Monday, December 17, 2007

Job opening in Cincinnati ...

Here ya go:

Online Editor

The Community Press has a full time Community Editor - Online position available in the East Office, located in Loveland. Reporting to the Senior Editor, this position is responsible for planning, editing and posting online content to drive more web traffic. Key areas of responsibility include: developing, assigning, editing or writing of stories, editorials, features and other online items; working directly with Community Press & Recorder and Enquirer editors and reporters in identifying and posting community content online; monitoring Web site to ensure timely news and traffic-generating items; editing, reviewing and correcting errors in spelling, punctuation and/or syntax, etc. for stories, editorials and columns written by others; managing and assigning stringers for stories and/or photography as needed to fulfill content requirements within budgetary limits; and overseeing photos and/or illustrative materials.

Requirements: Bachelor's degree or equivalent in journalism or related field; one-two years of experience in a related newspaper/publishing position preferred. Must type 45 wpm. Excellent verbal and written communication and interviewing skills. Dependable transportation required. Must be knowledgeable in computer and web applications and be a competent photographer.

If you meet the above requirements and would like to apply for this position, please contact the Human Resources Department at 768-8200 for an internal application. The internal job application can also be obtained from the Intranet under HR Department's page by clicking on Printable Forms. Applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. Wednesday, December 19, 2007.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Why does this seem weird to me?

Whenever I run across any kind of journalism dilemma in my daily work, I like to throw it on the blog. (As you can tell, as a sportswriter, I don't run across too many.)

I recently got this e-mail from one of the higher-ups. My gut reaction, probably because it starts with the words "marketing department," is to not do it. Anyway, here it is:

Marketing department is working on house ads to promote KY Enquirer -- we'd like testimonials from you.

Here's the plan:

You write 5-6 sentences about covering the news of NKY, why you love it (if you love it). We'll take your photo at work and make an ad.

We want your own words and experiences, so write whatever you like.

We want to show KY readers that the Kentucky Enquirer is vested in covering the news of KY -- on its sports fields, in Frankfort, in Covington, Alexandria and Hebron, in its classrooms, on its streets.

Whatever happened to the days when advertising was on this side of the building and news was on that side of the building? I guess we can't work at The Post forever.

I will say this though: If I decide to do it, I want my "photo at work" to be like Brian Fantana's promo from Anchorman -- smoking a cigarette, singing doo-wop with some guys on a street corner. Nothing screams "newsman" quite like that.

Friday, December 7, 2007

Multiple Broadcast Openings in Texas

WFAA-TV, in Dallas, Texas, seeks the following:

Creative Services Department: Writer/Producer
News Department: Reporter, Tape Coordinator, Tape Editor, Traffic Producer, Daybreak Producer, Executive Producer
Sales Department: Account Executive, Interactive Sales Account Executive

Find details at: www.wfaa.com/joblisting/wfaa/

Notice received 12/5/07

Columbus, Ohio, Reporter Needed

News Reporter
Suburban News Publications, Columbus, OH

Suburban News Publications, a group of 22 community newspapers in Central Ohio, is seeking a news reporter to join its award-winning Editorial Department. Job duties include hard news and features reporting, to cover all facets of the local news important to our readers. The proper candidate for this position will be a self-starter with a nose for news, who writes with verve and enthusiasm. Journalism degree or newspaper writing experience is necessary. SNP is a progressive work place where talented people work in a high-charged production atmosphere to produce some of the finest community newspapers in the United States.

Send cover letter, resume and 3-5 clips to:
Joe Meyer
SNP Editor
5257 Sinclair Road
Columbus, OH 43229

Something Different...

This job opening came by way of an alum 12/5:

Passport Specialist
US Federal Government, multiple locations
More information at http://jobsearch.usajobs.opm.gov/ftva.asp?seeker=1&JobID=58744017 .
Application period is open until June 9, 2008.

Monday, December 3, 2007

On the writers' strike ...

This is from Scripps grad Megan Averell:

The Writer's Guild strike is pushing on, with a ban now lifted on talking with the media about specifics in negotiations.

I'm sorry, was there ever a ban? The writers have been doing such a good job (along with their friends The Press) in keeping this front and center, I didn't know such a ban existed. Apparently, I am not alone. Without knowing much about the dollars and cents, most Americans support the writers.

NPR recently reported on a reason that might be the case. The writers are simply killing the producers in the PR battle. One doesn't have to go far to see mad-as-hell writers being funny-as-hell in getting their case out to the public. YouTube and MySpace are full of clips and short messages as catchy and relevant as campaign slogans. "Speechless" is a near-ad-campaign running on a microsite I posted below, and the clips are brilliant. It's a powerful message brought with absurdity and humor. Even their picket signs are clever, with Sarah Silverman's reading: "AMPTP: I really, really hate you right now."

You might say, "but, you can't out-clever the cleverest (writers would know that's not a word) people in the business" -- sure, but the producers haven't really even tried. And of course, the screaming irony of the situation is that the writers are using the online mediums they are fighting so hard to get a slice of the royalties for, to bring the awareness to the public about their side of the issue.

And it's totally worked. A new study from Pepperdine said only 4% of Americans support the studios, while 63% support the writers. Now, many writers have said, "that doesn't pay my bills"-- and although that may be true-- I think we've seen the power of public opinion is a big deal that can be shaped through little channels like YouTube. This knowledge, thanks to examples like gaffes posted online that have gotten politicians un-elected, etc. Strom Thurmond's birthday, anyone?

I'd rather have the YouTube and MySpace public on my side, rather than against me. If you think the American Public isn't a force to be reckoned with, just wait until the strike keeps us all from Wisteria Lane every Sunday. Marc Cherry is rumored to have a disaster hit the Lane with some major cliffhangers just before "Housewives" goes on production hiatus thanks to the strike. What?!

We love our TVs too much in this country to be subjected to re-runs for too long before this all boils over. Personally, if I don't find out what happens to Lynette, Susan, Gabby, and Bree after this cliffhanger, I may very well hit the picket lines right along with the writers. It won't stand. The public will bring it to a halt if the writers can't.

But in the meantime, the writers are doing a brilliant job of fighting the good fight. Check out their materials for some great examples in "viral" marketing, PR, alternative media, marketing strategies, or whatever you want to call them. And lo and behold-- the Pepperdine study seems to be the long-awaited "proof" that different, non-traditional tactics like these work in at least reaching the public's hearts and affecting their minds. I think there’s plenty of implications for our businesses there.

http://speechlesswithoutwriters.com/
http://unitedhollywood.blogspot.com/

Megan Averell
Consumer Strategist