Publishers' Auxiliary/December 2011

The question was posed to a newspaper discussion group: “Can someone tell me why most newspapers are so quick to give away valuable space for press releases to businesses that do not advertise with them?”

Wait a minute.

The Inlander/November 2011

U.S. federal elections are a year away. Numerous other political jurisdictions will conduct elections between now and then. Election preparation should be at the forefront of newsrooms.

Election coverage is one of the most demanding and exhaustive tasks that newsrooms undertake. Its various aspects from presenting candidate profiles to handling letters to the editor are scrutinized by candidates and the general electorate alike, underscoring the importance of fair and responsible coverage.

Publishers' Auxiliary/November 2011

Presidential politics are in full swing for the November 2012 elections. Though newsrooms may bemoan the seemingly neverending cycle of elections, it’s not too early to prepare – especially for local races.

Each “element” of coverage has its own “to do” list – from introducing the candidates to handling letters to the editor to considering candidate endorsements. Here is one overall list as editors and reporters outline coverage:

The Inlander/October 2011

Editors routinely hold their breath in anticipation of reader reaction following preparation of “big” news packages – in-depth stories that culminate weeks-long investigations. The content is typically prepared, reviewed and scrutinized again with painstaking care. The reality is that the everyday decisions – and resulting reports – in community newsrooms usually generate the greatest kickback.

The Inlander/September 2011

A reader writes that a public official has been seen drunk on the job, posing potential danger to citizens. The case is before the courts, but nothing has been proven.

Another writer zeroes in on a community's transportation service, criticizing the operator's driving habits and making accusations about traffic violations.

Publishers' Auxiliary/September 2011

Another school year is under way. In most newspapers, that means high school sports are center stage. Nothing sparks community pride and discussion more than the triumphs and tribulations of local athletes.

The Inlander/August 2011

Spend any time in community newsrooms and two frustrations are likely to surface with some regularity. Staffs are searching for substantive content on a slow news day, and they’re chagrined that the “big” stories are in that day’s statewide press.

Editors need not despair. The answer to their predicament is certainly not novel: Localize your stories. In some instances, reports should be pursued immediately. In other cases, the ideas can be filed away for future stories.

The Inlander/July 2011

Civic organizations are the fabric of our communities. The number of groups and their range of contributions mean editors are routinely approached with requests for coverage. The “asks” range from the Lions Club annual brat feed fund-raiser to volunteer of the year recognition to a candidate forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters.

Most all are worthy of attention, but not all warrant the presence of a reporter and/or photographer. Let me explain before incurring the collective wrath of service clubs.

The Inlander/June 2011

A couple gets a divorce, but it is not recorded in the newspaper until four months later.

Someone appears in court for a domestic assault; the sentence isn't reported in the newspaper until weeks after the fact.

Their publication raises two questions: What constitutes these items as news? Why is there such a delay in the report?

Publishers' Auxiliary/June 2011

A resident has failed to comply with the law that requires him to register as a sex offender. The crime occurred seven years ago, and he is married to the county’s director of child protection services.

A bomb threat is called in to a school, and authorities issue a press release; nothing was found. The police chief later asks the newspaper to kill the story because he’s worried about copy cats.