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THE WASHINGTON NEWSPAPER

More convention photos Pages 4 & 5

November 2016

Journal of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association

WNPA conventioneers pause for a moment on the terrace at the Wenatchee Red Lion before attending the gala dinner and awards ceremony Oct. 15. Although the threat of very bad weather caused some concerns at the convention, most attendees said the workshops were among the best they have ever attended.

129th gathering is one for the history books The specter of the storm of the century hung in the air as last month’s WNPA convention got underway in Wenatchee, but despite those dire warnings the lights stayed on, the winds retreated and attendees were treated to inspiring and motivational presentations by a wide range of presenters.

George Rodrigue, Editor and General Manager of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, opened the conference with a keynote address titled “Quality and Goodness in Journalism.”

Rodrigue’s theory? “High quality work is the gateway to all else.”

Accuracy is primary, timeliness is second and clarity -- getting quickly to the point -- is third.

Enterprise stories that offer solutions to communities continue to be the thing that moves readers. That’s

Peter Lamb

George Rodrigue

true in print and it’s true online. Even bait sites.

Google, Rodrigue said, is changing “Great journalism saves lives and its methodologies so its search engine dollars and strengthens communities,” chooses quality content over the click- Rodrigue said.

He urged news staffs to pursue “solutions journalism” -- stories that don’t just highlight problems, but go further to find out what commnities can do to improve.

Marketing expert Peter Lamb led a raucus workshop with lots of interaction and he got to the bottom of sales efforts that work and those that don’t.

He led the ad managers and reps on a day-long journey that looked at motivational techiques, staff management and best practices from around the world. After three end-to-end sessions on Friday, attendees were shaking their heads in amazement.

“He’s the best I’ve seen, and I’ve seen a lot,” one participant said.

Other sessions included Steve Smith, who urged reporters to leave their comfort zones and really get to

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WNPA: Convention highlights Continued from Page 1

know their communities. Former Seattle Times Editor Mike Fancher was joined by Smith and Rodrigue for a fascinating roundtable on the best approaches to journalism and the ethics journalists employ. And Dominick Bonney shared tips on how videos can be put to use to complement print and digitial content.

Attendance was pretty sparse for the Saturday morning workshops as people heeded the warning of the coming storm and left early to assure a safe return home.

Those who dared the weather gods and stayed were rewarded with an amazing presentation by Wenatchee World Photo Editor Don Seabrook.

Far more that a slide presentation of pretty photos, Seabrook shared the way he anticipates action and puts himself in the right place to record it. He learns about his subjects. He said he is very patient, sometimes waiting weeks to record the right, authentic moment. He said he is often more interested in seeing what is happening around a main event than the main event itself.

And like Rodrigue, Smith and Fancher, he encouraged photographers to look more deeply into their communities.

He told the story of how he got to know an old man who lived in a primitive cabin near Leavenworth. He had a sizeable piece of property there that he ran cattle on, and Seabrook stopped one day, introduced himself and asked if he could take a few pictures. He got some nice shots, but there really was no obvious news hook.

Over the next months and years, Seabrook said he would stop by from time to time to take more pictures waiting for the time when the shots might have more meaning.

Then one day Seabrook learned that the man was selling the herd. Ranching was becoming too strenuous for the old man. Finally, Seabrook’s work had a purpose and he followed the rancher as he took his herd to auction, documenting a poignant story in this man’s life.

Also at the convention, Jerri Stoner of the Northern Kittitas County Tribune was given the Dixie Lee Bradley Award and former Sound Publishing Vice President Lori Maxim received the Miles Turnbull Master Editor/Publisher Award.

Officers: Don Nelson, President; Sandy Stokes, First Vice President; Michael Wagar, Second Vice President; Keven Graves, Past President.

Trustees: Sara Bruestle, Eric LaFontaine, Donna Etchey, Scott Hunter and Bill Shaw.

THE WASHINGTON NEWSPAPER is the offical publication of the Washington Newspaper Publishers Association. It is published monthly by WNPA, PO Box 389, Port Townsend, WA 98368.

Staff: Fred Obee: Executive Director: 360-515-5239.

Email: fredobee@wnpa.com CJ Burk: Accounting and Advertising: 360-515-0974.

Email: cj@wnpa.com. Fax: 360-515-5546 2 The Washington Newspaper November 2016

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Let us know what you enjoyed, and what you would like to see

By Don Nelson Olympia is already underway.

With time only for a few deep breaths after the WNPA annual convention in Wenatchee, we’re looking ahead to next year’s gathering in the state Capitol. The convention committee, headed by Nelson Michael Wagar of the Nisqually Valley News, will be convening soon to begin laying the groundwork for another great meeting.

Whether you were at the Wenatchee convention or not, we welcome your ideas and suggestions for how to make the Olympia meeting as valuable as possible. Attending the convention, and sending other staff members, is an important investment in time, money and resources, and we want to make it worth your while.

Your still-fresh thoughts from Wenatchee will be especially useful. Having spent the past two years involved in convention planning (first as chairman of the convention committee, then as a committee member), I know how much work is necessary by members

and staff to make it all come together. We’re not starting any too soon.

We’d also like to hear any observations about why you weren’t able to make it to Wenatchee, or chose not to.

If there are obstacles to your attending, we’d like to see what we can do about that.

Everything is fair game.

The convention has followed essentially the same format for several years: parallel tracks for ad managers/sales reps/ publishers, and editors/ reporters/photographers – with a few sessions such as the keynote address that appeal to everyone. That allows us to schedule a lot of sessions in a day-and-a-half. But it’s not necessarily a sacrosanct formula. We’re always looking for ways to improve.

Starting with the Thursday night reception at Pybus Market and all the way through adjournment on Saturday, the Wenatchee convention went by like a blur for me. I didn’t get to talk with nearly as many of you as I would have liked, but I enjoyed the connections and re-connections I made.

That things went so smoothly is attributable to all the stellar, detail-oriented work by Fred Obee and C.J. Burk (applause here), and the year-long efforts

of convention committee chair Sandy Stokes, of the La Conner Weekly News, and other committee members. There was some last-minute, behind-thescenes improvising, but that’s typical for such a complicated event.

Thanks go also to our presenters, many of whom donated their time to attend and pass along their wisdom and experience. The initial feedback from convention sessions has been positive, which is helpful in thinking ahead to next year.

We couldn’t stage the WNPA convention without the support of our sponsors, whose contributions were reflected throughout the meeting. I hope you had an opportunity to chat with them and learn about what they have to offer WNPA members and the industry.

Most importantly, we extend the gratitude of your WNPA board and staff to everyone who attended the Wenatchee meeting. I can’t recall how many times I said “thank you for being here,” but I meant it every time.

So jump ahead to your 2017 calendar and mark Oct. 12-14 for the WNPA convention. It’ll be here before you know it.

Don Nelson is the Publisher of the Methow Valley News and this year’s WNPA president.

WCOG presents Key Awards to Lincoln County The Washington Coalition for Open Government has given all three Lincoln County Commissioners Key Awards for unanimously approving a resolution to conduct collective bargaining sessions with county employee unions in public.

Key Awards are given throughout the year to people and organizations that have done something notable for the cause of open government.

The decision by the Lincoln County Commission was lauded by local media and by the conservative Freedom Foundation, which has

long advocated that collective bargaining be done in the open.

Also in September, WCOG presented a Key Award to Gerald and Kathy Kingen of West Seattle who sued the City of SeaTac for public records related to a land grab scheme, which cheated the couple out of land for a park and fly.

Records revealed an elaborate scheme on behalf of former city officials to stop the Kingen’s development. The Kingens were eventually awarded $18 million dollars in the case.

Sell into WNPA’s statewide ad network and win big

Selling statewide or regional 2x2 or 2x4 black and white ads is a big part of what helps fund your Washington Newspaper Publishers Association and it’s a great option for advertisers seeking broader reach for their messages.

And starting this year, the top WNPA salesperson will win the Pinnacle Award and $1,000. Contest details are at right.

Here’s how the ad network works: • You sell the ad and send an insertion order to WNPA. • Your paper keeps half the revenue and the advertising sales person gets their regular commission.

• WNPA receives 50 percent of the sale and uses that money to provide your legal hotline, professional services, Legislative Day, the Better Newspaper Contest and annual convention.

• Participating newspapers publish the ads sold by other newspapers without cost.

Potential customers include festivals, fairs, resorts, real estate offices, state agencies, statewide or regional political candidates – anyone who desires a cost

effective regional or statewide campaign.

Because member newspapers publish these ads for free, the ads are black and white and necessarily small – never more than eight column inches.

A great way to pay for these ads is to work with non-profit organizations in your area. They can apply to your local city and county governments for hotel-motel tax fund grants to pay for these ads. A Chamber of Commerce, for example, can ask your county government for funds to help attract tourists to your area. These can be general ads detailing the benefits of visiting your area, or ads for a specific fair or festival.

Anything that brings people to your area can qualify.

It’s not too early to talk with local chamber or festival organizers now about the possibilities. Check with city or county officials about specific timelines in your community.

The WNPA 2x2 ad program is an important arrow in your sales quiver and a great way for advertisers in your area to reach a broader audience. Questions? Call C.J. Burk at WNPA, 360515-0974, or email cj@wnpa.com.

The WNPA ad network lets you sell to the entire state or to one of three geographic regions -Eastern Washington, the Puget Sound metro area or the Coastal zone. Complete details and ad specs are available at wnpa.com.

The Washington Newspaper November 2016 3

129th ANNUAL CONVENTION

Shawn Schollmeyer of the Washington State Library talks with Gustavo Montoya of El Mundo in the Sponsors area.

Dominick Bonney tells a workshop crowd how to produce good videos.

Jen Clark of Port Townsend shows off her Community Service award.

William Shaw and Andy Taylor from Sound Publishing carry on at the opening night reception.

Partricia Murphy of Oregon Newspaper Advertising Network enjoys the opening reception.

Registration packets are ready for attendees at the opening night reception.

President Don Nelson hands over the Dixie Lee Bradley Award to Jerri Stoner of the Northern Kittitas County Tribune.

The Washington Newspaper November 2016 4

129th ANNUAL CONVENTION

Mike Fancher listens to a question during an afternoon workshop.

Sara Bruestle of the Mukilteo Beacon talks with Gary Green of Tecnavia in the sponsors area.

Attendees look over the many choices during the WNPA Foundation silent auction. Proceeds support summer internships.

WNPA President Don Nelson presents a plaque to Gloria Fletcher of Sound PublishDinner is served in the big dining room. ing.

Steve Smith talks about ways to make reporting more valuable to readers.

The Washington Newspaper November 2016 5

WNPA JOB BOARD REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER The Leader, a 6,500-circulation independently owned weekly newspaper serving Port Townsend and Jefferson County, Wash., has an immediate opening for a reporter/photographer.

Our General Excellence awardwinning operation needs someone with a nose for news. Beginning reporters welcome; journalism education is a must. Salary range is $28,000-$30,000, negotiable.

Email your resume, a cover letter, and one text document of your work to: psullivan@ptleader. com. Port Townsend is a Victorian seaport on the Olympic Peninsula, 50 miles and a ferry ride from downtown Seattle.

CIRCULATION MANAGER The Daily Astorian, one of the best small daily newspapers in print and digital in the scenic Pacific Northwest, is seeking an experienced leader to direct our circulation sales and delivery operations.

We are looking for someone who is both hands on and proactive in developing strategies to grow our home delivery, single copy and internet audience numbers while also providing our customers stellar customer service.

You’ll be working where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean in stunning Astoria, Oregon, in a family-owned multimedia group with a talented and passionate workforce.

The successful candidate will be directing the circulation operations of the daily, three weeklies, a weekly TMC, a monthly business journal, a high-end annual tourism publication and our associated websites on Oregon’s North Coast and on the Long Beach peninsula in Washington state.

To get the job done, you’ll have a front office staff of four to work with along with a solid crew in the mailroom and in our corporate office for distribution and marketing support. All we need is a person ready to lead and direct them to success.

If you believe you are that person, send us a letter of interest

including salary requirements and your resume to EO Media Group, PO Box 2048, Salem, OR 973082048, by fax to 503-371-2935 or e-mail hr@eomediagroup.com.

ADVERTISING SALES REP Advertising Sales Representative for Capital Press, a weekly agriculture newspaper and website, covering our NE Oregon/SE Washington sales territory. Solid sales and marketing skills, demonstrated ability to build business while maintaining existing customers and general computer skills (PowerPoint, Excel, Microsoft Word) are crucial.

This position is field-based (home office) and requires daily territory travel, and some overnight travel. Wage plus commission and benefits including Paid Time Off (PTO), 401(k)/Roth 401(k) retirement plan, company car and insurances.Capital Press is owned

by EO Media Group, a familyowned and run company for over 100 years.

Send resume and letter of interest to EO Media Group, PO Box 2048, Salem, OR 97308-2048, by fax to 503-371-2935 or e-mail hr@ eomediagroup.com NEWSPAPER/AD DESIGNER The Reflector Newspaper is seeking a highly motivated newspaper and ad designer who is able to multi-task effectively.

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 35 - 40 hours per week.The candidate must be organized and have excellent verbal and written communication skills.

A successful candidate has a strong attention to detail and deadlines and is a team player.

The perfect match would create effective and eye-catching designs, while working in a fast-paced environment. Responsibilities include: designing and producing news pages, advertising pieces, web ads, signs, etc. Candidates must have experience with Adobe Creative Suite, which includes InDesign, Photoshop and illustrator.

Interested parties should email, mail or bring in a cover letter and

6 The Washington Newspaper November 2016

resume along with examples of design work. Mail The Reflector Newspaper, Attn: Laura 208 SE 1st St. Battle Ground, WA 98604.

Email: laura@thereflector.com.

The Reflector is a newspaper of the Lafromboise Communications, Inc.We are an equal opportunity employer and provide a drug free workplace.

SPORTS REPORTER The Lynden Tribune in Lynden, Washington, has an immediate opening for a full-time sports/news reporter.

The successful applicant will be responsible for the coverage of prep sports in the sports-crazy area of north Whatcom County, including coverage of five high schools. General news assignments are also associated with the position.

The ideal candidate will be familiar with a variety of sports, work well with coaches and athletes, and show proficiency in InDesign, social media and photography. Send resumé and 3-5 clips, including photos to: editor@lyndentribune.com and mdlewis@lyndentribune.com.

REPORTER, LOOKING FOR WORK My name is Quinn Welsch. I am recent college graduate looking for my next step forward as a journalist.

Originally from Washington State, I have been in Louisiana for the past two years where I have worked as the editor of a rural weekly newspaper for 18 months.

Primarily, I am a writer and reporter, but I also have experience with photography, newspaper design, social media and some videography.

I would like to work for a daily newspaper that is a digital first publication. My priority is finding a job that will provide me with room to grow personally and professionally.

Please feel free to contact me at (225) 620-8053 or via email at quinn.welsch@gmail.com. You can find examples of my work on my personal website, at https://quinnwelsch.com/clips/.

Have a legal question?

WNPA is ready to help If you have a question about access to public meetings or records, the WNPA staff can help.

Call 360-515-5239 For questions beyond government access -- if an attorney has served you with a demand letter, or if Earl Hubbard you need emergency review of a story, letter or ad -- call or email our WNPA attorney, Michele Earl Hubbard.

(206) 801-7510 or email

michele@alliedlawgroup.com