Bulletin THE
News and information for the Wisconsin newspaper industry
July 2014
... among the world’s oldest press associations
WNA Brokers Deal for Redacted State Law Enforcement Records On Tuesday, June 3, 2014, the Wisconsin Newspaper Association (WNA) hosted a summit in Madison to address the ongoing redaction of local law enforcement records throughout Wisconsin. The gathering included representatives from media and local government associations, as well as municipal insurers. As a result of the June talks, local government representatives and insurers have agreed to recommend that their members/clients release un-redacted records containing “personal information” derived from the Department of Motor Vehicles database. The release of an un-redacted record will be contingent upon the record requester completing a form indicating that the use of the information satisfies exception 14 of the Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) — specifically, that the “use is related to the operation of a motor vehicle or public safety.” In 2008, Attorney General Van Hollen opined that exception 14 of the DPPA applies to the newsgathering process: “[W]e believe that public records disclosure of Uniform Traffic Citations, driving-related warnings, Uniform Accident Reports and their attachments, and other law enforcement records related to vehicular accidents, driving violations and driver status facially constitute uses in connection with a matter of motor vehicle and/or driver safety.” “Public safety” is the operative term for the purpose of media reliance upon DPPA exemption 14. The media has long reasoned that reporting on local affairs is, among others, a matter of public safety. To that end, municipal representatives/insurers have drafted the following form. While the WNA and its legal representatives believe the form is more comprehensive than necessary, it is, nonetheless, a worthwhile compromise, pending the issuance of a binding appellate court decision favoring media access. Such a
decision could be a year in coming. Signing the form does not alter the custodians’ duty to comply with both the Open Records Law and the DPPA (including confirming that disclosure is not prohibited by the DPPA).
The League plans to run an article in its member publication on September 1 highlighting the temporary compromise and recommending use of the form. They have indicated that they will inform municipal attorneys of the agreement and will post information on their web page for the membership in early August.
Similarly, signing the form does not change the requester’s duty to comply with the intent of the “public safety” use when publishing the information.
Please contact WNA Executive Director Beth Bennett with any questions regarding the completion of the form or the status of the pending court case that addresses the redaction issue.
Bottom line, in order to receive an un-redacted record, the requester will be required to verify that the use of the information is, at a minimum, “related to . . . public safety,” pursuant to DPPA exception 14.
Click the image below to access the DPPA Redaction Form. [City or Village of] ____________________________
DPPA exception 14 should be cited in response to the following question on the form: “Reason for request of particular items of “personal information” or “highly restricted personal information.”
LIMITED VEHICLE/DRIVER RECORD INFORMATION REQUEST FORM Required for Disclosure of Personal Information or Highly Restricted Personal Information The Federal Driver Privacy Protection Act (DPPA) (18 U.S.C. § 2721) prohibits the disclosure of certain “personal information” or “highly restricted personal information” which originates from a State motor vehicle record. Under current controlling law, disclosure of each item “personal information” or “highly restricted personal information” must be justified by the specific permissible use identified below. Failure to provide such justification may result in redaction of the record requested. Such information shall not knowingly be disclosed or otherwise made available without the express consent of the person to whom the information pertains or unless specifically permitted by the DPPA. For purposes of determining whether such information should be released or redacted, please complete and return this form.
PRINT LEGIBLY I.
The League of Wisconsin Municipalities has offered the following responses as acceptable examples when completing the form and citing DPPA exception 14.
Requester Information
Date of Request: _______________________
Requester Phone #:_________________
Requester Name and Company:________________________________________________ Requester Address:_________________________________________________________________ II. Requested Information Type of records sought: _____________________________________________________________ Dates of records sought: ____________________________________ Name of person about whom records are requested, if known: ________________________________________ Reason for request of particular items of “personal information” or “highly restricted personal information”: ___________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
1) For use under the Open Records Law in relation to motor vehicle or public safety; or,
III. Authorization I/We are authorized under the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act to obtain the identified records containing personal information based upon the following: Circle all that apply: 1.
a. b. c.
2) For use in news gathering and/or reporting as authorized under the Open Records Law in relation to motor vehicle or public safety. Section II of the form identifies the type of personal information being requested. The League has indicated that it will recommend that municipalities not release personal information (i.e., redact) unless a response is cited in Section ll.
Authorized for use, if Requester has obtained the written consent from the person about whom the information pertains. I am requesting a copy of my own record. I am a parent or legal guardian or a minor child and I am requesting a copy of his/her record. I am requesting the record of another person and have attached their written and notarized consent.
2.
For use in connection with matters of a motor vehicle or driver safety and theft; motor vehicle emissions; motor vehicle product alterations, recalls or advisories; performance monitoring of motor vehicles, motor vehicle parts and dealers; motor vehicle market research activities, including survey research; and removal of non-owner records from the original owner records of motor vehicle manufacturers to carry out the purposes of the Automobile Information Disclosure Act, the Anti-Car Theft Act of 1992, and the Clean Air Act.
3.
A government agency (Federal, State, local, or tribal) or employed by such, for the purposes of the government agency to carry out its official functions.
4.
A Federal, State, Circuit, local, or tribal court, or employed by such, for the purposes of the court to carry out its official functions.
WNA Board Elects Three Directors at Quarterly Meeting The Boards of Directors of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association and the Iowa Newspaper Association held joint quarterly meetings in mid July at the Wilderness Lodge resort in Wisconsin Dells. Three new WNA directors were appointed to three-year terms on WNA Boards. Marilyn Krause was appointed a Marilyn Krause director of the WNA Foundation, which works to improve the quality and future of the state’s newspaper enterprises, the industry and the communities they serve. Krause manages financial and administrative operations for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, as well as labor negotiations, newsroom training, recruiting and hiring, and community outreach. Krause is also director of the Milwaukee Press Club, and served in the board of the MidAmerica Press Institute. She was appointed in place of Chris Apel, vice president of production and financial planning and analysis at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Apel moved to the WNA Board when Jennifer L. Peterson left the same publication. Heather Rogge, publisher of the Daily News in West Bend and the Cedarburg News Graphic, was appointed to the WNA Board.
The publications are owned by Conley Publishing, a company Rogge has worked with for 20 years. She also serves as advertising director for Lakeshore Newspapers, and is the general manager of the free-distribution Sunday Post. Rogge was appointed to take the place of Ann Richmond, publisher of The Daily Reporter in Milwaukee, who was named WNA Treasurer when Bill Johnston, publisher Heather Rogge of the Wisconsin State Journal, retired. Kevin Clifford, associate publisher of the Watertown Daily Times, was appointed to the Clifford is also general manager of one of the Watertown Daily Times’ sister papers, the Dodge County Independent News in Juneau. Clifford is the fourth generation in his family to be affiliated with the newspapers and the parent company, Times Publishing. Clifford was appointed in place of Mike Beck, Wausau Daily Herald. Beck moved to the position of third vice president when Genia Lovett, president and publisher of The Post-Crescent in Appleton, retired. Susan Patterson Plank, sales and marketing advertising direc-
tor for Customized Newspaper Advertising (CNA), presented a sales report for FY14 through the date of the meeting. The INA manages the WNA’s display and network ads, in addition to its own. Plank said ad sales are generally lower, though the last few months exceeded budget expectations. Sales are expected to be steady through the end of the year, Kevin Clifford she said. The WNA Board also approved the hire of a new communications director to replace Mary Callen. Holly Henschen, formerly editor of trade magazine and website Food Manufacturing, was chosen for the position. Henschen previously worked for the International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association in Madison, as well as Dow Jones Newswires in New York City. The board approved an upcoming move for the WNA offices from 1901 Fish Hatchery Road in Madison. The WNA will provide more information on the new location as it becomes available. The next quarterly WNA Board meeting is set for Nov. 6, 2014 in Madison.
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WNA BULLETIN | July 2014
WNA news The Brillion News Celebrates 120 Years, Four Generations The Brillion News is celebrating its 120th anniversary. The Brillion News’ first issue was published on Sept. 7, 1894. Since then, it has published more than 6,000 additional issues and more than 100,000 pages dedicated to chronicling the lives and times of Brillion and its neighboring communities. At its inception, The Brillion News covered Brillion and had additional correspondence from neighbors in Reedsville, Morrison, Wayside, Greenleaf, Wrightstown, Hilbert, Potter and other local municipalities. For some time, news became more centralized to Brillion activities as other locales established their own publications or received coverage from other providers. In recent years, The Brillion News once again expanded its coverage to highlight many of its surrounding cities, towns and villages, and is regularly a top award-winner in the Wisconsin Newspaper Association’s annual Better Newspaper Contest. The Brillion News has been owned by the Zander Family for 115 of its 120 years. Zander family members who currently own and operate Zander Press and The Brillion News are Beth Wenzel, Kris Bastian and Darcy Zander-Feinauer. The Brillion News has employed roughly 30 dedicated editors and reporters in its 12-decade history. Andrew Pantzlaff is the current editor. He started working for The Brillion News in April 2010. He is joined by reporter Ed Byrne, who has worked for the newspaper since March 2009. Byrne, followed by Pantzlaff respectively, are the longest-tenured reporters The Brillion News has had in its modern history. The two longest-serving stretches of service ever include Elliot Zander’s 29-year career from 1944 to 1973, and Otto Zander who preceded him for 45 years from 1899 to 1944. Joining Pantzlaff and Byrne on the current news staff are Lisa Sprangers, proofreader, and ZanderFeinauer, paginator/graphic artist. For a look back at the life of The Brillion News, click here.
Photo provided by The Brillion News.
Milwaukee Press Club Names Media Hall of Fame Inductees The Milwaukee Press Club’s Past Presidents Council has nominated an outstanding slate of journalists and media professionals for induction into the Milwaukee Media Hall of Fame, set for Friday, Oct. 24. “The 2014 Hall of Fame inductees include lauded journalists and respected industry pioneers. I have followed them for years and always respected the work they did to inform our community “ says press club president Mark Kass. “We look forward to this important Milwaukee Press Club event and the opportunity to be inspired again by these distinguished professionals as they highlight their memorable experiences.” Relatives, friends and co-workers of the inductees, as well as members of the Milwaukee Press Club and the general public, are invited to attend. The event will take place at
Potawatomi Hotel & Casino in the Serenity Room at 1721 W. Canal Street in Milwaukee, with a reception at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. The induction ceremony will begin immediately after dinner. Tickets are $65 per person; tables of eight are available for $500. For additional information about the Milwaukee Press Club and previous inductees to the Milwaukee Media Hall of Fame, visit www.milwaukeepressclub.org and click on “Honors.” To sponsor the Hall of Fame dinner or other Press Club events, contact Joette Richards at (262)894-2224. The Milwaukee Press Club, founded in 1885, is the oldest continuously operating press club in North America. Proceeds from Milwaukee Press Club programming benefit the MPC Endowment, Ltd. and its scholarship fund. For additional information about events or the inductees, contact Joette Richards at milwaukeepressclub@gmail.com.
WNA Hires New Communications Director
There’s a new communications director putting together The Bulletin this month. It’s me, Holly Henschen, and I’m beyond excited to be working for the Wisconsin Newspaper Association.
I’m an Illinois farmgirl (Central Illinois, mind you) who cut her news teeth at The Daily Eastern News at Eastern Illinois University. During grad school, I had an assistantship with Student Publications there, so you may have read some of the editions of MPI Reporter I put out. During college, I interned at the Decatur, Illinois, Herald&Review and at Dow Jones Newswires in Chicago. After earning a master’s degree in International Relations and Comparative Politics at Eastern, I spent a gap year in the tropical paradise of Costa Rica, before moving to New York City to cover agricultural commodities trading for Dow Jones and The Wall Street Journal. Remember reading about sugar and coffee prices going bananas, circa 2009-2010? That was my beat. Eventually, New York became a bit crazy for my blood. After three years in the Big Apple, I relocated
to Wisconsin to work at the International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association, a trade group for food manufacturers, brokers and retailers.
Now I’m fresh off of a stint as editor of Food Manufacturing, a B2B trade magazine and Holly Henschen website, and looking forward to getting to know the great WNA members I’ve heard so much about. I’m ready to dig in to everything WNA has to offer, which is a broad array of challenges, from my perspective. Please don’t hesitate to call me any time at 608.283.7623, drop me a line at holly.henschen@ wnanews.com and stay tuned to WNA’s social media channels for all the news that’s fit to post! If there’s anything I can help you with, please don’t hesitate to be in touch. That’s what I’m here for!
or call (262) 894-2224.
2014 inductees to the Wisconsin Media Hall of Fame
• Kathleen Dunn, long time radio broadcaster, WTMJ Radio and Wisconsin Public Radio; • Eugene Kane, columnist, Milwaukee Journal and Journal/ Sentinel; • Vince O’Hern, publisher, Madison’s Isthmus; • Jim Paschke, long time sportscaster and TV voice, Milwaukee Bucks; • Neil D. Rosenberg, veteran medical reporter, Milwaukee Journal; • Rod Synnes, Milwaukee TV pioneer; • Bill Behling, editor, Beloit Daily News (deceased); • Dickey Chapelle, Shorewood native, photographer and one of the first female war correspondents, killed in Vietnam.
Plan to Attend WNA 2014 Regional Meetings WNA Regional Meetings are set for September and October. Further details are forthcoming. See you there! Locations • Northwest: Thursday, Oct. 16, in Rice Lake at Turtleback Golf Club • Northeast: Thursday, Sept. 18, in Waupaca at Comfort Suites Foxfire • Southeast: Friday, Sept. 19, in Oconomowoc at Olympia Resort • Southwest: Friday, Oct. 17 in Richland Center at Ramada Inn Topics • Newspaper postal issues • Public Notice Laws • Archiving • Meet the WNA staff
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WNA BULLETIN | July 2014
WNA news The Messenger of Juneau County Joins Lewis Co. Press The Messenger of Juneau County, a Central Wisconsin weekly, was recently acquired by Lewis County Press, LLC. Betty Waits and Dianna Anderson, the former owners, will continue to lead The Messenger as co-editors and co-publishers. They plan to continue the newspaper’s focus on community journalism and local advertisers and will be introducing a strong web presence for Juneau County residents. “Dianna and I are excited be part of a growing group of community-focused newspapers who have invested in the technology needed for us to marry our small town news with residents who are local information consumers of print, mobile, and high-speed internet,” Waits said. Payne Schoen, Lewis County Press Chief Operating Officer, said the news company looked forward to additional acquisitions, including three additional newspapers which are under letter of intent and a pipeline of other potential deals. “We are happy to add Betty and Dianna to our group of community newspaper leaders,”
Schoen said. “Lewis County Press takes on the hassles of newspaper production, the technology, the billing, the subscription management, and we count on the local newspaper leaders to deliver the special sauce of community news and advertising.” The Messenger is Lewis County Press’ 7th newspaper acquisition in the past three years; the company continues to seek additional newspapers to expand its portfolio of rural, subscriber-based weekly publications. Lewis County Press, headquartered in La-Grange, MO, is the parent of the DeWitt Era-Enterprise, Arkansas County, AR; The Lamar Democrat, Barton County, MO; The Messenger of Juneau County, Juneau County, WI; the Press-News Journal, Lewis County, MO; the Home Press, Macon County, MO; the Monroe County Appeal, Monroe County, MO; and the Ralls County Herald-Enterprise, Ralls County, MO. “Our mission is to strengthen communities by delivering proprietary local news and editorial supported by advertising and subscriptions,” Schoen said.
Join WNA for Trees Retreat
The Northwoods are calling you. In three weeks, journalists from around the state will gather in Eagle River to socialize in the beautiful outdoors while enriching their skills and paying tribute to their colleagues. Back by popular demand, the WNA is proud to present an education opportunity from the savvy team at the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism. The Center staff will provide insight on how to bring investigative reporting skills to your newsroom, despite your tight schedule and even tighter budget. Designed for reporters and editors at small and medium news organizations, the WCIJ will detail: • Interviewing techniques, • Navigating open records laws, • Putting social media to work for stories, • Collaboration between newsrooms for broader resource access, and • Quickly producing graphics like maps and data visualizations. Other fun features of the Trees Retreat include: • Golf Outing at Eagle River Golf Club • Appetizers & Cocktails • Pylon Luncheon • Great Ideas Exchange for Newspapers • Happy Hour • Steak Fry Don’t miss this chance to unwind under the pines and soak up knowledge with fellow journalists. Check out the detailed schedule and register today! Registrations preferred by Aug. 15.
2014Pylon
WNA Foundation Trees Retreat Pylon WNA Foundation Trees Retreat Pylon HonHonorees for 2013 include: orees for 2014 include the following deceased publishers: William D. Behling, Beloit Daily News Larry W. Antony, Jr., Fond du Brockman, Lac Reporter Richard The Platteville Journal Bruce C. Brown, David R. Cooley, Oconomowoc Enterprise The New Holstein Reporter William H. Capellaro, New Glarus Post Michael B. Gage, Green F. Bay James Dorrance, Jr., Press-Gazette Rice Lake Chronotype Dennis G. Novinski, John J. Durst, Montfort Mail, Mosinee Times Blanchardville Blade Charles F. Graaskamp, Sanders H.Press B. “Sandy” Hook, Eau Claire Company La Crosse Tribune Rueben J. Heim, Don Huibregtse, Woodville Leader Monona Community Herald, McFarland Gerald F. Ninnemann, Community Life Campbellsport News Marshall W. Johnston, George E. Rogers, The Gazette (Janesville) Portage County Gazette, Stevens Point Arthur F. Lundell, Vernon County BroadGary W.(Viroqua) Slaats, caster Clark County Press, Neillsville Gary Rawn, William Smith, PrescottK.Journal The Messenger of Juneau County, Elroy Henry W. Schroeder, George Stewart I, OregonE.Observer, Orfordville Journal Verona Press Gail J. Toerpe, Robert J. Seltzner Portage Daily Register Washington Island Observer Frederic N. Wagner, Clinton Topper
Betty Waits and Dianna Anderson, former owners of The Messenger of Juneau County, sign the newspaper over to Lewis County Press. Waits and Anderson will continue as co-editors and co-publishers.
Mark your calendars
2015 WNA/AP Convention and Trade Show Dates Set Waukesha will host the 2015 annual Wisconsin Newspaper Association/Associated Press Convention and Trade Show, set for Feb. 26-27, 2014, at the Milwaukee Marriott West. The annual event draws nearly 500 Wisconsin newspaper industry professionals, including publishers, advertising executives, editors, reporters, journalism students, faculty and more. The two-day event offers educational seminars, a trade show, statewide awards presentations and networking opportunities. Winners of the annual WNA Foundation internships, scholarships and Better Newspaper Contest are honored, inductions to the Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame are made and WNA’s Badger Award (recognizing champions of open government) is presented. Be on the lookout for upcoming information about convention seminars, awards and networking opportunities, as well as the trade show, at www.WNAnews.com and via email.
Woodward Communications employees meet with young journalists during the Career Fair, held at each year’s WNA/AP Convention and Trade Show.
Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015 and Friday, Feb. 27, 2015
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WNA BULLETIN | JUly 2014
WNA news Rice Lake Chronotype Joins Adams Publishing
WCIJ Elects UW-Madison Journalism School Director to Board Hemant Shah, director of the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Journalism and Mass Communication, has been elected to the board of directors of the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism. “We are delighted that Hemant Shah has joined the board of directors,” board president Brant Houston said. “He brings an incredible breadth of knowledge and experience to the board and furthers the strong working relationship between the center and school.” The Center, an award-winning nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization, is housed at the School of Journalism and Mass Communication on the UW-Madison campus. Under a facilities use agreement, the Center receives office space in return for hiring paid interns from the school and providing educational services including collaborations and guest lectures with journalism classes. The Center and school received the Associated Press Media Editors’ inaugural Innovator of the Year for College Students award in 2012 in recognition of the successful collaboration. Shah, elected director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication in May, is an expert in diversity and disparity in mass communication. His work has focused on pressing issues of our time, including the debate over immigration and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Shah received his bachelor’s degree in communication and sociology from the University of California-San Diego. He holds a master’s degree in communication from Purdue University and a doctorate from the Indiana University School of Journalism. He is the author of several books, including most recently, “The Production of Modernization: Daniel Lerner, Mass Media and the Passing of Traditional Society” (Temple University Press, 2011).
WNAF Better Newspaper Contest It’s time to dig through the files and start gathering your newspaper’s best work from the last year! The Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation Better Newspaper Contest Rules and Call for Entries will be emailed to you soon. Entries to the contest must have been published by currently active members betweem Sept. 1, 2013, to August 31, 2014. The entry deadline is Sept. 22, 2014.
Adams Publishing Group, LLC announced today that it has purchased the assets of Chronotype Publishing Company located in Rice Lake, Wisconsin. The acquisition includes The Chronotype, Northwestern Wisconsin’s largest weekly newspaper, and The Early Bird, a weekly shopper. The expansion by family-owned Adams Publishing Group follows the July acquisition of Huckle Media located in Southern Minnesota with 10 community newspapers, 17 websites, shopping guides, magazines, a digital agency and commercial printing facilities. Prior to that, Adams acquired three divisions of American Consolidated Media located in northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Maryland with 34 print publications and related media operations. Local newspapers in Wisconsin include the Spooner Advocate, Sawyer County Record, Ashland Daily Press, Price County Review and all related shopping guides and websites. “It has been an emotional decision to sell the newspaper that has been owned by our family for many years,” Warren Dorrance, publisher of Chronotype Publishing said. “We believe that APG will provide new ideas and resources that will help keep The Chronotype a viable newspaper going forward. “Our commitment to give our readers local news and information remains unchanged. We are excited about the new partnership with APG,” he said.
The APG-Wisconsin division is led by Jeff Patterson, president/ publisher, a 25-year veteran of the newspaper industry. “The Chronotype,” he said, “is an outstanding newspaper and will strengthen our group of publications in Wisconsin. I look forward to working with the Dorrance family to continue their strong tradition in community journalism serving the Rice Lake area.” Adams Publishing Group was founded by Minneapolis native Stephen Adams. He is the youngest son of longtime CBS/WCCO television/radio personality and Minneapolis Star Tribune columnist Cedric Adams. In addition to newspapers, the family owns radio stations, the nation’s largest privately held outdoor advertising company (which owns Adams Outdoor Advertising plant in Madison, Wisconsin, magazines, and commercial printing businesses. It has also owned television stations and currently owns other non-media businesses, including Camping World/Good Sam Enterprises. In prior years it has owned Minneapolis/St. Paul magazine, and Plymouth, MN-based Ehlert Publishing Group, a publisher of specialty magazines serving the motorcycle, RV, snowmobile, and boating print and digital products. The company is based in St. Louis Park, Minn. The Chronotype’s 32 employees were told by APG officials that they should expect to retain their jobs with the newspaper.
MJS Sponsors ‘Top Workplace’ Awards The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel named the 2014 “Top Workplaces” in Wisconsin, honoring companies that excel in their respective fields and, this year, served to welcome Meijer Inc. to Wisconsin.
• Midsize: Mark Mohr, First Bank Financial Center
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel recognized 150 companies and organizations in Milwaukee as Top Workplaces 2014, some of which are listed below. These companies were recognized based solely on surveys about the workplace completed by their employees. Top Workplaces are not only better places to work, but are more likely to be successful than peer organizations. Some of the winners are listed below.
• Direction: Drexel Building Supply Inc.
Meijer Inc. was recognized for its plans to open stores in Wauwatosa, Oak Creek, Kenosha and Grafton in 2015, with more to come in 2016 and beyond. Meijer expects each store will create at least 250 new full-time or part-time jobs. The company recently acquired a distribution center in Pleasant Prairie as a first step toward opening stores in the state. Meijer is based in Grand Rapids, MI and operates more than 200 supercenters and grocery stores in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky.
• Meaningfulness: Milwaukee College Preparatory School
Best in Class • Large: West Bend Mutual Insurance Company • Midsize: Stowell Associates • Small: GSF Mortgage Leadership • Large: Joseph Horning, Shorewest Realtors
• Small: Chad Jampedro, GSF Mortgage
• Managers: Stowell Associates • New Ideas: Good Karma Broadcasting • Doers: Nucor Cold Finish WI
• Ethics: Winter, Kloman, Moter & Repp, S.C. (WKMR) • Clued-in Senior Management: West Bend Mutual Insurance Company • Communication: ORBIS Corp. (a subsidiary of Menasha Corp.) • Appreciation: Orthopaedic Hospital of Wisconsin • Work/life Flexibility: Ring & DuChateau, LLP • Training: Foley & Lardner LLP • Benefits: MGIC Investment Corporation
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WNA BULLETIN | July 2014
Industry news USPS Updates
NNA Calls USPS Processing, Standards Changes a ‘Degradation of Services’ National Newspaper Association President Robert M. Williams Jr., publisher of the Blackshear (GA) Times, strongly objected this week to the U.S. Postal Service’s announcement that it would close or consolidate more than 80 mail processing facilities after January and lower service standards for Periodicals and First-Class Mail. In a letter to Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe, Williams said: “We deeply regret our long-time partnership with the Postal Service is about to be further stressed by another degradation of service. NNA does not understand how rising prices, slower service and further concentration of services into urban areas helps our nationwide mail service to survive Internet competition or any other threat.” The Postal Service announced on June 30 that it is now targeting a broad list of mail processing plants for its second round of “network consolidation.” Though USPS is showing operating profits this year after several years of red ink, Donahoe cited a $40 billion debt on the USPS balance sheet as a reason. Most of the Postal Service debt is to the U.S. Treasury, which it owes for the accelerated prepayment of postal retiree health costs imposed by Congress in a 2006 postal law. “We want postal reform legislation this year,” Williams said. “We have looked for several years now for legislation that balances the needs of USPS, of the postal workforce and of mailers, particularly those in rural areas hard hit by the previous round of postal plant closings. We recognize that the Postal Service is a powerful federal agency that influences
our advertising marketplaces and therefore must be fairly regulated. But we object to Congress’s having tried repeatedly to use the postage-selling abilities of USPS as a cash cow. We are very hopeful that we will see legislation this year that strikes the right balance and that we can vigorously support it before these plant closings kick in. NNA firmly believes that mail service to rural and smalltown America is critical to local economies. We will not stand by quietly when it is put at risk.” Many mailing organizations, labor unions and concerned postal users have lobbied Congress vigorously for the past eight years to relax the punitive requirements, which have been set up for no other federal agency. Williams emphasized again in his letter to Donahoe that NNA has set its Congressional Action Team in motion repeatedly to support legislative efforts to relieve financial pressure on USPS. A list of the facilities proposed for closing A list of the facilities proposed for closing and the USPS Fact Sheet are available here.
Strong Copyright Law Supports Journalism, Informed Communities By Caroline Little, NAA president & CEO Every day, city hall reporters at local newspapers distill hours of city council meetings into cogent stories that inform readers about how their elected officials are spending their tax dollars. Sports reporters document the successes of the high school team. Investigative reporters dig through thousands of pages of documents to expose government corruption, waste or ineffectiveness. This journalism plays a vital role in local communities and in our nation’s democracy. But it also costs money: newspapers continue to invest more than $5 billion a year in journalism, far more than any other medium in the United States. Newspapers deliver news and information when and where readers want it, in print, digital and mobile platforms. To do that, we must have fair copyright laws to enable newspapers to receive fair compensation in support of this journalism. This year, the House Judiciary Committee, the Commerce Department, the Copyright Office and others are looking at potential changes to the Copyright Act. The newspaper industry applauds these efforts to ensure that copyright law is best suited for the digital age. We hope that any changes to the Copyright Act will continue to ensure that content creators – including those who invest in journalism – receive fair compensation. This continued protection is particularly important today because some companies exist solely to aggregate content from the websites of original publishers for the sole purpose of selling this content to business users at a considerable profit. Newspapers’ concern in this area is not the personal use of newspaper-generated content but rather its use by businesses that benefit financially through the unlicensed monetization of that content. By taking newspaper content without paying for it, these companies undercut the fundamental economic model that supports journalism that is so important to our communities. As an example of the importance of copyright protection, consider a case last year that was decided by a federal judge in New York. The case involved Meltwater, a for-prof-
it service, which scraped Associated Press articles from the Internet and resold verbatim excerpts to subscribers. The AP sued the news service for copyright infringement, and the court properly found that Meltwater’s customers viewed the service as a substitute for reading the original articles. The court found that the re-publication of these articles was not “fair use,” a defense that provides a limited exception from the general rule that content users must receive permission from copyright holders to use their content. This case demonstrates that the Copyright Act’s fair use test is flexible enough to allow courts to reach the right decision. While targeted enforcement actions focusing on business ventures that take and resell our content may continue to be necessary, the newspaper industry is also determined to find business solutions rather than legal remedies. Ultimately, the best approach for fairly compensating newspapers and other publishers is through the licensing of news content for business purposes. The most convenient way to request permission to copy and distribute material is by contacting the publisher of that content. In addition, clearinghouses exist, like Copyright Clearance Center and Burrelles Luce’s Compliance Article Program, which provide an easy way for business users of content to obtain redistribution rights. Since our nation’s founding, newspapers have played a central role in sustaining a well-informed public and healthy democracy. We are confident that licensing arrangements and fair and strong copyright protection will ensure our ability to continue to play this role for centuries to come. The Newspaper Association of America is a nonprofit organization representing nearly 2,000 newspapers and their multiplatform businesses in the United States and Canada. the association focuses on the major issues that affect today’s newspaper industry: public policy/legal matters, advertising revenue growth and audience development across the medium’s broad portfolio of products and digital platforms.
E-Subscriptions Will Be Included in USPS Circulation Statements NNA Newspapers will be allowed for the first time in 2014 to claim e-subscriptions on a single form reporting circulation to the US Postal Service. Form 3526, the annual Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation is due to local post offices by Oct. 1 each year. Digital subscriptions have been counted by an addendum to the form for the past several years. But, for the coming cycle, newspapers will be able to report all circulation figures – print and digital – on one form. “Although this was the way NNA envisioned it when asking for this rule change back in the last decade, bureaucratic snafus, release schedules, and personnel retirements at the U.S. Postal Service all combined to thwart our efforts even after the approval three years ago,” said Max Heath, postal chairman for the National Newspaper Association. Confusion ensued as newspapers dealt with multiple forms and requirements. The new form should streamline the process, Heath said. Form 3526 is due from each newspaper that has a postal permit by Oct. 1. Newspapers issued daily must publish the statement in their pages by Oct. 10; newspapers issued less frequently must publish the statement by the end of October. Established in 1885, the National Newspaper Association (NNA) is a not-forprofit trade association representing the owners, publishers and editors of America’s community newspapers. NNA’s mission is to protect, promote and enhance America’s community newspapers.
WNA LEGAL HOTLINE >> Keep this number handy: (800) 362-2664 The WNA Legal Hotline means help is just a phone call away! WNA-member editors, reporters and advertising staff may call toll-free to ask an attorney for immediate help when they are denied access to government meetings or records, have concerns about a story that could involve libel or privacy questions, or face similar challenges to Freedom of Information (FOI) principles. Ad staff may also use the Hotline when questions arise about the legality of an ad.
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WNA BULLETIN | July 2014
Industry columnists john FOUST
Ad-libs 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. Email for information: john@johnfoust. com.
Ad Lesson in Tombstone 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.
ED HenningER
Design for Readers Ed Henninger is an independent newspaper consultant and Director of Henninger Consulting. He offers comprehensive newspaper design services including redesigns, workshops, design training and design evaluations. Visit www.henningerconsulting.com or ed@henningerconsulting.com.
Doing Some Simplicity I recently had the distinct pleasure of sharing a full workday with news guru Kevin Slimp. Kevin calls himself “the news guru.” I too, have been called a “guru” occasionally. And, yes, I’ve been called many other things, too! Kevin had been asked by the publisher of a group of newspapers in New Jersey to take a look at his newspapers and offer his suggestions for improvement. Kevin and I had already done a couple of presentations jointly and he invited me along to help out. So, on a day in early May, we met a bit west of Asheville, NC, to spend the day together reviewing 10 newspapers.
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:
It was a delight working with Kevin and discovering that we shared many of the same thoughts about what we were seeing.
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.
TEXT TYPE: Throughout these newspapers, text was in a face that was too light, a bit too condensed— and way too small.
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. Read the rest of this column on the WNA website >>
What follows is a brief look at key points we suggested. I believe many of you can find a few of these will apply to your publication.
PHOTOS: Many were poorly cropped and some were muddy and dark. Often, there were too many in a package and none was dominant. STORIES: Far too long. Remember, readers will only give you 12”-15” before they quit a story. STANDING HEADS: Not well designed and inconsistent. PAGE LABELS: Too strong and often competed for attention with the lead headline on the page. HEADLINES: Often the same font and size, page after page after page. Definitely need to use other fonts in the family for more contrast. Read the rest of this column on the WNA website >>
JIM PUMARLO
Community Newsroom Success Strategies Jim Pumarlo writes, speaks and provides training on Community Newsroom Success Strategies. He is author of “Votes and Quote. He can be contacted at www.pumarlo.com.
Set Election Letter Rules Election season poses a host of questions for editors as they sift through the natural upsurge in letters. For those in the midst of spring elections, editors are likely making many decisions on the fly. For late primaries and the November general election, it’s not too early to set the ground rules. Be sure to share your policy with as broad an audience as possible, including candidates and their campaign managers. It’s an excellent topic for a column to readers. Election season can be a mixed blessing for community newspapers. It’s an excellent opportunity to get fresh voices on your page, and the season’s letters serve the electorate by offering a lively debate on the pros and cons of candidates and issues. At the same time, editors face the headache of sifting through organized letterwriting campaigns. Here is one list of dos and don’ts that newspapers should consider when offering their “advice to readers” for editorial page submissions. Stick to local authors. Unless the circumstances are extraordinary, it’s reasonable to reject letters from residents outside your readership area. Focus on local issues. Election coverage on your news pages predominantly focuses on local issues. The strongest letters should highlight the local perspective of issues. Make letters substantive. We’re all familiar with the standard litany of candidate attributes – trustworthy, hardworking, honest, accessible, dedicated to family and committed to representing the interests of their constituents. Such endorsements shed little light on the candidates and likely do little to advance their electability. Feel free to aggressively edit these letters and reserve space for letters that address meaningful issues. Keep the exchanges civil. Encourage writers to focus on the issues and provide the appropriate sources for their facts.
Read the rest of the column on the WNA website >>
KEVIN SLIMP
JIM STAzIOWSKI
Newspaper Technology
Writing Matters
Kevin Slimp is a speaker and trainer in the newspaper industry. Visit www.kevinslimp.com or e-mail kevin@kevinslimp.com.
Jim Stasiowski, the writing coach for The Dolan Co., welcomes your questions or comments. Call him at 775354-2872, or write to 2499 Ivory Ann Drive, Sparks, Nev. 89436. He has coached reporters at newspapers and magazines in dozens of states.
Debating Adobe Cloud I’ve written a couple of columns related to the Adobe Cloud. Still, I’m stopped several times at every speaking event by publishers wanting to know if they should upgrade. CS6 suites are available for individual purchase via electronic software download on Adobe.com. Customers must pay with a credit card and will receive an individual serial number and download. To upgrade, buyers must already have a CS5 or 5.5 license. Unless your newspaper needs to purchase a CS6 version of InDesign to match other users in the workflow, it really doesn’t make financial sense to purchase CS6 instead of subscribing to the Adobe Cloud. Here’s my thinking: - To purchase a full version of Creative Suite 6 Design Standard, which includes InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and Acrobat, the cost is $1,299. Adobe claims an upgrade is available from CS5, but after 30 minutes, I’ve still not been able to find it on the Adobe.com site. Versions before CS5 are not upgradable. - The cost of an individual license of InDesign CS6 is $699. - As of this writing, Adobe is offering a promotional price of $29.99 per month for a subscription to Adobe Cloud, which includes any software newspapers might use, including InDesign, Photoshop, Muse, Illustrator, InCopy, Acrobat and dozens of other titles. - A subscription for an individual application, such as InDesign, is $19.99 per month. - Files from InDesign CC (Creative Cloud) can be saved so they can be opened in previous versions of InDesign. How does this all pan out? Users can subscribe to InDesign CC for three years for the price of purchasing a copy of InDesign CS6. Three years is probably about the time you’d give in and subscribe to the Cloud anyway, if not sooner.
Read the rest of the column on the WNA website >>
Idealistic Journalists When the conversation turned to the qualities we should look for in a good reporter, I used the wrong word. I said I wanted a reporter who was “ideological,” and as I was saying it, I realized I had screwed up. The editor across the table from me grimaced, a response that didn’t disappear when I said, “I meant idealistic.” Even that word makes some journalists recoil. Idealistic implies seeking a level of perfection that is impractical, and we learn early that no matter what story we’re covering, we’re going to run headlong into reality, the quality that blows idealism to smithereens. But that ignores the value an idealist brings to the newsroom. Jason, an eager young reporter, is having trouble reaching Jill, an important but reluctant source. Frank, one of Jason’s older colleagues, says, “You’re calling Jill? Why? She never gives a reporter anything worthwhile.” Maybe it’s not exactly idealism to think that, this one time, when Jason calls Jill, she will give meaningful answers. Maybe it’s just optimism. But too often, we stop short because we expect the worst. For years, I covered politics, probably the easiest beat in which to lose your idealism. It’s true what my high school history teacher said: The No. 1 goal of any politician is to get elected, or re-elected. Governing wisely is a nice thought, but not the highest priority. So, as a journalist, when I hear a politician boast that he or she will accomplish much “for the people,” I suppress a grin. But if we don’t have at least a mild case of idealism, we would never hold anyone to any standard of excellence.
Read the rest of the column on the WNA website >>
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WNA BULLETIN | July 2014
Among friends APPLETON
was a State Journal copy editor who died in 1983. Dody Remington worked for the newspaper from 1952 until 1966 and again from 1986 until 1997.
Genia Lovett, president and publisher of The Post Crescent in Appleton, as well as vice president of Gannett’s Midwest Community Publishing Group, retired in June 2014. Lovett was active within the WNA and WNAF, serving from 2007-2011 as a director, 2009 and 2010 as vice president, and 2011 and 2012 as president for the Foundation. She was co-chair of the Legislative Government Relations Committee from 2010-2013, and served on the WNA Annual Convention Committee from 2011-2013. Lovett most recently served one year as treasurer of the WNA.
At the State Journal, Remington helped editors with a variety of tasks, ran the state and local spelling bees and was active in the Empty Stocking Club charity. She also compiled the weekly Scrapbook column on community news items and helped organize the long-running Know Your Madisonian feature. Karen Bell Tancill Karen Bell Tancill, an Racine Journal Times reporter for 24 years, died at age 72. Bell Tancil began covering art the newspaper in 1967 and was the first staffer to refer to women by their last names only in second reference. She was among the first to join the Society of Professional Journalists when it opened membership to women, and held local and regional leadership positions of what was then Women in Communications, Inc. Bell Tancill eventually covered city and college news while remaining the newspaper’s chief entertainment reporter.
MILWAUKEE Jennifer L. Peterson, formerly media counsel and deputy general counsel at Journal Communications for five years, left to take a position with Johnson Controls. In her new role, she will be senior group Counsel, managing the company’s litigation matters in North America. Jennifer was active in the WNA throughout her tenure at Journal Communications, including two 3-year terms as a Foundation director, and one year of another three-year term as a director of the Association. She also served on the Board’s government relations committee from 2011-2014.
Richard “Dick” Timmons Richard “Dick” Timmons, the longtime editor and publisher of The Rhinelander Daily News, died July 20 in Green Bay. Timmons was born June 9, 1930, in South Orange, N.J.
LA CROSSE La Crosse public school officials welcomed David Stoeffler as the new director of the La Crosse Public Education Foundation. Stoeffler, 55, is a former editor of the La Crosse Tribune and a Viterbo University graduate. The Foundation, an independent nonprofit, provides financial support to students and teachers in the school district. “What we’re really hoping to do is keep the focus on kids,” Stoeffler said. He started with the foundation June 9. Stoeffler plans to connect with educators, local business leaders and community members to forward the foundation’s efforts to provide “supplemental” aid to local classrooms, he said. Through its various programs, the foundation cancover school materials and services not funded by the district. Stoeffler had already started working at the Tribune as a reporter by the time he graduated in 1981 from Viterbo. Stoeffler’s part-time duties at the Tribune began a 35-year newspaper career. He returned to La Crosse and served as editor of the Tribune between 1995 and 1997, during which time he helped launch the newspaper’s annual Extra Effort awards. The Extra Effort program honors high school seniors in the Coulee Region or perseverance or community service, awarding winners with college scholarships. Stoeffler announced plans to resign as executive editor of the Springfield News-Leader in May, after accepting the job with the La Crosse foundation.
LODI Longtime Lodi Enterprise and Sauk Prairie Star columnist
He attended Hillyer College/University of Hartford in Connecticut. A veteran of the Korean War, Timmons served as a classified documents specialist in the Army Quartermaster’s Office at Seventh U.S. Army Headquarters near Stuttgart, Germany. Genia Lovett, president and publisher of Post-Crescent Media and regional president for Gannett Wisconsin Media, gets a hug from Kathi Seifert during Lovett’s retirement ceremony at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center in downtown Appleton. Co-workers, family, friends and community members gathered to offer best wishes to Lovett. DAN POWERS/POST-CRESCENT MEDIA Jean Clausen, 99, recently penned her last From the River Bank column for the newspaper. Her advice: “Each day, find something to appreciate and enjoy in the world of Nature. And try to make life better for those around you; even a smile and a simple “thank you” could lift someone’s spirits.”
SAWYER COUNTY Regan Kohler joined the Sawyer County Record as managing editor. She was previously online editor/ paginator at the Spooner Advocate, as well as content administrator of the UpNorthExploerer website. She began her career in journalism as a copy editor for HT Klatzky in Duluth, moving to the Washburn County Register as a reporter, and becoming the editor of the Isanti Chisago County Star in Cambridge, Minn., before joining the Advocate. Kohler also did a radio show for WCMP, reading the news for the Star, and interned at BBC Radio in England during a year studying abroad. In 2012 she received a Minnesota Newspaper Association Award for investigative journalism for a story on recovery.
PRICE COUNTY Phillips newspaper THE-BEE consolidated with The Park Falls Herald to
become Price County Review. The Park Falls Herald has been published since 1900, more than 114 years. THE BEE is the result of several consolidations over the years. The Phillips Times was established in 1876. THE BEE was established in 1884. The two consolidated on April 23, 1932. In 1927, The Prentice News came into existence with the merger of the Ogema Record, Kennan Free Press and Catawba Review. On December 1, 1962, THE BEE consolidated with The Prentice News. So when times change, the newspapers need to follow. Price County is the focus, including all the communities in the county, not just Park Falls and Phillips news. Eric Knudson, editor, said, “The combination of the newspapers will allow us to focus on and put the most important news and best photos on the cover of the newspaper and not worry about making sure we have different photos and different layouts so they appear different. Ultimately this is going to allow us to provide more information to more people. It makes sense to provide the news for the entire county because what happens in one community affects the other communities. Many people live in one community and work or go to school in the other.” Susan Kelley, general manager/director of sales, said, “I am very proud
of the plan we have created for the reader, as well as our advertisers. This is going to be a product that is important to all county residents not just Phillips or Park Falls. It is going to give our advertisers more coverage for less money.”
VILAS The Vilas County News Review won four awards in the NNA’s Better Newspaper Contest: the Community Service Award, first place for Best Use of Local Photography in Ads, third place for Best Feature Photo, and an honorable mention for Best Use of Photographs.
— 30 — Dolores “Dody” Remington Whether handling a call from a reader or rounding up reporters’ time sheets, Dolores “Dody” Remington was a steady presence at the Wisconsin State Journal who helped get things done. “She was one of the people who was the heart and soul of the newsroom,” retired managing editor Cliff Behnke said Saturday. “We relied on her for a lot of things.” Remington died July 24 in UW Hospital at age 79, surrounded by family and friends. Her late husband, Ward,
Timmons spent more than 46 years in the newspaper business, which spanned New England and landed him in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, ending with a long career running the Daily News (1979-1998). He worked in prominent jobs at several New England newspapers, including the Hartford Courant and the Middletown Press, both in Connecticut, as well as The Patriot Ledger and theHaverhill Gazette Massachusetts. Timmons was also on the national advertising staff of The Christian Science Monitor in New York City in the early 1970s. He took great pride in his connections to the New England and Wisconsin Newspaper Associations. Timmons retired in 1998, and then became an on-air host for Midday Classics, a weekly classical musical program on Wisconsin Public Radio station WXPR in Rhinelander. Timmons was a past chairman of United Way; past president and board member of the Rhinelander Chamber of Commerce; most recently a volunteer at the cancer center at Ministry St. Mary’s Health Care; and had long served The Nicolet College Foundation Board and the St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation Board. He also served until this spring on Rhinelander’s police and fire commission. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on September 6, at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Eagle River. His family asks that any memorials be given in his name to the WXPR Public Radio Endowment, 28 N. Stevens St., Rhinelander, WI 54501.
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WNA BULLETIN | July 2014
About WNA We’re here for you! The Wisconsin Newspaper Association exists to strengthen the newspaper industry, enhance public understanding of the role of newspapers, and protect basic freedoms of press, speech and the free flow of information. The Wisconsin Newspaper Association (WNA) was established in 1853 and is among the oldest press associations in the world. Over the years, the association has established a number of services for its members, advertisers and the general public. Created by and for Wisconsin’s newspapers, WNA exists to strengthen the newspaper industry, enhance public understanding of the role of newspapers, and protect basic freedoms of press, speech and the free flow of information. WNA is the single point-of-contact for working with newspapers in Wisconsin. In addition to serving 223 member newspapers (31 dailies and 192 weeklies), WNA serves advertisers through advertising placement programs (Customized Newspaper
First Vice President: Chris Hardie, Executive Editor, La Crosse Tribune
Sidney “Skip” Bliss, Publisher, The Gazette, Janesville
Second Vice President: Brian Thomsen, Publisher, Valders Journal,
Kevin Clifford, Associate Publisher, Watertown Daily Times
Third Vice President: Mike Beck, Publisher, Wausau Daily Herald Advertising) and additional clients through WisconsinNewsTracker.com (news tracking and release services). Supporting WNA goals is the WNA Foundation, a not-for-profit organization created in 1980 to improve the quality and future of Wisconsin’s newspapers and the communities they serve. The foundation solicits, manages and disburses funds and other resources for the benefit of Wisconsin’s newspaper industry and, ultimately, the citizens of our state.
Contact >>
Visit us at: 1901 Fish Hatchery Road, Madison, WI Phone: (608) 283-7620 or (800) 261-4242 Fax: (608) 283-7631 Office Hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
WNA Board of Directors President: Carol O’Leary, The Star News, Medford
Secretary: John Ingebritsen, Regional Publisher, Morris Newspapers Treasurer: Ann Richmond, Publisher, The Daily Reporter, Milwaukee Past President: Kent Eymann, Publisher, Beloit Daily News
Steve Lyles, Group Publisher, Journal Community Newspaper, Inc. Pat Reilly, Co-Publisher, The Dodgeville Chronicle Heather Rogge, General Manager, Daily News Paul Seeling, Publisher, The Woodville Leader Gregg Walker, Publisher, The Lakeland Times, Minocqua
Chris Apel, Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis, Journal Communications, Inc.
WNA Executive Director Reach Beth by email at Beth.Bennett@WNAnews.com Direct line: (608) 283-7621 Director of WNA/WNA Services/WNA Foundation operations and policies; legislative advocate
BETH BENNETT
Does your newspaper comply with public notice laws? The Wisconsin Newspaper Association has been taking steps to ensure all newspapers are in compliance with Wisconsin law, which now requires that every public notice published in a newspaper appear on the searchable statewide website - WisconsinPublicNotices.org. The site is maintained by WNA and uploading of all public notice content will help to preserve the industry’s communications leadership and revenue streams. To ensure compliance with the law, WNA changed its bylaws pertaining to newspaper membership to reflect the reality of digital record keeping. The change was approved by the WNA membership at its 2013 annual meeting, held in February.
WNA Staff
BONNIE FECHTNER
DENISE GUTTERY
WNA Foundation Director Bonnie.Fechtner@WNAnews.com Direct line: (608) 283-7622 WNAF contests, scholarships, internships; Trees Retreat; WNA Member services;
Media Services Director Denise.Guttery@WNAnews.com Direct line: (608) 772-2479
Communications Director Holly.Henschen@WNAnews.com Direct line: (608) 283-7623
News Tracker – monitoring services and press releases; WNA newspaper archive; WisconsinPublicNotices.org; WisconsinNewsTracker.com
WNA newsletters; Wisconsin Newspaper Directory; promotions and communications;WNAnews.com; collegiate and high school journalism outreach
RUZICA DZANIC
DIANNE CAMPBELL
As a condition of membership, all WNA members are now required to send their publications to WNA electronically. All PDF pages of your publication must be uploaded to the association via FTP (file transfer protocol). These PDF files are used by WNA for tear sheets, archiving and also to meet legal requirements for the Wisconsin Public Notice website. When you send your pages electronically to the WNA, you will also gain access to a free, searchable electronic archive for your newspaper. Each newspaper has been assigned a specific code and login information to upload pages and access the newspaper’s archive. To get your newspaper’s coding and login information, please contact WNA Media Services Director Denise Guttery at Denise.Guttery@WNAnews.com.
WNA members: Please promote WisconsinPublicNotices.org in your print and digital products. Download ads here >>
MARY KATE ELBOW
HOLLY HENSCHEN
Communications Specialist Search Technician MaryKate.Elbow@WNAnews.com Direct line: (608) 283-7620
Wisconsin News Tracker Search Technician Ruzica.Dzanic@WNAnews.com Direct line: (608) 283-7626
Wisconsin News Tracker Team Leader Dianne.Campbell@WNAnews.com Direct line: (608) 283-7625
WNA member information; search technician; Wisconsin Openness Report; Member Exchange
News Tracker search technician
News Tracker account manager; search technician supervisor