The insurrection at the U.S. Capitol last week was driven by a mistaken belief, generated by President Trump and his allies, that the election was stolen from him. Millions of the president’s supporters believe this lie, so it is damaging our republic by undermining faith in our elections, courts and other governmental processes. Journalism goes hand in glove with democracy, so what should journalists do about it?
I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow members of the Texas Press Association for allowing me to serve as your 2021 president. It is a great honor, and I am very appreciative for the opportunity to serve you and the state press association.
Normally I would be nervously saying this from the podium while standing on the stage at the annual TPA convention. But these aren’t normal times are they?
Entry period is open now for the 2019-20 Texas Better Newspaper Contest - with about three and a half weeks left until the deadline.
Participants may upload entries on the contest platform, www.betternewspapercontest.com, through Monday, Oct. 5.
All material submitted for judging must have been published between Sept. 1, 2019, and Aug. 31, 2020.
Obituaries published in the July 2020 edition of the Texas Press Messenger.
We are recapping recent questions to the NNA postal hotline shared for the benefit of others without identifying the newspaper( s) involved.
Local news is a vital resource for keeping people and communities connected in the best of times. Today, it plays an even greater function in reporting on local lockdowns or shelter at home orders, school and park closures, and data about how COVID-19 is affecting daily life.
Casey Stinnett, editor of The Vindicator in Liberty, shared a successful special section idea.
When a local nursing home asked for help publicizing its request for donations of large print puzzles and games to help keep residents occupied during the pandemic, the Vindicator staff saw an opportunity to fill that need with a special section in the newspaper.
The coronavirus pandemic is dominating headlines, generating stories on issues touching nearly every aspect of lives.
Reports addressing the health and safety of citizens are obviously center stage. At the same time, the pandemic has spawned a range of stories focusing on our worksites – the places we earn a paycheck as employees and purchase products and services as consumers. Business lockdowns and restrictions have redefined commerce and reshaped daily routines.
By Jim Pumarlo, community newspaper consultant
A big part of NNA’s participation in the Mailers Technical Advisory Committee (MTAC) is getting a preview of new programs and procedures proposed by the Postal Service. The theory is that the representatives from the mailing industry will provide feedback to the Postal Service on the workability of these changes, and we do see where sometimes USPS modifies a proposal based on comments.
Some of the items of interest to NNA members from the most recent MTAC meeting in late January follow.
By MATT PAXTON,
National Newspaper Association
Q: What should I be charged for public information from our local police department? I believe they are trying to overcharge so I will drop my requests.