Training and Marketing, a consulting firm helping organizations make and save money through consultative selling, sales prospecting and business negotiation training. www.centroidmarketing.com. 14
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DESIGN
Page 1 Priorities
By Ed Henninger Henninger Consulting Some months ago, friend and follower Roger Ruthhart sent a quick e-mail asking about front page priorities: “We have been talking about front pages lately and I just wondered if you have ever put together a list of dos and don’ts for effective fronts, or maybe a prioritized list…” I don’t recall having done that previously, but I’ve given his note a lot of thought in the time since, and I believe I have some suggestions that may be helpful:
DOMINANT PHOTO: I consider this the absolute number one design priority for page 1. A front without a dominant photo (or other visual such as a graphic or map) is a front that fails to draw readers to your newspaper. A secondary but very important point about this element: Place the visual first. Always. Place the visual first.
CENTREPIECE: Create a package (often, it’s the one with a dominant visual
element) that you want your readers to home in on when they first look at the front. This need not be the lead news story, but you want to give your page a strong focus to attract reader attention.
NAMEPLATE: It’s a given, but it requires mention here. Make sure your
nameplate is large enough so it doesn’t get lost—but not so large that it tends to dominate the page. Placing it so there’s a bit of space on either side (if it’s a traditional centred style) often helps it stand out better.
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—dull, passive visuals and writing won’t do here.
LEAD HEADLINE: If your centrepiece is not your news lead, give that lead
headline size and strength. A super-bold sans serif typeface, like a condensed black, works well to indicate to readers that the story is a must-read.
NEGATIVE SPACE: Let the page breathe. Allow enough space between packages so readers can clearly distinguish one from the other. I advise at least three picas of space between packages on the front page.
HEADLINE HIERARCHY: A reminder to place larger headlines higher on the page, smaller headlines toward the bottom. But you also want… A HARD BOTTOM: Don’t let the bottom headline on the front page fade into a size that’s just too small. I recommend a headline that’s at least 36-to-42 point here, to help hold the bottom of the page.
THE NECESSARIES: You need a space to contain elements such as your UPC code, weather, contact info, a deaths list, an index and the like. I prefer placing this package across the bottom of the page, though it could go in narrow column on the right or left side of the page. Readers— especially new readers—look for this information. Package it tightly but be sure to include it. Your front page is the face you give your newspaper with every issue. Make sure it’s clean, fresh and inviting. ED HENNINGER is an independent newspaper consultant and the Director of Henninger Consulting, offering comprehensive newspaper design services at: www.henningerconsulting.com. May 2014
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HUMAN RESOURCES
The Evil Twin I Just Hired A TwoGreySuits Article
Have you ever hired a great candidate only to have their evil twin show up for work? During the interview process you met an individual with great credentials who you knew would fit into your company culture, but this is not the person who is now working for you and you find yourself questioning your ability to screen and hire. In many businesses we work with, the hiring manager is often a person who has other significant time consuming responsibilities. Hiring is seen as a real problem for many managers. They are usually in a hurry to hire and they don’t have all the skills and tools at their disposal to make an informed hiring decision. How many times have you heard a hiring manager say that if the new hire doesn’t work out in three months they will try someone else? This is a signal that the hiring manager really does not know what they are looking for, or how to look, and is willing to gamble with new employees coming into the organization. Okay, let’s for a moment assume that the hiring manager does indeed have well developed interviewing and selection skills and they have also sourced candidates on their own via postings, etc. Recruiting is about being highly skilled in interviewing and selection but just as importantly, it is about being connected and having a large network and knowing how to access various talent pools out there, especially with the advent of Social Media. There is a difference between good recruiters and great recruiters. Many of us agree that great recruiters are great networkers and relationship builders. We are seeing hiring managers and talent acquisition professionals/professional recruiters working together to define and create a combined talent strategy with the ultimate goal of hiring best of breed candidates from targeted sources. Some organizations have come to realize the importance in leveraging the networking capabilities of their current employee population to develop a list of ‘soft’ targets – which develop over time for future opportunities. As mentioned, excellent recruiters are excellent networkers, they engage people, and have a good solid system of evaluation, ongoing candidate contact and information storage. In other words they have a large list of ‘soft targets’. Our experience tells us that most hiring managers are not very well networked, not all, but most. We see this quite often when managers are in job search mode and they don’t even have three or four industry contacts to network with! In recruiting, having the hiring manager with well-honed interviewing and selection skills is actually only 50% of the required skill set. What most organizations are missing is the sourcing May 2014
capabilities, or being networked into their own industry in a talent identification sense; knowing how to tap into talent pools, where to look, or having candidates in waiting, ready for that next matching opportunity. Even having well developed interview skills internally in an organization, but going after a smaller talent pool because of lack of sourcing technology and capability can have an unknowingly negative effect on quality of new hires. In other words, you may have found the best candidate, but only in the 10% of the available sources or talent pools you looked at. In fact hiring from a posting is looking at a very small portion of the talent pool out there…the ones who just happened to see your ad, and who were actively looking. Having said this, sometimes you do get ‘lucky’ from an online posting. This brings us to the question - who is in charge of networking and identifying talent pools at your company? More often than not, nobody. This is a full time job. Even internal staff recruiters often do not have the proper time to do this.
This article is part of the TwoGreySuits ‘Employee Performance Management’ Series and is offered by our partner, the TwoGreySuits HR Power Centre as a service to our members. At TwoGreySuits, we have invested in the technology to professionally source the many talent pools in the market, in addition of course to being experts in interviewing and selection. The HR Power Centre and HR Hot Line is a one-of-a-kind product specifically designed to get you the answers you need fast, in hundreds of different HR situations. Signing up is simple. You can call us today at 905-639-8720. Why wait? Don’t let important people management issues go unresolved when you can deal with them today.
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GET YOUR PRESS IDENTIFICATION CARDS OCNA can provide you with laminated, business card-sized Press Cards. Cost is $10 each for the first three, and $5 for each one thereafter.
Group Managing Editor
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GORDON CAMERON Hamilton Community News 905-523-5800 333 Arvin Avenue Stoney Creek, ON L8E 2M6
Feb. 25, 2014 Date
Contact Kelly Gorven at k.gorven@ocna.org or call 906-639-8720 x239 x 221 for a Publisher’s Authorization Form and instructions on how to send photos.
May 2014
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