The Inlander/April 2010

A city seeks bids for road maintenance. A township announces its election and annual meeting. A county publishes its annual list of delinquent taxes.

All three items are of public interest, and all are prominently displayed under the “public notices” sections in newspapers,

The Inlander/March 2010

A small-town editor lamented an approaching press conference by a statewide candidate. The issues to be addressed were at the forefront of her community, but unfortunately her readers would receive the word first from the nearby daily.

The Inlander/February 2010

An incumbent lawmaker advises readers of consumer friendly legislation, offering details of how they can take advantage of the measure which he supported.

Another candidate extols the virtues of Flag Day. She also congratulates citizens for their participation in a community celebration.

Someone else seeking office offers voluntary, weekly columns on timely topics.

Publishers' Auxiliary/February 2010

Individuals arrive unannounced to launch their candidacy for an elective office. On another front, have you ever had candidates say the stories profiling their campaigns are biased?  Or how do you evaluate the barrage of photo requests during election season?

The realities and challenges of election coverage begin with proper introduction of the candidates to your staff as well as your readers.  I call it the yo-yo factor.

The Inlander/January 2010

Election season is upon us. Simply look at the letters that are crossing editors’ desks.

It’s that time of year when editors and the public will become reacquainted with the Boy Scout Law. As an Eagle Scout myself, I still can recite the credo from memory: “A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.”

The Inlander/December 2009

Quiz a roomful of editors and reporters about their most memorable editorials. Ask them which have generated the greatest reaction.

The noteworthy commentaries invariably delivered messages targeted at specific decision-makers who were in position to advance specific policies.

Publishers' Auxiliary/December 2009

A fire chief is suspended without pay after he takes his nephew, and another firefighter off his working shift, for a joy ride on the city’s fire boat. Is this newsworthy?

Three local firms are vying to become airport manager in what has become a contentious process. A committee, on a 4-3 vote, recommends the existing vendor to the city council, even though the proposal exceeds the low bid by $100,000 over the life of the five-year contract. Should citizens know who voted for which vendor?

Publishers' Auxiliary/November 2009

U.S. federal elections are a year away. Numerous other jurisdictions will conduct elections between now and then. It’s not too early to begin outlining your election coverage.

Election coverage is one of the most demanding and exhaustive tasks that newsrooms undertake. The process will be smoother for newsrooms – and the coverage more relevant to readers – if you take early steps.

The Inlander/November 2009

How many editors have faced reporting bad news – or, put another way – making an uncomfortable news decision? Pressed by a reader for the rationale, you’ve replied, “That’s our policy,” or “It doesn’t meet our guidelines.” Yet, in the calm and privacy of your office, you reflect, “We could have done a better job.”

Publishers' Auxiliary/October 2009

Survey 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.