Editor & Publisher Shoptalk (on-line edition)/December 2006

Coverage of the coming 2008 elections is already building. But it's vital to consider, at the same time, that editorial endorsements in local elections are becoming increasingly scarce among community newspapers. Newspapers like to tout their role as government watchdogs, so endorsing local candidates should be routine -- and free of pressure from "local interests."

Publishers Auxiliary/August 2006

Readers want assurances that stories are accurate, fair and not tainted by ethical lapses. A single error in judgment - Jayson Blair's fabrications at the New York Times, for example — damages the believability of that newspaper and all the press in general.

Publishers Auxiliary/May 2006

Election coverage is demanding and filled with potential pitfalls, especially in community newspapers where resources always are stretched to the limits and where editors face a battery of ongoing decisions and questions.

Candidates regularly seek attention for their campaigns. It begins with the day they announce their intentions, and will continue with requests to publish press releases and photos.

Worthington High School forfeited its football opener this fall as school officials feared whether an inexperienced squad would be in physical jeopardy against its opponent. The team was shorthanded after "a large number of players" were suspended for drinking.

The Worthington Daily Globe reported the story, minus player identities. The challenge in verifying student suspensions underscores one of the most illogical laws governing the privacy of Minnesotans.

Distributed as a guest editorial by the Minnesota Newspaper Association in observance of Sunshine Week, March 12-18, 2006


Should the Minneapolis School Board have to disclose the terms of its separation agreement with Supt. Thandiwe Peebles, who resigned under criticism? Is it proper for the Kandiyohi County Board to select a new county administrator outside of a public meeting? Should residents be excluded from Cannon Falls Township Board meetings where officials discussed property-related issues surrounding a land-use dispute?

Publishers Auxiliary/November 2005

Editors routinely hold their breath in anticipation of reader reaction following in-depth stories that culminate weeks-long investigations. The packages are typically prepared, reviewed and scrutinized again with painstaking care. The reality is that the everyday decisions ó and resulting reports ó in small-town newsrooms usually generate the greatest kickback.

By identifying youths, are newspapers really looking out for their best welfare? Yes, though it may not be immediately recognized by students, parents or coaches.

The Inlander/July 11, 2005

A resident was honored as Good Neighbor by a local civic club. A city employee won statewide recognition for service to community.

Most editors would likely agree that both citations deserve mention in the individuals' obituaries. Families and readers would expect no less.

Most editors would likely agree that both citations deserve mention in the individuals' obituaries. Families and readers would expect no less.

The Inlander/May 16, 2005

A letter arrives at a newspaper office, heaping great compliments about the excellent customer service at a local business. Better yet, the business is the hometown grocery store, the newspaper's largest advertiser.

Publishers Auxiliary/May 2005

Suicide reports stir the strongest emotions among grieving families and friends. These stories prompt the most strident complaints that newspapers are sticking their nose into personal affairs. Newspapers also face resistance from authorities regarding release of information, even though cause of death is public information under many state laws.