Research from Pew Center supports NNA study
By Max Heath
Postal TipsResearch from the Pew Center just released showed that in three markets of varying sizes, more than half of the readers depend primarily on the printed newspaper. Studies in Sioux City, IA; Macon, GA; and Denver also revealed:
TxDOT awaits go-ahead signal for gridlock-reducing projects
AUSTIN — The Texas Department of Transportation on Jan. 27 reported that on average, Texas drivers in five of the state’s largest metropolitan areas lose about 52 hours and $1,200 annually due to traffic congestion.
Upon approval by its oversight body, the Texas Transportation Commission, TxDOT plans to improve drive times and reduce costs through what it calls an accelerated $1.3 billion effort addressing gridlock in some of the state’s most congested areas.
Governor meets with Prime Minister Netanyahu
AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott on Jan. 18 met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a business development tour in Israel.
Abbott said in a news release that the meeting was “to discuss Texas and Israel’s historic bond” and how he can further solidify their relationship.
Abbott informed Netanyahu that Texas would “maintain its Iran divestiture policy” and that he would “seek new laws to strengthen Texas' prohibitions on the investment of public funds in Iran.”
By DAVID DONALDSON
Media Law Lecturer, University of Texas
Q: What effect does the new Texas law on Open Carry of handguns have on our office policies about handguns for employees and visitors?
Who gets it right?
January 13, 2016
In 2015, I visited a lot of successful papers
By Kevin Slimp
Software ReviewI’ve been training and advising newspapers for 21 years, ever since Larry Smith asked me to come look over his operation in LaFollette, TN, in 1994. I worked with more than 100 papers in my travels this year, not counting the thousands of papers that attended conferences and training events I’ve led.
Q: A national company has been selling plaques with miniaturized versions of actual newspaper pages. The plaques are marketed to individuals and businesses that have appeared in the newspaper. Is it a violation of copyright law for the company to sell these plaques?
A newspaper’s credibility is directly linked to its ability to identify, collect and report the relevant community news. Then why do so many newspapers make it so difficult for readers to connect with reporters? Let me explain. I’m passionate in my belief that community newspapers still can claim a stronghold in today’s fractured media landscape – if they stick to the basics. That means owning the franchise for aggressive reporting of local news.
Advertising is a business that is fueled by creativity. Once you get a handle on how to get ideas—ideas that work—you’ll have a big advantage over the competition.
No matter how much you sell, it all comes down to how much your ads will sell. When the ads get results, your advertisers will be happy. And when they’re happy, they’ll keep running ads.
If you’ve ever recycled old ideas because you couldn’t think of anything better, maybe it’s time for a new approach. One way to generate ideas is to look elsewhere for a spark. For example, my wife and I recently went to a wedding.
Using lowest in-county rates available
By Max Heath
Postal Tips
An increase in calls and emails on sampling questions in recent weeks and months caused me to update this topic on the value of sending sample copies to nonsubscribers using your 10 percent in-county “sampling” entitlement.
The nonsubscriber rules in the Domestic Mail Manual are there to allow you to promote your newspaper to nonsubscribers and increase your mail delivery.