March 18, 2022
Media leaders and Google discuss paths to a sustainable future — at Mega-Conference
View full conference agenda
The news industry’s relationship with Google and other technology companies is a critical issue impacting the future of local journalism.

In the opening session, the Mega-Conference will welcome Chris Jansen, head of Local News, Global Partnerships with Google, for an open discussion about Google’s relationship with the news industry and what can be done to improve the state of local news.

He will be joined in conversation by P.J. Browning, president and publisher of The Post and Courier (Charleston, South Carolina), and Conan Gallaty, CEO and president of the Tampa Bay Times. America’s Newspapers CEO Dean Ridings will facilitate the conversation.

VIEW THE FULL CONFERENCE PROGRAM HERE and see why it's so important for you to join us April 10-12 in Orlando.

Family Owners and Next Generation Leadership Conference set for April 9-10
Join us for the Family Owners Meeting in Orlando ... then stay for the Mega-Conference
Family owners have a long history of connecting as a result of the common challenges and opportunities that they face. We are looking forward to meeting in person April 9-10 in Orlando, in advance of the Mega-Conference!

Industry News
E&P vodcast examines Florida's public notice reversal
In this 129th episode of "E&P Reports," Editor & Publisher hosts a panel of news publishing leaders — including Dean Ridings, CEO of America's Newspapers — who speak to how this reversal may have been avoided and what the future may hold as states might be compelled to mimic Florida's actions.

Industry people
Dennis Lyons promoted to CNHI vice president-national editor
Dennis M. Lyons, national editor of CNHI, LLC, has been promoted to vice president of the company in that role, Donna Barrett, president and CEO, announced.

Raul Reis named dean of UNC Hussman
Raul Reis, dean and professor of the School of Communication at Emerson College, has been appointed dean of the Hussman School of Journalism and Media, effective July 1.

University of Florida names veteran journalist Denise Vickers as new director of the Innovation News Center
The University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications has announced that broadcast news veteran Denise Vickers has been named the director of the Innovation News Center, the College’s state-of-the-art, multimedia newsroom.


Plus additional j-school appointments:


A warm welcome to two new members:
Barker Strategic Solutions and Adlistics
Barker Strategic Solutions is a strategic consulting firm, public affairs and marketing agency that specializes in strategies for business development, go-to-market strategies, revenue optimization, sales execution and market differentiation.

William R. Barker, founder and CEO, says: "We help organizations think critically about their purpose and how they tell their unique and compelling story. We train key leadership principles and develop thought-leaders and next generation entrepreneurs. We bring our many years of senior executive leadership, business operations, community leadership and storytelling/thought-leadership experience to our clients as non-biased observers and as a coach and sounding board to CEOs and C-suite executives."

This helps them think critically and honestly about the status of their business and strategic plans, Barker said. He added, "We like to say we provide strategies, synergies and solutions for success!"

Barker, the former Southeast regional president of the USA TODAY Network and LocalIQ, is a former member of the America's Newspapers board of directors. He can be reached at wrb@barkerss.com.
Adlistics is an online platform that connects advertisers to publishers nationwide. Through self-service and automation, ad buyers can search a database of publications, build comprehensive digital and print media plans, and execute their plan directly to publishers for their review and approval. Adlistics enables publishers to own and control their listing and utilize the platform for internal campaign management, as well as receive insertion orders from ad buyers. Adlistics was built to simplify the ad buying experience so publishers and advertisers can save time, stress and money as they work together.

David Page is principal and can be reached at david@adlistics.com.
What we're reading ...
Sunshine Week remains essential to democracy

Sunshine Week is March 13-19, a time when people celebrate, or should celebrate, access to public information and its meaning in a community.

This concept has always been essential to a well-functioning society, but it has even greater meaning now considering the stifling of information in Russia as it pertains to its invasion of Ukraine.

The American Society of News Editors, now known as the News Leaders Association, launched Sunshine Week in 2005 to promote open government.
Sunshine Week is an annual event, one that we hope continues year after year.

The public’s “right to know” has long been at the forefront of journalism, but it’s easy for people to forget this important concept, especially when they disagree with what’s being printed or broadcast.

Democracy means making informed decisions, and that’s furthered along through the dissemination of a variety of facts and opinions from different sources so people can formulate informed opinions themselves.



Sunshine Week: Make online federal court records free

If you’ve ever had the good fortune of doing legal research, you’ve likely had an encounter with PACER. PACER, or Public Access to Court Electronic Records, is the electronic service that provides access to court records. These records are pivotal for journalists providing accurate and quality news. PACER provides original, verifiable sources that answer journalists’ questions or help them understand the right questions to ask on important issues. ...

Now, a Bill is moving through Congress to address the problems with PACER. The Open Courts Act of 2021, or Free PACER Bill, will not only eliminate the fees currently associated with PACER, but it will also modernize the antiquated search engine. While PACER is now clunky, dated and hard to use, the Act will ensure an updated, reliable, streamlined site to file, read and monitor court documents and dockets.

The Bill has garnered bipartisan support.



Why we need sunshine laws

It’s fitting that just days before the start of Sunshine Week, a national event celebrating access to public information, a judge ordered members of Douglas County School District’s Board of Education to follow Colorado’s open meetings laws.

This injunction is the result of a lawsuit, which alleges that that school board violated state statute by holding a series of one-on-one meetings in late January to discuss replacing former Superintendent Corey Wise, according to reporting by The Denver Post.
“Circumventing the statute by a series of private one-on-one meetings at which public business is discussed and/or decisions reached is a violation of the purpose of the statute, not just its spirit,” Douglas County District Judge Jeffrey Holmes wrote in the order.

He’s absolutely right and it provides a good reminder to members of our local boards and commissions that these laws are on the books for a reason and need to be followed. They are there, not as a nuisance to get around, but as a critical piece of protection for citizens.




Government must always lean toward the light

It is natural for officials at any level to tilt toward keeping the messy stuff secret. Reaching compromise might seem easier in a closed room. Sorting through controversies might seem simpler. And, certainly, there are downsides to working through tough issues out in the open. Politicians are more inclined to grandstand. Activists are more likely to bellow and complain and interrupt. A sober discussion can turn into a shouting match or a clown show.

Nevertheless, it is always good to lean toward the light.



Want to hold government accountable? Learn to use Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law

I’ve never seen the public more engaged with their government than now.

In the past few years, citizens have spoken out loudly about mask mandates and Critical Race Theory before school boards. They’ve questioned the fairness of the 2020 election. They’ve challenged the decisions of state officials to shut down the economy amid the pandemic.

To dig for evidence supporting their positions, citizens have given the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law quite a workout.

That’s fabulous.

This week is Sunshine Week, a national effort promoting open government and freedom of information. I always celebrate the week by reminding people about the power of the law and encouraging them to use it.

Honor your best editorial writers by nominating them for the Carmage Walls Commentary Prize
First-place carries a cash prize of $2,000; second-place winners will receive $1,000 (in each of two circulation brackets)

Honoring excellence in editorial writing is the goal of the Carmage Walls Commentary Prize, which will be presented this fall by America's Newspapers. The prize is underwritten by Southern Newspapers, Inc.

The deadline for entries is May 2.

FEATURED LISTING: President – Chattanooga Times Free Press

Chattanooga Times Free Press is seeking an experienced leader who is innovative and results-oriented to serve as President. He or she will manage all of the operations for the Chattanooga, TN, company. The ability to think strategically and work with managers to develop and execute plans is essential. We are looking for a proven leader with excellent organizational, financial and management skills. Community involvement is also necessary and encouraged. Ideal candidates will have experience as a general manager or advertising sales leader of a newspaper. Five years minimum experience as president/general manager of a daily newspaper.

The Times Free Press publishes an award-winning, daily newspaper, three weekly community newspapers, two monthly magazines, one quarterly magazine and special sections throughout the year. Today, the paper reaches the largest audience of any media outlet in the Chattanooga region and serves readers in southeast Tennessee, northwest Georgia and northeast Alabama.  

The Times Free Press is owned by WEHCO Media, an industry leader offering a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, 401K and profit sharing. EOE. Drug-free workplace. Must be fully vaccinated. Accommodations considered. Send resumes to shambrick@timesfreepress.com.
America's Newspapers Calendar
April 9-10 - Family Owners and Next Generation Leadership Meeting, Orlando, Florida (in conjunction with the Mega-Conference). LEARN MORE

April 9-10 - Newspaper Executive Development Program, Orlando, Florida (in conjunction with the Mega-Conference).

April 10-12 - News Industry Mega-Conference, Orlando, Florida
Get Involved. Be Heard. Invest In Your Future.   
Keep up with the latest news, schedule of upcoming events and other information specifically for the newspaper industry. Learn more about America’s Newspapers at www.newspapers.org. And connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.