By Adolfo Mendez/Associate Editor/The Inlander
May 21, 2008

As editor of the Red Wing (Minn.) Republican Eagle, Jim Pumarlo knew how difficult it could be to cover controversial issues in a small town.

"Working at small papers can be tough," Pumarlo told attendees at a recent Inland Press workshop for small newspapers. The local paper often has to write about sensitive issues involving "people who are our friends and neighbors," he said.

Publishers' Auxiliary/July 2008

When is the last time readers complained about the accuracy of a story? Or called to say they’re pleased with a story but irritated by a headline? Or found fault with how their ideas and statements were conveyed in a story?

Publishers' Auxiliary/May 2008

All editors and reporters likely remember interviewing for their first job. What were the toughest and most meaningful questions – the ones that afforded an opportunity to distinguish you from the other applicants? Which questions prompted a simple “yes” or “no” answer, and which ones gave your prospective boss an inside look of who you are, and what you’d bring to the table?

Publishers’ Auxiliary/April 2008

A Minnesota newspaper publisher generated national headlines when he started charging 5 cents a word for letters to the editor that endorse a candidate. He was frustrated with the orchestrated letter-writing that has become standard fare among political campaigns - a challenge facing many editors as the 2008 elections approach.

Distributed as a guest editorial by the Minnesota Newspaper Association in observance of Sunshine Week, March 16-22, 2008

Minnesotans’ everyday lives are affected by the decisions of governing bodies. A school board decides to close a school. A city council sets parameters for business incentives. A county board regulates where feedlots may be located. State legislators debate tax policy.

The Inlander/ March 1, 2008

Editors take great pride when they know their newspapers are “making a difference.” A strong barometer is the editorial page, and specifically letters to the editor. So why do so many editors stifle the exchange of ideas during the months-long election season?

The volume of letters indeed increases dramatically with orchestrated campaigns. At the same time, letters reflect a basic mission of newspapers: To get people to think and share their ideas.

The Inlander/ Feb. 1, 2008 

The suspension of high school athletes is newsworthy, especially when it affects a game's outcome.

Newspapers also can make a case that by identifying the disciplined youths, they are looking out for their best welfare – though that may not be immediately recognized by students, parents or coaches.

Consider these recent examples:

The Inlander/ Nov. 17, 2007

The race among states to be first in selecting presidential candidates guarantees that holiday gatherings are likely to be interrupted by political telemarketers. The accelerated election season also means that newspapers must be prepared for all candidate announcements.

Quill/October/November 2007

Covering elections is hard work. Considering the hyper-partisanship of readers, the dozens of interest groups knocking on your door and the demands of new technologies, it’s amazing when a community newspaper can produce any meaningful coverage.

This article should help you get a handle on some of the challenges in election coverage. It was distilled from information in my new book, “Votes and Quotes: A Guide to Outstanding Election Coverage.”

The Inlander/September 2007

Quiz any group of editors and you’ll find little disagreement. Local news is the franchise of community newspapers. School board actions are more important than congressional deliberations. Prep sports deserve top billing over professional teams. A local fund-raiser merits more prominence than even a dramatic story from across the state.

Yet, many newsrooms fall short in one of their most important responsibilities – advancing debate on significant issues through local editorials.