Dolly Parton named 2014 Headliner of the Year

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1 C Volume 78 November 2014 INSIDE Washburn on preparing for 2015 Page 2 TPA Board takes several actions at October meeting Page 3 TPA Committees named Page 5 Friends, family and colleagues congratulate Washburn Pages 8-9 Obituaries Becky Whitlock, Betty Jean Bell, Alexander Patton Jr., Dorothy Clifford, Carolyn Whaley, Ina Ellis Loveless, Albert Thompson III Page 10 entucky Journalism Foundation retains Border War trophy Page 14 Dolly Parton named 2014 Headliner of the ear No. 5 Photo courtesy of the Dollywood Foundation The TPA Board of Directors has named Sevier County, Tennessee native and country music superstar Dolly Parton as the 2014 Tennessee Press Headliner of the ear. By AELIA. HIPPS anaging Editor The TPA Board of Directors has named Sevier County, Tennessee native and country music superstar Dolly Parton as the 2014 Tennessee Press Headliner of the ear. The Headliner of the ear recognizes the person or group that has generated the most positive press within the state over the course of the year. Parton s Imagination Library, a program to promote early childhood literacy by providing a book a month to children from birth to age 5, has made headlines this year as it celebrates its 10th anniversary partnership with the Governor s Books from Birth Foundation. In 1995, Parton launched an exciting new effort, Dolly Parton s Imagination Library, to benefit the children of her home county of Sevier in East Tennessee. Her vision was to foster a love of reading among her county s preschool children and their families by providing them with the gift of a specially selected book each month. By mailing high quality, age-appropriate books directly to their homes, she wanted children to be excited about books and to feel the magic that books can create. oreover, she could insure that every child would have books, regardless of their family s income. Dolly s Imagination Library became so popular that in the year 2000 she announced that she would make the program available for replication to any community that was willing to partner with her to support it locally. Since the initial program launch in the United States, Dolly Parton s Imagination Library has gone from just a few dozen books to over 60,000,000 books mailed to children in the United States, into Canada and the United ingdom! Currently, over 1,600 local communities provide the Imagination Library to over 750,000 children each and every month. Already statistics and independent reports have shown Dolly Parton s Imagination Library drastically improves early childhood literacy for children enrolled in the program. Further studies have shown improved scores during early literacy testing. The Governor s Books from Birth Foundation (GBBF) was created in 2004 to allow Dolly Parton s Imagination Library to be available to every child in the state of Tennessee. Children from birth to age five are eligible to receive books at no cost to families, regardless of income. With funding support from the Tennessee General Assembly, various foundations, individual donors, small businesses and a host of private corporate partners, the GBBF matches all funds raised by each Imagination Library program in Tennessee a dynamic public-private partnership unlike any other in the U.S. today. Earlier this year, the GBBF held its Books from Birth 10th Anniversary Tour from Aug. 26 through Sept. 30, visiting some 50 counties across the state in a 45-foot decorated touring coach. The purpose of the Books from Birth 10th Anniversary Tour was to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Dolly Parton s Imagination Library in Tennessee, and the more than 20 million books mailed to children since the program began. At the tour s conclusion in Nashville at the Capitol, Parton told attendees that the program was launched in honor of her father, who never learned to read or write, according to a Sept. 30 article on Tennessean.com. It s very personal to me. Very emotional, Parton said. I m just happy I can help gets books into the hands of children. ou can t get enough of that. There is a Books from Birth local affiliated chapter in all 95 counties in Tennessee. The local affiliates raise 50 percent of the funds for books and mailing, enroll children and promote the program. The GBBF raises the remaining 50 percent of the funds for books and mailing and provides support to the local chapters through fundraising, volunteer training and public relations. The Dollywood Foundation, which oversees the Imagination Library, manages the selection, pricing and distribution of the books. Since its inception, Tennessee s statewide Imagination Library has grown. According to GBBF s website: ore than 20 million books have been delivered since October ,007 Tennessee children percent of the state s total under-5 population currently receive Imagination Library books. 384,756 5-year-olds have graduated from the Imagination Library. All of Tennessee s 407,813 children under age 5 have access to Dolly Parton s Imagination Library. Statewide impact studies show that children who have received these books are better prepared See HEADLINER Page 2 C

2 Page 2 The Tennessee Press November 2014 (USPS ) Published monthly by the TENNESSEE PRESS SERVICE, INC. for the TENNESSEE PRESS ASSOCIATION, INC. 435 ontbrook Lane noxville, Tennessee Telephone (865) /Fax (865) / Subscriptions: $6 annually Periodicals Postage Paid At noxville, TN POSTASTER: Send address changes to The Tennessee Press, 435 ontbrook Lane, noxville, TN The Tennessee Press is printed by The Standard Banner in Jefferson City, Tenn. Greg. Sherrill... Editor Amelia orrison Hipps... anaging Editor Robyn Gentile... Production Coordinator The Tennessee Press is printed on recycled paper and is recyclable. The Tennessee Press can be read on OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE TENNESSEE PRESS ASSOCIATION TENNESSEE PRESS ASSOCIATION Joel Washburn, The cenzie Banner...President Jack celroy, noxville News Sentinel... Vice President Jesse Lindsey, The Lebanon Democrat... Vice President John Finney, Buffalo River Review, Linden...Treasurer Greg. Sherrill, noxville... Executive Director DIRECTORS eith Wilson, ingsport Times-News... District 1 Carl Esposito, The Daily Times, aryville... District 2 Chris Vass, Chattanooga Times Free Press... District 3 Scott Winfree, Carthage Courier... District 4 Hugh Jones, Shelbyville Times-Gazette... District 5 Richard Stevens, The Leaf-Chronicle, Clarksville... District 6 ark Palmer, The Daily Herald, Columbia... District 7 Brad Franklin, The Lexington Progress... District 8 Daniel Richardson, agic Valley Publishing, Camden... District 9 Eric Barnes, The Daily News, emphis...district 10 Lynn Richardson, Elizabethton Star...Immediate Past President TENNESSEE PRESS SERVICE Victor Parkins, The ilan irror-exchange...president Ralph C. Baldwin, Jones edia Inc., Greeneville... Director David Critchlow Jr., Union City Daily essenger... Director Jeffrey D. Fishman, Tullahoma News... Director Jana Thomasson, The ountain Press, Sevierville... Director Greg. Sherrill... Executive Vice President TENNESSEE PRESS ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION Gregg. Jones, The Greeneville Sun...President Victor Parkins, The ilan irror-exchange... Vice President Richard L. Hollow, noxville... General Counsel Greg. Sherrill... Secretary-Treasurer CONTACT THE ANAGING EDITOR TPAers with suggestions, questions or comments about items in The Tennessee Press are welcome to contact the managing editor. Call Amelia orrison Hipps, (615) ; send a note to 1260 Trousdale Ferry Pike, Lebanon, TN 37087, or editor@tnpress.com. The deadline for the November issue is onday, Nov. 3. TPA prepares for busy 2015 HEADLINER, from Page 1 for kindergarten, have increased reading skills, and develop a love of reading, said Theresa Carl, president, GBBF. The Tennessee Press was the original media partner when the program began 10 years ago, and earlier this year, TPA renewed its commitment to this important initiative to combat illiteracy in Tennessee, according to Janet Rail, chair of the TPA Journalism, Education & Literacy Committee and publisher of the Independent Appeal in Selmer, Tennessee. The award will be presented in conjunction with the 2015 Winter Convention, Feb. 4-6, TPS Clipping Bureau to close; TPA members asked to submit news for TTP From Staff Reports The Tennessee Press Service Clipping Bureau will discontinue operations effective Friday, Oct. 31. The bureau s readers had served clients by reading all TPA member newspapers each week and clipping articles on the client s key words of their choice since See CLIPS, Page 12 our Presiding Reporter Joel Washburn As this calendar year ends, the work of Tennessee Press is now focusing on the year of At the Oct. 10 Fall Board eeting in Nashville, we established the budget for the year and approved program changes to the Ideas Contest and approved noxville as the home for the Summer Convention. Committees are planning for the 2015 year as well. The first is the planning committee for the Winter Press Institute and Convention in February. Held in Nashville each year, it is the opportunity to meet with legislators, interact with the leadership of the General Assembly and the governor and participate in training for staff members. The Journalism, Education, and Literacy Committee is developing a significant campaign to improve literacy in Tennessee. Janet Rail, former TPA president, heads that committee. During the administration of Lynn Richardson, immediate past president of TPA, she challenged members to support a renewed effort to improve literacy in the state. The project also includes a renewed commitment to the Governor s Books from Birth campaign. Watch for the campaign s launch in early The Contests Committee received approval from the board to move the annual ldeas Contest online. It will be hosted by the Better Newspaper Contest site, where the TPA newspaper contest has been successfully be hosted for the past two years. A new logo is in the works for TPA. After several decades, a fresher, more modern logo will hopefully emerge from the process. Board members approved a system to select the new logo. That process includes input by representatives of member newspapers. Just a few weeks into my tenure as president, I have enjoyed serving the newspaper industry in Tennessee. I have visited newspapers in Elizabethton, Greeneville, orristown and Livingston since serving as your president. I also visited the TPA offices in noxville. Last January, I visited the Chattanooga Times Free Press and just last month, I visited the remodeled offices of the (ilan) irror-exchange. I hope to visit many other newspapers during my tenure. Jack celroy is the vice president of dailies and will be TPA s next president. The 2015 Summer Convention will be in celroy s hometown of noxville, where he will be inaugurated. The TPA Board of Directors sets policy and the direction of your association. However, it is the TPA executive and staff who are responsible for the day-to-day operation. I thank the staff for their service. Joel Washburn is the managing editor of The cenzie Banner.

3 November 2014 The Tennessee Press Page 3 Stand proud, young nerds Surely, I can t be the only one who s noticed that now is a great time to be a nerd. And for the girl who literally had her glasses held together by duct tape for about a week in middle school, I couldn t be more excited about it. (When you re blind as a bat in the days before Lens Crafters and you catch a basketball with your face, there really wasn t another option.) The family gathered recently to pack up my grandmother s house a few weeks after her funeral. As we were sorting through her belongings, deciding what to keep and what to give away, I cam across my mother s high school graduation photo in I absolutely love this photograph. om s wearing black-framed cat s eye glasses, her hair is styled in a perfect Jackie ennedy bob and she s doing that classic high school yearbook move of staring off meaningfully into the middle distance. Being the grownup that I am, I called dibs on that photo right then and there. No one will ever feel the need to lay claim to my school photos, unless they re in it for entertainment value or dumb enough to try to blackmail me. Let me paint you a picture I wore enormous, bowl-like glasses First place award Best Personal Humor Column Group III Andrea Agardy The Tullahoma News that were about half an inch thick until I was around 13. Add to that intensely painful braces, complete with teeny-tiny rubber bands, that caused my gums to swell so severely that for several years, my mouth bore a striking resemblance to a wood chipper. As if all that wasn t bad enough, I grew up in New Jersey during the late-80s, early-90s. To say my hair was large and in charge would be putting it mildly. Crispy might be a better adjective. And to put the cherry on the cake that was my ugly adolescence, I, for some reason I can t wrap my mind around as an adult, was a really big fan of royal blue eyeliner, a shade of lipstick called Silver City Pink and spiral perms. y generation really got the short end of the stick when it comes to the fashion of our teenage years. I wasn t a nerd in the goodat-math, get-stuffed-in-a-locker, pocket-protector sense of the word. I wasn t bullied and I had friends in a variety of circles. But I did well in school, and was overly enthusiastic about the weird tings I liked and never really felt like I fit in. Even on the few occasions when I managed to pick up on a trend before it was over, the clothes that all the cool girls were wearing never looked the same on me. Looking back now, it s obvious that I was trying to slip on someone else s skin because I was so uncomfortable in my own. Eventually, I stopped caring about fitting in and hiding my own nerdy quirks. By my early 20s, no longer even gave it a thought. I d realized that this is who I am, social awkwardness and all, and the world can take it or leave it. I ve noticed that today s young nerds are different from those who came before them. I ve taken to calling them out and proud nerds. These kids don t seem to be doing everything they can to get through high school unnoticed. They re not embarrassed by their intellect or shy about proclaiming their love for things once reserved only for the nerdiest among us a point proven by the fact that the Lord of the Rings triology and The Hobbit have grossed more than $1.3 billion at the box office. Played wisely, nerd cred can actually be a valuable commodity these days. Once relegated to the yearbook pages devoted to the mathletes and the computer club, nerds have slowly but surely taken over the word, and I, for one, say it s about time. Whether Bill Gates and Steve Jobs are responsible for today s nerdvana, or if some of the credit should go to Doctor Who, Weezer, Douglas Adams or the creators of The Big Bang Theory, doesn t really matter. Today, what once seemed impossible has finally happened: Nerds are cool. Spend 10 minutes in a hipster bar, and you ll see that I m right. Horn-rimmed glasses and cardigans abound and everyone is glued to the latest technological gadget in their pocket. But, as Uncle Ben told Peter Parker (what s up, comic book nerds?), with great power comes great responsibility. Let your freak flag fly, young nerds. But use the time that I and so many of your predecessors wasted figuring out that there s nothing wrong with being exactly who you are to make the world a better place for the nerds yet to walk, self-consciously, across the earth. N uh uh! is a weekly column written by reporter Andrea Agardy. TPA Board takes several actions at its October meeting By ROBN GENTILE TPA ember Services anager The TPA Board of Directors met on Friday, Oct. 10, in Nashville with TPA President Joel Washburn presiding. Significant actions taken included: Adoption of a budget for fiscal year 2015 Approval of Tennessee Watchdog as an associate member Plans for a new TPA logo Selection of noxville as the 2015 Summer Convention destination Establishment of an award that will recognize employees of TPA member newspapers with 50 years of service Approval of the use of an online entry/judging platform for the Advertising & Circulation Ideas Contest inutes of the meeting will be sent to the publisher or designated representative for each member newspaper. Watch for future announcements about the logo, recognition award, Ideas Contest and Summer Convention. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Directors is set for Wednesday, Feb. 4, in conjunction with the annual Press Institute & Winter Convention in Nashville. Photo by Robyn Gentile TPA The TPA Board of Directors met in Nashville on Oct. 10 with TPA President Joel Washburn, managing editor of The cenzie Banner, presiding. From left are board members Hugh Jones, publisher, Shelbyville Times-Gazette; Scott Winfree, publisher, Carthage Courier; Richard Stevens,editor and general manager, The Leaf-Chronicle, Clarksville; Carl Esposito, publisher, The Daily Times, aryville; Greg Sherrill, executive director, Tennessee Press ; Washburn; Lynn Richardson, publisher, Elizabethton Star and immediate past president; Jesse Lindsey, TPA vice president and publisher, The Lebanon Democrat; Chris Vass, metro editor, Chattanooga Times Free Press; and Daniel Richardson, distribution manager, agic Valley Publishing, Camden. For our Calendar NOVEBER 11-12: Transforming the local sales model, Inland Press Foundation in partnership with The Blinder Group, Seyfarth Shaw Conference Center, The Citadel, Chicago 13-14: Changing our approaches to coverage and storytelling, Inland Press and Creative Circle edia Solutions, Seyfarth Shaw Conference Center, The Citadel, Chicago FEBRUAR : TPA Winter Convention, Nashville 23-25: ey Executives ega-conference by the Southern Newspaper Publishers, Inland Press and Local edia, arriott arquis Atlanta, Georgia ARCH : Human Resources anagement Conference, Seyfarth Shaw Conference Center, The Citadel, Chicago 15-18: NAA mediaxchange 2015, Newspaper of America, Nashville 18-20: National Newspaper s Leadership Summit, Crystal City arriott, Washington, D.C. The Tennessee Press Foundation gratefully acknowledges a contribution from Alice and David Torbett for Lois Hicks, a longtime editorial and advertising employee at the Herald & Tribune in Jonesborough

4 Page 4 The Tennessee Press November 2014 Stone celebrates 90th birthday at The Daily Times By ROBERT NORRIS The Daily Times, aryville, Sept. 24, 2014 A few days ago a visitor to The Daily Times newsroom dropped by to offer an early happy birthday greeting to Dean Stone. The longtime editor, who has worked at The Times for 67 years, was asked if he planned on taking his birthday off from work. Stone was quick with an answer, I never take my birthday off. In fact, he works six or seven days a week and rarely takes a vacation. He had an especially busy day on Tuesday, Sept. 23, as he celebrated his 90th birthday the way he always does on the job. His birthday, to say the least, was a busy one. Although a night owl, Stone arrived at the office early to meet with morning visitors at the newspaper. State Sen. Doug Overbey and state Rep. Bob Ramsey were there to present Stone documentation of resolutions in his honor voted by the Tennessee Senate and House and signed by Gov. Bill Haslam. U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander, a longtime friend of Stone s, presented him with an official copy of an item the senator had included in the Congressional Record, Vol. 160, No. 133, Wednesday, Sept. 17, It read, in part: r. President, next Tuesday is an important day in my hometown of aryville, TN. It is the 90th birthday of Dean Stone. It would be hard to imagine Blount County without Dean Stone. For most of his 90 years, he has been our historian-in-chief, our storyteller-in-chief, and our editor-in-chief. His Photo by Tom Sherlin The Daily Times Daily Times Editor Dean Stone checks out his birthday cake with Publisher Carl Esposito at Stone s 90th birthday celebration on Tuesday, Sept. 23. photographs of the Great Smoky ountains and his eight books about our county s history line the libraries of most of Blount Countians. In fact, taken altogether they constitute a library of their own. Dean is a longtime journalist and native of aryville, Tennessee, where he served as editor of the aryville-alcoa Daily Times and still serves as opinion editor today. In each Sunday s edition, he writes his Bits of Stone about the history and happenings around Blount County. Blount County treasure Included in the record is a statement by Gregg Jones, president of Blount County Publishers: For the past several decades, it has been Dean Stone s joy to reveal in word and picture every dimension of his beloved Blount County. As he has done so over the years, it has become apparent that Dean, himself, is one of Blount County s greatest treasures. I am honored to claim Dean as my colleague and friend and wish him the very best on this special day and every day to come. Carl Esposito, publisher of The Daily Times, also is quoted in the Congressional Record: Dean Stone is not only the elder statesman of The Daily Times, but a virtual repository of Blount County history and knowledge. It is a pleasure and privilege to work alongside him. The Congressional Record outlines a portion of Stone s biography: a degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma, service in World War II, awards won by Stone and by The Daily Times under his editorship, leadership in numerous organizations, a few of which include the Blount County Chamber of Commerce, several education and school boards, Leadership Blount, aryville-alcoa Jaycees, Alcoa iwanis and United Way of Blount County. For 20 years, he served on the Tennessee Great Smoky ountains National Park Commission, chairman most of those years. A few See STONE, Page 13 TPA ember News Parade sold to Athlon edia On Sept. 17, Athlon edia Group president and CEO Chuck Allen announced the acquisition of Sunday newspaper magazine Parade and the monthly epicurean-magazine Dash from the Newhouse family-owned Advance Publications. The sum was not disclosed. Upon closing, Parade and Dash will relocate from New ork to Athlon s Nashville corporate headquarters. Neither the hierarchy led by five-year CEO Jack Haire and four-year editor-in-chief aggie urphy or most of the 85 staff members will remain with the magazines. Since 1941, Parade has filled a void for newspapers (more than 700 at latest count) as their only Sunday magazines. In a headier era, Parade would augment in-house publications from the Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, etc. But they were casualties of the downturn that accelerated during the recession, which was compounded by the rise of digital media. Diminished revenues are what led to the Parade and Dash sale to Athlon edia, which was a sports-magazine publisher before launching Athlon Sports in In July 2013, Athlon took over the management of the American Profile, Relish and Spry Living print editions from Franklin, Tennessee -based Publishing Group of America edia. They are also distributed through newspapers, but differ from Parade and Dash, mostly serving small, C- and D-county markets. At 12 years old, American Profile, with a 9.3 million circulation, is the oldest of the three and the only weekly. Parade s influence has long been renowned, as many stars were born on the pages of the magazine, which reaches 32 million. Popular features include What People Earn every spring and college football s all-america team in the fall. Between 1983 and 2009, the magazine raised millions of dollars for the Jerry Lewis uscular Dystrophy Telethon by putting Lewis and typically a dystrophic child on the cover on the Sunday before the Labor Day telecast. Dash, with a circulation of 8.8 million (in 150-plus newspapers), has served as a content extension for Condé Nast magazines, most notably Bon Appétit and Epicurious. com. That separates Dash from the 15 million circulation/1,000-plus newspaper-distributed Relish. One would expect the CN relationship to continue. Parade has been owned by Advance since The New ork Herald Tribune publisher John Hay ( Jock ) Whitney was a previous owner. Sept. 17, 2014 Commercial Appeal cuts budget, trims staff anagement of The Commercial Appeal announced budget cuts to its staff Tuesday, including layoffs, to offset declines in advertising revenue. In an to employees, Publisher George Cogswell said expense reductions were necessary because of weaker than expected revenues, but did not announce specific cuts nor reveal the number of layoffs. He said several steps were taken to minimize impact on the staff. The reality is that the newspaper business continues to change and in reaction to business conditions today we must adapt, Cogswell told employees. Our consumers are changing the way they access their news and information, and advertisers are choosing different ways to market their products and services. As a company, we must adjust in order to stabilize profitability and secure our long-term commitment to both readers and advertisers. ost American newspapers have made substantial reductions in the size and cost of their operations over the past decade as readers turned increasingly to the Internet for news content. The CA is among many around the U.S. announcing cost reductions in recent weeks, including The Tennessean in Nashville. The 174-year-old CA is owned by Cincinnati-based E.W. Scripps, which announced earlier this year it was merging with ilwaukee-based Journal Communications to form the Journal edia Group, a collection of 14 publications located around the U.S., including ilwaukee; emphis; noxville; Naples, Fla.; Corpus Christi, Texas; and Ventura, California. Cogswell said that transaction, expected to close by mid-2015, had no bearing on Tuesday s budget cuts. Commercial Appeal Sept. 23, 2014 News Sentinel layoffs include etro Pulse staff The News Sentinel today announced that it was laying off 23 employees, including the staff of etro Pulse, a standalone weekly publication owned by the newspaper. etro Pulse will be merged with noxville.com, the paper s Friday entertainment section, to create a new, comprehensive guide to activities in the metro area. The staff of etro Pulse has distinguished itself through the years with its provocative and informative content, said News Sentinel Publisher and NS edia President Patrick Birmingham. Like other businesses, though, the News Sentinel must adapt to the changing business environment. Despite this difficult step, we remain committed to being the authoritative source of information about things to do in and around noxville and are excited about the possibilities for our combined product. In all, the layoffs represent about six percent of the News Sentinel s workforce. To assist affected employees, the company is providing separation packages that include pay and subsidized benefits. knoxnews.com Oct. 15, 2014

5 November 2014 The Tennessee Press Page 5 TPA committees named for Whatever your area of newspaper expertise, TPA could use you on one of its committees! Committee membership is open to any newspaper or associate member. The hard work volunteered by the more than 100 committee members makes our association one of the most active on both regional and national levels. Results from the committee actions are immediately evident in every facet of our industry, from successes in the state legislative arena to the development of high school newspapers to the availability of affordable training programs for our members. ost of TPA s committee chairs are appointed each July by the new TPA president. If you are interested in volunteering for a committee and the committee chair is not listed with the committee description below, please contact TPA at (865) ext. 105 or via to rgentile@tnpress.com. There are currently 10 active committees which are: Advertising, Audit, Circulation, Contests, Government Affairs, Journalism Education & Literacy, embership, Nominating (past presidents only), Press Institute & Winter Convention, and Summer Convention. Advertising This committee is charged with the planning and execution of the annual Advertising Conference in the spring. In addition, the committee reviews and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors on any projects, problems ahana or ideas relating to the field of newspaper advertising. Ad/Circ. Conference: Spring Leslie ahana, Chair, Chattanooga Times Free Press George Coleman, ingsport Times-News Scarlet Elliott, The ilan irror-exchange Jesse Lindsey, The Lebanon Democrat Amy Lutheran, The Daily Times, aryville Danny Peppers, The Paris Post-Intelligencer Tony Ramirez, noxville News Sentinel Sissy Smith, Shelbyville Times-Gazette Artie Wehenkel, The Greeneville Sun Roger Wells, Herald-Citizen, Cookeville David Wells, Tennessee Press Service Audit Finney The Audit Committee meets with the auditors, independent of TPA staff, to review the audit process. John Finney, Chair, ennedy Newspapers Inc., Columbia Tommy Campbell, The Rogersville Review Joe Hurd, The Courier, Savannah Circulation The Circulation Committee will monitor and develop information for distribution to TPA members relating to changes and trends in the circulation field. They will develop and execute an annual Circulation Conference in the spring. A aier primary objective is to promote the growth in attendance for the annual conference. Ad/Circ. Conference: Spring Frank aier, Chair, Chattanooga Times Free Press Lu Shep Baldwin, Jones edia Inc., Greeneville athy Boswell, The Tullahoma News Carroll Duckworth, Chattanooga Times Free Press Phil Hensley, Johnson City Press Dale Long, The Greeneville Sun Don Lovelace, Citizen Tribune, orristown Bryan Sandmeier, The Daily Times, aryville Olene Standfield, Shelbyville Times-Gazette Contests This Committee is charged with overseeing the annual UT-TPA State Press Contests. Included in its activities is the development of rules and categories for presentation to the membership each year. Further, members of this Likens committee serve as the primary resource pool for reciprocal judging assignments with other state press associations. Terri Likens, Chair, Roane County News, ingston Beth Braden, organ County News, Wartburg Ann Cason, Grainger Today, Bean Station arcus R. Darnell, acon County Chronicle, Lafayette aren Geary, The Paris Post-Intelligencer Josh Peterson, anchester Times Frank Buzz Trexler, The Daily Times, aryville Charles Primm, University of Tennessee Greg Sherrill, Tennessee Press Robyn Gentile, Tennessee Press Government Affairs This committee was formed in July 2008 by combining the Freedom of Information and Government Relations Committees. Protecting the public s right to know by resisting any attempts to restrict free access to public Barnes celroy records and/or public meetings is of paramount importance. This committee is charged with the responsibility for monitoring and properly reacting to any and all efforts to curtail the free flow of information in Tennessee or on the national level. The committee also should monitor and react to judicial actions, local regulatory actions or any other attempt to restrict information brought to TPA s attention. The committee also will be deeply involved with the legislative activities that might relate directly to the newspaper industry as a business in Tennessee. The committee will be called on at times to review and work on problems relating to the implementation of existing legislation, i.e., working out solutions to problems with state regulatory departments or other enforcement divisions. The Public Notice Committee was also combined with Government Affairs in Eric Barnes, Co-Chair, The Daily News, emphis Jack celroy, Co-Chair, noxville News Sentinel Elizabeth. Blackstone, ennedy Newspapers Inc. Don Bona, Hamilton County Herald, Chattanooga ike Fishman, Citizen Tribune, orristown Ron Fryar, Cannon Courier, Woodbury Henrietta Hayward, The Tennessean, Nashville Sara Jane Locke, The Herald-News, Dayton Jack celroy, noxville News Sentinel Victor Parkins, The ilan irror-exchange Lynn J. Richardson, Elizabethton Star Frank Buzz Trexler, The Daily Times, aryville ichael Williams, The Paris Post-Intelligencer Adam eomans, The Associated Press ex officio: Richard L. Hollow, Hollow & Hollow LLC, noxville Bo Johnson, JohnsonPoss Government Relations, Nashville Sam ennedy, ennedy Newspapers Inc., Columbia Greg Sherrill, Tennessee Press Frank Gibson, Tennessee Press Joel Washburn, The cenzie Banner Journalism, Education & Literacy This committee has a wide range of interests and activities. Comprised of both active newspaper members and representatives of colleges and universities with journalism programs, Rail the committee provides the link for discussion of common problems and establishment of goals. This committee is charged with the responsibility of developing continuing education programs for our practicing professionals and further to encourage the development of high school journalism programs across the state. Janet Rail, Chair, Independent Appeal, Selmer Leon Alligood, iddle Tennessee State University, urfreesboro Lu Shep Baldwin, Jones edia Inc., Greeneville Dwight Brooks, TSU Christen Coulon, Independent Appeal, Selmer Andrew Dunn, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City ike Fishman, Citizen Tribune, orristown Dale Gentry, The Standard Banner, Jefferson City Peter Gross, University of Tennessee Tom Hrach, The University of emphis Bonnie Hufford, University of Tennessee, noxville Hugh Jones, Shelbyville Times-Gazette Robert Nanney, University of Tennessee artin Clay Scott, Volunteer State Community College, Gallatin ichael Williams, The Paris Post-Intelligencer eith Wilson, ingsport Times-News embership Formed in July 2010, this committee is tasked with enhancing participation at all of our meetings, seeking new associate members and reviewing Richardson TPA s dues structure. Daniel Richardson, Chair, Crockett County Times, Alamo Hugh Jones, Shelbyville Times-Gazette Janet Rail, Independent Appeal, Selmer eith Whitson, The Erwin Record Patricia Zechman, Southern Standard, cinnville Nominating The Nominating Committee is comprised of past presidents of the Tennessee Press who are still actively involved in the newspaper industry in the state. They face the Richardson important responsibility of developing and presenting a recommended slate of officers and directors to the membership each year. uch of the success of TPA over the years can be directly attributed to the careful process by which this committee goes about its job. Lynn Richardson, Chair, Elizabethton Star Jeff Fishman, The Tullahoma News R. ichael Fishman, Citizen Tribune, orristown W.R. (Ron) Fryar, Cannon Courier, Woodbury Dale Gentry, The Standard Banner, Jefferson City Gregg. Jones, Jones edia Inc., Greeneville John. Jones Jr., The Greeneville Sun Sam ennedy, ennedy Newspapers, Columbia Hershel Lake, Pulaski Citizen See COITTEES, Page 6

6 Page 6 The Tennessee Press November 2014 TPA committee makes plans for statewide literacy project Staff reports Statistics from the U.S. Census paint a bleak picture for Tennessee as it relates to its citizens level of literacy and post-secondary education. Recognizing the problem, TPA s Journalism, Education & Literacy Committee is embarking on a significant literacy and educational campaign across Tennessee with $5,000 grant funding, of which $2,500 came from the TPA Foundation and $2,500 from the UT Center for Literacy, Education & Employment. TPA member newspapers will be asked to support the project through the publication of prepared blogs, PSAs, and articles to improve the literacy of the citizens of Tennessee as well as promotional ads developed for the campaign. It is truly a partnership to improve literacy and education while developing a new generation of readers. In addition to the UT Center for Literacy, TPA has included the Governor s Books from Birth Foundation and the Children s Cabinet in the effort. Representatives met at the TPA headquarters on Friday, Oct. 3 to begin planning for the project. TPA will keep members informed as the project progresses. Attending the meeting were Janet Rail, publisher of the Independent Appeal, Selmer, and chair of TPA s Journalism, Education & Literacy Committee; Theresa Carl, president, Governor s Books from Birth Foundation; Beth Ponder, associate director, UT Center for Literacy, Education & Employment; Joel Washburn, TPA president and managing editor of The cenzie Banner; Greg Sherrill, TPA executive director; Robyn Gentile, TPA member services manager; and David Wells, advertising director, Tennessee Press Service. Jude White, executive director of the Governor s Children s Cabinet, joined the meeting by phone. According to Ponder, newspapers can access their county s educational attainment data through the American Community Survey at 1. Going to this website On the right hand side of the page Data by Topic Photo by Robyn Gentile TPA From left, Beth Ponder, associate director of the Center for Literacy Studies at the University of Tennessee and Greg Sherrill, TPA executive director, listen as Janet Rail, chair of TPA s Journalism, Education & Literacy Committee makes a point during a committee meeting at TPA headquarters in noxville on Friday, Oct Choose Education 4. In the search box for state, county or place type in our County, Tennessee 5. Hit enter or go 6. ou will get two reports, one called School Enrollment and one called Educational Attainment 7. The Educational Attainment report will list the percentage of people in your county that do not have a High School diploma. Lindsey, Stevens named new TPA vice president, director From Staff Reports When Joel Washburn advanced to the office of president of Tennessee Press on Sept. 12, it created a vacancy in the office of vice president for non-dailies. Per TPA Bylaws, President Washburn filled the vacancy by appointing Jesse Lindsey of The Lebanon Publishing Company to fill the term. This created another board vacancy because Lindsey had been serving as director of District Six. Washburn then appointed Richard Stevens, editor and general manager of The Leaf-Chronicle, Clarksville, as the new District Six Lindsey director. The appointments were ratified at the TPA Board of Directors eeting on Oct. 10. Jesse Lindsey was named publisher of The Lebanon Democrat, Hartsville Vidette and the t. Juliet News in September He began his career as an advertising salesperson Stevens at the onroe County Advocate in Sweetwater. He later served as publisher of the Selma (Ala.) Times-Journal followed by the Suffolk (Va.) News Herald and then at The Rogersville (Tenn.) Review prior to joining the Lebanon Publishing Company. Richard Stevens has been in the newspaper business since He joined The Leaf-Chronicle as executive editor in 1999 and was promoted to editor and general manager in He is a former assistant managing editor of The Tennessean, Nashville. COITTEES, from Page 5 Steve Lake, Pulaski Citizen Victor Parkins, The ilan irror-exchange Janet Rail, Independent Appeal, Selmer Pauline D. Sherrer, Crossville Chronicle Bill Williams, The Paris Post-Intelligencer ichael Williams, The Paris Post-Intelligencer Press Institute This committee is appointed each spring and is responsible for the planning, development, and execution of the annual Winter Convention and TPA-UT Press Institute held in connection with the winter convention. It is responsible for the educational and informational sessions held during the two and one-half day convention. In addition to Washburn the regular sessions, the president may request the Press Institute Committee to assist in the planning of other activities or special assignments, which he may direct to the chairman. DATES: Feb. 4-6, 2014, DoubleTree Nashville Downtown Hotel Joel Washburn, Chair, The cenzie Banner Peter Gross, University of Tennessee Jesse Lindsey, The Lebanon Democrat Jack celroy, noxville News Sentinel Andrew Oppmann, TSU Janet Rail, Independent Appeal, Selmer Dennis Richardson, The Camden Chronicle Richard V. Stevens, The Leaf-Chronicle, Clarksville Adam eomans, The Associated Press Greg Sherrill, Tennessee Press Robyn Gentile, Tennessee Press Frank Gibson, Tennessee Press Summer Convention This committee is charged with the planning, promotion and execution of the annual summer convention, including securing sponsorships to offset the cost to the general membership. embers are traditionally from newspapers located in the area where the summer convention will be held. Committee TBA Sustainability & Long-Range Planning The Sustainability and Long- Range Planning Committee is comprised of representatives from Tennessee Press, Tennessee Press Service, and Tennessee Press As- Parkins sociation Foundation. It is by special appointment. The committee is charged with long-term planning for all three companies with regard to profitability and providing the best support possible for the newspaper industry of Tennessee. Victor Parkins, Chair, The ilan irror Exchange Ralph Baldwin, Jones edia Inc., Greeneville Patrick J. Birmingham, noxville News Sentinel Gregg. Jones, Jones edia Inc., Greeneville Joel Washburn, The cenzie Banner ichael Williams, The Paris Post-Intelligencer eith Wilson, ingsport Times-News

7 November 2014 The Tennessee Press Page 7 Tracks LaFollette Press business manager retires aren Cumorich, business manager of the LaFollette Press, retired on Sept. 16, exactly 12 years to day that she started at the newspaper. It was also her 47th wedding anniversary to John. In a farewell column, Cumorich wrote that she intends to continue to work at certain things like my painting, or my gardening, baking or the multitude of other things that I so enjoy and have fit into my life between working. I will continue to work within the community to help in any way I can to further the development Campbell County has achieved since we moved here in ay of I feel that I leave the Press in very good standing and that things will continue to grow there as our community grows. I want to personally thank all of our readers and advertisers for their continued support of the Press, and as I say to my friends as I leave them, I ll see you around the bend. LaFollette Press Sept. 11, 2014 Schanding leaves LaFollette Press for entucky position Brent Schanding, editor of the LaFollette Press since arch 2013, accepted a position with a family-owned daily newspaper in Frankfort, entucky. His last day at the Press was Sept. 19. In his farewell column, Schanding said the move would put him closer to family and friends, and at this stage in my life, it s where I want and need to be. The LaFollette Press won the General Excellence award for its circulation category in this year s University of Tennessee/Tennessee Press State Press Contests. LaFollette Press Sept. 18, 2014 Wilson Post Editor Horton retires; Owensby named managing editor A venerable pillar of local news for more than two decades, Wilson Post Editor Jennifer Horton announced her retirement in September following a decorated career as a writer, editor, confidant and mentor. Longtime Wilson Post Production anager Zack Owensby was named Horton s successor. Horton, a Nashville native and proud alumna of the University of Tennessee, began her career as a writer at the now defunct News Herald in Donelson. In 1988, she took her talents to The Lebanon Democrat, working her way up the ranks from a staff writer on the night crew to editor in 10 Owensby short years. She took the helm as The Wilson Post s first-ever editor in June Horton described her departure as bittersweet. I m going to miss everyone, but I won t miss the deadlines, she laughed. I m very excited about the future and what happens next. I m going to work on my house, read, maybe take a trip just chill out for a little while. Owensby, who first came to The Wilson Post in 2006 as a graphic designer, is a iddle Tennessee native who has made his home in Wilson County for nearly 10 years. After leaving the newspaper for a teaching position in Nashville, he returned in 2010 as a full-time graphic designer, coordinator of special projects and production manager. He and his wife of 11 years, Tuckers Crossroads Elementary School teacher arie, make their home in Lebanon with their two daughters, asie, 8, and Rylie, 5. Of the changes, Dave Gould, president and publisher of The Wilson Post and ain Street edia of Tennessee, said, Jennifer has been with The Post since the beginning, and she knows the county so well. We will miss her great editing skills and her wealth of knowledge. We wish her the very best. Zack is an experienced journalist who has made his home here for many years. He has great ideas about to take The Post forward and will be an outstanding leader for us. The Wilson Post Sept. 18, 2014 Herald Courier promotes editor, selects regional advertising chief A managing editor and a regional advertising director have been named at the Bristol Herald Courier, Publisher Jim axwell announced recently. Christine Uthoff has been promoted to managing editor, while Steve Uthoff Jameson will serve as regional advertising director for the Herald Courier and the Community Newspapers of Southwest Virginia. Uthoff joined the Herald Courier in 2008 as assistant city editor and has been the digital content director and opinion editor for Jameson the past year. She came to Bristol from the Bozeman (ontana) Daily Chronicle, where she was city editor from , and she was psilanti city editor at the Ann Arbor (ichigan) News from In recent years, she s won several awards for her writing from the Virginia and Tennessee press associations. She is a graduate of the University of issouri-columbia. Christine has done an excellent job taking the lead in our efforts to expand the way we deliver news content to our readers, axwell said. In her role as digital content manager, she has done an excellent job to increase our online and mobile audiences. Jameson has more than 20 years of media experience, including more than 14 years in newspaper management and publishing, two years as owner of a community newspaper in central innesota, and 11 years in various roles including leadership positions in print creative from magazines to catalogs to newspapers and more. Before coming to Bristol, Jameson was publisher and editor of the uscatine Journal in Iowa and director of classified and Hawkeye Printing in Iowa and Illinois. He has a bachelor s degree from the University of innesota and a master s degree from Saint Ambrose University. Steve brings to our organization significant experience in the area of advertising, in print, digital and mobile. Along with our veteran group of sales professionals, we have never been in a better position to provide exceptional advertising and marketing solutions to businesses in our communities, axwell said. Bristol Herald Courier Sept. 28, 2014 Sports Editor Cannon leaves LaFollette Press Chris Cannon, sports editor of the LaFollette Press, has resigned to accept the position of Assistant Sports Information Director at aryville College, his alma mater. A native of LaFollette, Cannon has been at the Press for the last two years. He was part of the team who won the General Excellence Award in the Circulation Group II this year in the State Press Contests Awards. Addtionally, Cannon won first place in Sports Coverage for the Cannon same category. In his farewell column, Cannon said his goal is to stay on the sidelines of Campbell County as a freelance writer for the LaFollette Press. LaFollette Press Oct. 9, 2014 Hartmann new president of Chattanooga Publishing Co. Chattanooga Publishing Co. announced the hiring of a new president, Bruce Hartmann, on Thursday. Hartmann comes to Chattanooga from noxville, where he was chief revenue officer and vice president of sales Hartmann and marketing for the E.W. Scripps Co. s publishing division, working with newspapers from California to Florida. Before that he spent more than 20 years at the noxville News Sentinel, beginning as advertising director and rising to the position of president and publisher. Hartmann will lead the company that publishes the Times Free Press. He said he and his wife, Tami, look forward to living in the Scenic City. I ve always been jealous of the resources you all have put forth in making this just a premier property, Hartmann said of the Times Free Press. I think there s a lot of chance for us to make it even better than it is now. Hartmann earned a bachelor s degree in journalism from West Virginia University in He serves on the board of directors for South College and has worked with Friends of the Smokies, Leadership noxville, the Bijou Theatre, Variety, the noxville Chamber, the Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation board and the UT Graduate School of edicine Board of Visitors. He and his wife have three children. During an address to Chattanooga Publishing Company staff, Hartmann acknowledged that the position won t be without challenges. The Times Free Press, like nearly all newspapers in the industry, has seen falling revenues for the past several years. Hartmann said he doesn t plan to roll out any major changes. Instead, he said, he ll listen to employees who know the market and readership well already. I m really excited about being here, he said. It s going to be a great experience and a great time to grow this paper. Hartmann succeeds Jason Taylor, who left in July and is now president and publisher of the Clarion-Ledger in Jackson, iss., and regional president of Gannett Co. Inc. s U.S. Community Publishing East Group. Leaders of WEHCO edia, which owns the Times Free Press, said they received a higher-than-expected number of applications for the Chattanooga position. I think it was a really attractive job opportunity, said Walter Hussman Jr., CEO of WEHCO edia. Hussman said Hartmann was an ideal candidate, especially because he comes from Tennessee. We look forward to his leadership, Jeff Jeffus, WEHCO Newspapers president, said. I think he s uniquely qualified for the challenges the newspaper industry faces, and we certainly welcome him to our table. Chattanooga Times Free Press Claire Wiseman Oct. 10, 2014 Garrett promoted to editor-publisher of Independent Herald Effective Nov. 1, Ben Garrett will assume the role of both editor and publisher of the Independent Herald in Oneida, Tennessee. Current Publisher Paul Roy will step down as publisher due to health concerns, but will remain Garrett on the payroll with limited duties over the next few months. Garrett, who has been editor of the newspaper for the last six years, has demonstrated his ability to transform the publication into a model weekly newspaper, which offers something for everyone through his reporting of news, sports and features, as well as producing insightful editorials and personal columns all of which has led to earning numerous awards from the Tennessee Press year after year, Roy wrote in his column. In addition, Garrett has also been responsible for creating and maintaining a prize-winning online edition of the newspaper, as well as utilizing Facebook, Twitter and other social media to keep our readers informed on a daily basis and to let them express their own comments, Roy wrote. Roy wrote in his column that he s had a good run in the newspaper See TRACS, Page 12

8 Page 8 The Tennessee Press November 2014 November 2014 The Tennessee Press Page 9 Family, friends and colleagues congratulate Joel Washburn on becoming TPA president C Above, eith Priestley (right) presents the Paul Harris Fellow award to Joel. At left is the announcement that appeared in The cenzie Banner on June 13, 1979, when Joel joined the staff. Above, James and Ramona Washburn stand with their son, Joel, after he graduated from Union University and came to work for the family newspapers in June of James Washburn became gravely ill soon after and died in the spring of Joel, at the age of 28 years old, stepped into a managing role of the family s two newspapers. The cenzie Banner celebrated its 100th anniversary in Owner and publisher, James L. Washburn, his wife Ramona, and sons Jeff (left) and Joel (right) are pictured. Jeff Washburn is also in the family business as managing editor of the Dresden Enterprise. Joel, congratulations on becoming the President of the Tennessee Press. The cenzie Banner is a reflection of your character. our progressive, hard-working approach to journalism bears fruit each week in a quality publication. The citizens of our city are blessed to have a person of your caliber reporting the news. Terry Howell cenzie citizen CONGRATULATIONS, JOEL! I am proud to call you friend. ay your inkwell never run dry! ark Warren cenzie citizen The cenzie Banner picked up four awards at the 2014 Tennessee Press /University of Tennessee State Press Contests Awards in July in Nashville. Joel represented the newspaper at the annual press awards announcements. In the Best Single Editorial, The Banner won second for an editorial written by Washburn urging Governor Haslam to veto the Ag Gag bill. Joel is, and has always been, a dedicated businessman in the field of journalism. During our many years of growing up as close friends, I witnessed him being strongly interested in helping his parents at The cenzie Banner. Joel always had a camera close by in case that special moment arose. I have fond teenage memories of him showing me around the office and workshop while explaining and demonstrating how all of the photo equipment and printing presses worked. His continued dedication to the profession has kept him involved in the family business for all of his professional career. Joel is well deserving to serve as a leader in the Tennessee Press. eith Purvis cenzie citizen Congratulations Joel. our experience in the newspaper business along with your service to our organization has you well prepared to lead the Tennessee Press. We look forward to working with you and wish you the best of luck over the next few months. Victor Parkins Editor irror-exchange (ilan) Teresa Washburn, Brittany Washburn-artin and Joel Washburn at Brittany s wedding to Jason artin on ay 31, All three work at The cenzie Banner. Brittany works as a graphic designer and in marketing, third generation to work in the family newspapers. Teresa helps out parttime. Joel Washburn graduated from Bethel University in December 2008 with his asters in Business Administration. His daughter Brittany Washburn is pictured standing next to him. Joel has been there helping me ever since his Daddy died. He manages the day-today business. I am really proud of him being elected TPA When he isn t working hard for the newspapers, Joel likes to spend his time at entucky Lake. He and his wife, Teresa, have enjoyed spending time at the lake since they were teenagers. It is still their favorite escape. What can I say about a man that I have known and loved a lifetime already? We started dating when I was a freshman in high school. Joel was my high school sweetheart. We continued to date for 10 years before he asked me to marry him. Joel is a man of integrity. He always does the right thing, no matter the cost. First of all, I am so proud of him I m bursting at the seams. Joel is the type of person that gives back, always strives to make each day count. He is constantly learning new ways to build a better mouse trap. He cares deeply about his community and finds ways to improve the world around him. Joel was given an extremely challenging position when he stepped in as managing editor after his father became ill. Each day he works diligently to keep everything running like a well-oiled machine. Beginning his day many mornings around 5 a.m. and ending his workday usually around 9 p.m., I m amazed where all his energy comes from. Congratulations, Joel. I am in awe of your wisdom, your leadership and your determination to make this world a better place for all. I love you more that words can say. our loving wife, Teresa Ever since I was able, I ve been following my dad to fires, meetings and photo appointments. I ve watched him my entire life. He has always strived to do the right thing, report the truth and help his community. I honestly don t know how he has the time for everything that he manages to do. He s given a lot for his family s newspapers and for his community. any people know him as the guy with the camera always photographing, rarely photographed. y mom and I sneak photos of him when we can. These are the happy memories we cling to, because he is a very busy man. I ve taken photos of him taking a photo because it is something he loves to do and teaches others to do. president. His Daddy was very active in the TPA. He s a leader of the community, and he teaches at Bethel University. He s into everything. He is in Jaycees and a Paul Harris Fellow in Rotary and I love my dad more than words can say. ou would think family would be sick of each other, spending so much time together. It was tough the first year or so. But now, we re thick as thieves. We crack each other up and don t even have to say a word. I try to appreciate him every day and be grateful for his good health. I m getting the opportunity that my dad missed out on: I get to work side-by-side with my mentor. Next to him, I learn something new almost every day. I m so blessed to be living in this moment. And I m so grateful the TPA has elected him president and is honoring him. He has definitely earned it. Brittany Washburn-artin Joel s Daughter very active. I am just really proud of him. Ramona Washburn Joel s other I cannot imagine anyone more qualified and better prepared to step up to lead TPA than Joel. Just look at his resume and you will see what I mean. I confess some bias. Joel and I are almost home-boys, even though I was getting out of high school when he was starting grammar school. I m not sure how long ago we met. It would have been at some TPA function. I remember feeling an immediate affinity to him. ou see I was a contributor to The cenzie Banner and The Dresden Enterprise in my last three years of high school. I hand-delivered my column to Shirley Nanney at the Banner s front counter every week. I remember Joel s dad thanking me for dropping it off. I know he would be proud of his son and his accomplishments, as well he should be. Frank Gibson Public Policy Director Tennessee Press Joel is an advocate for the press and understands our desire to create a unified voice for our industry. It will be an honor to follow his lead. Janet Rail Publisher Independent Appeal (Selmer) Joel is a passionate newspaperman who will do an incredible job for member newspapers. He has always been proactive and ambitious with regards to TPA over the past several years I have worked with him. The is in great hands. Jason Taylor President & Publisher The Clarion-Ledger Jackson, ississippi I couldn t be more pleased with our choice of president. Joel is a skilled publisher and, more importantly, a very good person. He will do a great job leading our association. evin Slimp Technology Director Tennessee Press Services C C C

9 Page 10 The Tennessee Press November 2014 Obituaries Becky Whitlock rs. Becky Whitlock, 53, a longtime resident of the ingsport area, died Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014, at Smyth County Community Hospital in arion, Virginia. Born Sept. 16, 1964 in Lidgerwood, North Dakota, rs. Whitlock was pursuing a aster of Divinity degree from Lutheran Seminary in St. Paul, innesota at the time of her death. After nearly a quarter century as editor of the Features Department of the ingsport Times-News, rs. Whitlock felt called to pursue a second career in the ministry. She was working as vicar of Rural Retreat Lutheran Parish in southwest Virginia when she suddenly became short of breath. She died a short time later at the hospital. Survivors include: her husband of 26 years, Stan Whitlock; twin daughters, Olivia and Bianca; parents, the Rev. arvin and arlene Otto; two brothers, John (Jenna) Otto and urt (Robin) Otto; and daughter, adison cguier. Funeral services were Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2014 at Holy Trinity Church in ingsport with Pastor Steve Counts and Pastor Jonathan Hammon, her internship supervisor, officiating. Inurnment followed at a later date in the columbarium at Holy Trinity. Bristol Herald Courier Sept. 14, 2014 Betty Jean Bell rs. Betty Jean Bell, 76, of Westmoreland, Tennessee, passed away Friday, Sept. 12, The former owner of Holmes Bestway, she was also retired from the Gallatin News Examiner after many years of dedicated service. Bell rs. Bell was a member of Westmoreland United ethodist Church. She was a member of the Westmoreland Zoning and Planning Commission, and was awarded the Westmoreland Citizen of the ear in arch She was preceded in death by parents, Eugene and Clyde een; her first husband, William Richard Holmes; her second husband, Warner Bell; and a son, Paul Holmes. Survivors include: sons, Rick (Roxanne) Holmes, Hendersonville, Tennessee; Roger (Bernadette) Holmes, Dublin, Georgia; grandchildren, Casey Shaff, Holly Campbell, organ Radley, elsey Holmes, Will Holmes, Riley Holmes, cenzie Holmes, Brittany Holmes, Blake Holmes and Erica Holmes; brother, Chris (Teresa) een, Gallatin, Tennessee; brother, ike (Rachel) een, t. Juliet, Tennessee. Funeral services for rs. Bell were onday, Sept. 15, 2014, at 11 a.m., from Woodard Funeral Home, with Bro. Steve Johns officiating. Interment followed in t. Vernon Cemetery. The News Examiner (Gallatin) Sept. 17, 2014 Alexander Patton Jr. The Rev. Alexander Patton Jr., 73, a longtime resident of Nashville, Tennessee, died Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014 at Tri-Star Skyline adison Campus in adison, Tennessee. A native of Springfield, Tennessee, r. Patton was born Patton April 28, 1942, to the late Alexander Patton Sr. and Laurena itchell Patton. An awesome football player at Carver-Smith High School, he attended Tennessee State University. r. Patton worked for many years at The Tennessean in Nashville, where he retired as a supervisor. He pastored 21 years at Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church in Prospect, Tennessee, before retiring in September Survivors include: a son, Alex Dewayne Patton of Indianapolis, Indiana; a daughter, Shirlene Goodman of Columbia, Tennessee; granddaughters, Toshiro and LeTavia Goodman, both of Columbia; and great-grandchildren, Arcavius Goodman-Carlton, esharri Carlton and January Springer, all of Columbia. Funeral services were at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014 at St. James issionary Baptist Church in Nashville with Dr. T. Brooks Sr. officiating. Interment was in Greenwood (Garden of Gethsemane) Cemetery. The Tennessean Sept. 19, 2014 Dorothy Clifford rs. Dorothy Clifford, 84, originally of ingsport, Tennessee, died Sunday, Sept. 21, 2014 at her home. rs. Clifford was doyenne of the Tallahassee Democrat newsroom and arbiter of the Tallahassee social scene for more than 40 Clifford years, from 1959 until her retirement in A native of ingsport, Tennessee, she was the youngest of eight children of a steel foundry owner and his homemaker wife. rs. Clifford earned a bachelor s degree from the prestigious all-women Agnes Scott College (Ga.), and later attended the University of Tennessee. She started her journalism career at her hometown ingsport Times- News, covering police and courts as well as serving as women s editor for morning and evening editions. She moved on to worked at the morning and afternoon newspapers in Savannah, covering city government, schools and editing the women s sections. rs. Clifford was preceded in death in 2005 by her husband Gordon Clifford. Survivors include: three children, Wiley Clifford (Susan) of Tallahassee, Elizabeth Simmons (Ramsay III) of Bainbridge, Georgia; and ary Gordon Gavalas (George), also of Tallahassee; and six grandchildren, Ladson Simmons of Bainbridge and Chloe Clifford, Sadler Clifford, Zachary Cunningham, Alexander Gavalas and Augustus Gavalas, all of Tallahassee Funeral services for Clifford were at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at St. Peter s Anglican Church in Tallahassee. Tallahassee Democrat Sept. 21 and 23, 2014 Carolyn Whaley rs. Carolyn Johnson Whaley, 85, died Friday, Sept. 26, She was born June 12, 1929 in artin, Tennessee, daughter of the late H. Dee and Annie athryn Scates Johnson. She was a graduate of artin High School and attended U.T. Junior College (now U.T. artin). She was married to H.F. Woodie Whaley in 1950 and they lived in artin until 1965 when they purchased the Chester County Independent and moved to Henderson. r. Whaley died in 1975 and she continued to serve as editor and publisher of the Independent until retiring in She was a member of the Henderson Church of Christ. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her twin sister, Cathryn ashburn; an older sister, arion Crouch; and a brother, Harold Dee Johnson. Survivors include a daughter, Dee Ann Potts and husband Rick of Jacks Creek; son, Scott Whaley and wife Lisa of Henderson; four grandchildren, ary athryn Whaley, Anna Whaley, Alexandra Potts and Andrew Potts; two special adopted grandchildren, Ashley Davis and Adam Davis both of Nashville; great grandson, Ari Davis; great granddaughter, Ava athryn Whaley. Funeral services were 2 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014 at Shackelford Funeral Directors Casey Chapel with Billy Smith and Rick Rickard officiating and burial followed in Chester County emory Gardens. The Jackson Sun Sept. 28, 2014 Ina Ellis Loveless rs. Ina Ellis Loveless, 88, of Elizabethon, Tennessee, died Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014 at Johnson City edical Center. Retired after 20 years of service at the Elizabethon Star, she was a native of Carter County, the daughter of Loveless the late Thomas Tom and Carrie essimer Ellis. rs. Loveless was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Bate atherly; her second husband, Chrisley Loveless; a granddaughter; and three sons, Donald atherly, Bobby atherly and enneth atherly. Survivors include: one daughter and son-in-law, Linda and enneth Humphrey; six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter, expected in December. A private graveside service to honor rs. Loveless life was held. Elizabethton Star Sept. 30, 2014 Albert Thompson III r. Albert Cordell Thompson III, 51, of Cookeville, Tennessee, died Thursday, Sept. 25, 2014 in St. Thomas West Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee, following a short but hard fought battle with cancer. Born at Cookeville General Hospital on July 27, 1963 to the late Albert Cordell Thompson Jr. and Faye Bullard Thompson, r. Thompson married his high school sweetheart ickey Ann Poison on June 2, r. Thompson retired in August 2008 as retail advertising manager of the Thompson Herald-Citizen after 25 years of service. He won numerous awards for the artist and graphic design of ads that he created. He enjoyed music and was a self-taught pianist and painter. He loved the outdoors and took his family camping and fishing whenever he could. He was an advanced scuba diver who could never get enough of ocean life. Baptized as one of Jehovah s Witnesses in 1982, he was a member of the West Congregation in Cookeville, serving as an elder since his appointment in In addition to his father, r. Thompson was preceded in death by his brother, Brian Thompson; his grandparents, Corbin and Jewell Bullard and Albert and Elise Thompson; and his father-in-law, Ralph Wilmoth. Survivors include: his wife, ickey Ann Thompson; two daughters, Carrie Grace Thompson and Olivia Erin Thompson; sisters, Cherrie Thompson and Jennifer (Benjamin) Thompson Garrett; brother, Victor Bullard; sisters-in-law, assie (fiancé Ronnie Robinson) Poison, Crystal (fiancé Terry Lee) Poison, and Jamie (Chad) Heiss; nieces and nephews, Cooper Garrett, Gabriel and Sean Bullard, Cameron and Hayden Heiss, and Emily Poison. Services were held Saturday, Oct, 4, 2014, at 3 p.m. at the ingdom Hall of Jehovah s Witnesses in Cookeville with Scott Lehto officiating. Herald-Citizen, Cookeville Oct. 2, 2014

10 By APRIL G. JACSON Publisher/Editor Humboldt Chronicle, Sept. 24, 2014 At 96, longtime community news writer for the Humboldt Chronicle, Brooksie Burnett, says she is putting away her pencil and notebook now. Or maybe she is just winding down, she says, adding that readers may still hear from her from time to time. Burnett has been writing Williams Chapel News and other news for the Humboldt Chronicle for 28 years. In 1986, when she began, there were five community news writers featured each week. Burnett has probably written over 1,400 columns in the newspaper since she began. From the entertaining to the heartwarming, she shows her delightful attitude through her writing. The late Ethel Seets inspired her to write the column, she said. She was a very fine woman, a retired school teacher, sweet as pie, refined and a fine woman, Burnett recalls. I sure have enjoyed writing. I m a born writer and teacher, but I don t teach men. I just tell them how good they look and how good Photo by April G. Jackson Humboldt Chronicle Brooksie Burnett, longtime community news writer for the Humboldt Chronicle, retired after 28 years. Brooksie signs off column after 28 years they smell, Burnett said. Her favorite thing to write about is all the nice things people do and church happenings. She worshipped at Williams Chapel all her life until recently. She has joined orning Star Church, a church closer to her home. She was delighted when recently she was shown her column online at with a color photo of her beside it. Look at me! she exclaimed. She said she appreciates all her readers, well-wishers and the Chronicle staff for their help through the years. I have enjoyed every line, she said. I thank God for it all. I think it s time for me to take the old tent down that has stood many years. This is my story. And my life can speak for me. I will be up there very soon and I ll be talking about how long I have been writing. Burnett said this to others many times, but now the Chronicle staff would like to say to Brooksie: Roses are red, violets are blue, the world would be better if there were more people like you. What s in it for your newspaper by using Tenn. Ad Networks? The topic of last month s column was how much revenue participating newspapers made by actively selling the Network ads. To refresh your memory, $34,603 in new revenue! ou might be saying that s all well and good for them, but what about those of us who don t have the time to actively sell the ads. By participating in Tennessee s Advertising Networks, what s in it for my newspaper? With TnDAN and TnQPN, you can replace filler ads with paid ads. With TnSCAN, fill your classified section and with TnNET unused inventory on your newspaper s website can be filled all with paid ads. Over the past year, newspapers participating in all of Tennessee s Advertising Networks have shared in $92,490 in rewards checks. That s just for publishing the ads each week. If you have a few filler ads you run each week, replace them with the small display ads and make some money in that space. We can all agree that the classifieds have had increased competition over the years. This is not to say that classifieds are on the way out. On the contrary, TnSCAN Tennessee s Statewide Classified Ad Network is in its 30th year and continues to be a mainstay for a wide variety of advertisers. November 2014 The Tennessee Press Page 11 Networks Advertising anager Beth Elliott The reason? Newspaper advertising works! TnNET is by far the easiest Network in which to participate. TnNET the online banner ad network works automatically once the code that TPS provides is in place on your newspaper s website. If there is unused inventory on your site, it can be filled. This is your opportunity to join what two-thirds of the TPA membership is already doing, and that s participating in one or all four of Tennessee s Advertising Networks. At the very least, all that s required is publish the ads each week that TPS will direct to you or your composing department. In exchange, your newspaper will be included in the quarterly rewards checks. These checks are usually enough to cover your TPA dues. For more information on what s in it for you, feel free to reach out to TPS at ext. 117 or belliott@tnpress.com. FI - Contact Info Tennessee Press ail: 435 ontbrook Lane, noxville, TN Phone: (865) Fax: (865) Web: (name)@tnpress.com Those with boxes, listed alphabetically: Laurie Alford (lalford) Beth Elliott (belliott) Robyn Gentile (rgentile) Frank Gibson (fgibson) Earl Goodman (egoodman) athy Hensley (khensley) Greg Sherrill (gsherrill) evin Slimp (kslimp) David Wells (dwells) Tessa Wildsmith (twildsmith) Advertising knoxads@tnpress.com Tennessee Press Service ail: 435 ontbrook Lane, noxville, TN Phone: (865) Fax: (865) Web: Tennessee Press Foundation ail: 435 ontbrook Lane, noxville, TN Phone: (865) Fax: (865) Web:

11 Page 12 The Tennessee Press November 2014 Court didn t help perennial police records problem Usually in high profile lawsuits with a battery of lawyers involved in an appeal of a controversial and possibly groundbreaking court decision, there is reason to hope the court will move the ball. That did not happen in the recent ruling of the Tennessee Court of Appeals case about records from the investigation of four Vanderbilt football players in what Nashville police say was the rape of an unconscious 21-year-old student. The alleged sexual assault occurred inside a dormitory of one of the players following a night of drinking at a nearby bar. The Tennessean and other news organizations had requested any records (as that term is broadly defined in the Act) regarding the alleged crime but excepted video believed to show the attack. The police, the mayor and the city law department all denied the request. etro government said all the records were exempt from disclosure under a section of state court Rules of Criminal Procedure. The Rule is there to protect things like personal notes of prosecutors from the discovery and inspection of opposing attorneys, but the rule also Public Policy Outlook Frank Gibson lists information prosecutors shall disclose to the defense. Despite the latter, this rule is behind the perennial under investigation basis used by some police to withhold information as basic as the initial citizen report of the crime. It has been invoked in every public records case over the last 27 years with the exception of one a 2007 case in which the Jackson Police Department claimed an absolute law enforcement privilege. The appeals court, in a 2-1 decision, rejected claims by a coalition of news organizations and the clear-as-day opinion of Davidson County Chancery Court Judge Russell T. Perkins that Rule 16(a)(2) is not at broad as law enforcement wants it to be. This rule does not authorize the discovery or inspection of reports, memoranda, or other internal state documents made by the district attorney general or other state agents or law enforcement officers in connection with investigating or prosecuting the case, Perkins held. But, the chancellor concluded records submitted to the etro Police Department that were not developed internally and that do not constitute other documents reflecting the re-constructive and investigative efforts of the etro PD are outside the expansive reach of 16(a)(2). He said s between the players after the alleged incident and some campus surveillance information turned over by Vanderbilt police should be released but stayed his order until an appeal. Police, prosecutors, the City of Nashville and the Tennessee Attorney General appealed Perkins s finding. TPA general counsel Rick Hollow filed a friend of the court brief on the side of the media coalition. In an opinion completely devoid of any legal reasoning or analysis, Judge Richard Dinkins and Frank G. Clement wrote: We have determined that the records sought are currently exempt from disclosure due to the continuing police investigation and pending prosecution The judges ruled that anything relevant to the prosecution can be withheld from the public even though the investigation is complete, the case is just weeks from trial, and much of the material is already in the hands of the defendants. The only bright light came in the dissenting opinion of Court of Appeals Judge W. Neal cbrayer, who wrote: that the decision of the other two judges on the panel is inconsistent with a fair reading of Rule 16(a)(2). In this case, the etropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County ( etro ) conceded in both its brief and at oral argument that the materials sought by the Petitioners had been provided to the criminal defendants, placing the materials outside the scope of materials described in Rule 16(a) (2). As a result, I conclude, as did the trial court, that the materials sought by Petitioners were not completely excepted from disclosure under the Public Records Act by virtue of Rule 16(a)(2) With all respect due the law enforcement community in general, we can only hope that this unusual case is not used to create an absolute blanket exemption that lets police close anything it doesn t want out, nor that it is used to expand current practice in some places. Frank Gibson is TPA s public policy director. He can be reached at fgibson@tnpress.com or TRACS, from Page 7 business but it s time for me to start phasing myself out of the daily routine. I feel fortunate, however, to have someone like Ben Garrett take over and continue publication of the newspaper. Independent Herald, Oneida Oct. 14, 2014 Times Free Press owner inducted into North Carolina Hall of Fame Walter E. Hussman Jr., the owner of the Chattanooga Times Free Press, has been inducted into the North Carolina Journalism Hall of Fame. Hussman is the chief executive officer of media conglomerate WE- HCO edia Inc. He is a third-generation newspaperman, and he began his career as a reporter at Forbes magazine in In 1999, Hussman brokered the merger of the Chattanooga Hussman Times and the Chattanooga Free Press into the current paper. ore recently, Hussman also chose a new president for the Times Free Press, Bruce Hartmann. Hussman s previous awards include Editor & Publisher of the ear in 2008; first receipient of the Frank ayborn Leadership Award from the Southern Newspaper Publishers ; and induction into the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame in 2012, among other achievements. Chattanooga Times Free Press Oct. 12, 2014 Stroud named as The Associated Press news editor for entucky, Tennessee The Associated Press has named Scott Stroud, who has overseen award-winning work about the legacy of the civil rights movement, the hazards of texting while driving, as well as sexual assaults on college campuses Stroud in the aftermath of a rape case involving football players at Vanderbilt University, as its news editor for entucky and Tennessee. The appointment was announced Wednesday by South Regional Editor Lisa arie Pane. Scott is the type of journalist with a track record of finding the most interesting stories to tell, the kinds of stories that inform readers, give a sense of place and explain why they should care. Everywhere he s been, he and his teams have produced high-caliber work, Pane said. His knowledge and experience in both states makes him uniquely prepared to oversee this fascinating two-state territory. Stroud, 54, joins the AP from The Tennessean in Nashville, where he has worked for three years as politics and government editor. He also spent seven years as a reporter at the Lexington Herald-Leader in entucky during the 1980s and 1990s. Among the stories Stroud oversaw during his time at The Tennessean involved the rape case against four former Vanderbilt football players that raised questions about the university s handling of the accusations, police tactics and the media s access to law enforcement documents related to the case. He previously worked as a metro columnist, political editor and projects reporter at the San Antonio Express-News, where his work included a definitive series about the scarcity of water in Texas. From , he was a reporter for The State newspaper in South Carolina, where he covered the Confederate flag controversy in He also has been a journalist for various publications in North Carolina and Arkansas. He has a bachelor s degree in English and history from the University of ichigan. The Associated Press Oct. 15, 2014 CLIPS, from Page 2 ember papers will now need to or mail news about staff changes, new hires, promotions, retirees, circulation changes, obituaries, new offerings, etc. for inclusion in a future issue of The Tennessee Press. We encourage member papers to submit their news items for inclusion in the The Tennessee Press, said Amelia orrison Hipps, TTP managing editor. Items may be submitted to Hipps at editor@tnpress.com or 1260 Trousdale Ferry Pike, Lebanon, TN Hipps may also be reached at (615) if anyone has any questions about submissions. Submissions may be ed to TPA ember Services anager Robyn Gentile at rgentile@tnpress. com. Gentile may also be reached at (865) ext Robyn also needs submissions for ember Updates and maintaining the mailing list, Hipps said. With the elimination of the TPS Clipping Service, we need member papers to submit their news items for inclusion in The Tennessee Press each month.

12 November 2014 The Tennessee Press Page 13 Court s decision could cause new problems for journalists Judge Richard Dinkins on the Court of Appeals in iddle Tennessee handed media a loss last month and gave police more ground to withhold information from citizens and the press. In overturning a trial court decision, Dinkins extended the interpretation of a criminal court rule, Rule 16(a)(2), saying that if local law enforcement claims documents are relevant to an ongoing investigation, they can be kept confidential. Some police and sheriff s departments have been claiming a blanket exception to the Tennessee Public Records Act for years, misapplying the criminal court rule. The most frustrating cases are when local police won t release an incident report because, they say, it s under investigation. The Tennessean built a media coalition to bring a lawsuit against the Nashville police department and was joined by The Associated Press, noxville News Sentinel, Chattanooga Times Free Press, The Commercial Appeal and Tennessee Coalition for Open Government, plus several television stations. The Tennessee Press filed an amicus when the trial court s decision was appealed. The newspaper s original request was for records in the Vanderbilt rape case, including text messages received or sent and prepared by any third party sources. The request came after a plea bargain hearing for a football player who helped move the young woman out of a hallway after the alleged assault. That player had said in a text message read aloud in court that Vanderbilt s star quarterback also helped move her, though the district attorney s office later said tn coalition for open governent Deborah Fisher that wasn t true and there are no charges against him. The Tennessean and the media coalition argued in its filing that The public has an especially strong interest in being confident that high-profile cases are investigated and prosecuted without regard for perceived power, prestige or prominence. Other questions emerged in the public about what and when then-vanderbilt football coach James Franklin knew of the alleged assault. Now defense attorneys are claiming that certain evidence has been destroyed or withheld. Although The Tennessean made clear that it did not seek any video recorded during the alleged sexual assault, the victim s lawyer played up the potential for such a video to become public. The issues were complicated. The victim s lawyer, former U.S. Attorney Ed arbrough, argued that the records should be denied based on the Victim s Bill of Rights that say victims should be free from intimidation and harassment throughout the criminal justice system. etro Nashville s attorneys argued that Rule 16 gave control over the release of pretrial material to the criminal court and contended, along with the state attorney general, that release of documents could interfere with the defendants rights to a fair trial. The Dinkins opinion did not consider either of those arguments, but simply said that it was apparent that the documents requested were relevant to a pending or contemplated criminal action and therefore not subject to disclosure. The fact that the police investigation and criminal prosecution are ongoing is a significant factor in our disposition of this case, Dinkins wrote. Judge Frank Clement Jr. joined Dinkins in the opinion. But Judge W. Neal cbrayer wrote a dissent, finding fault with the way Dinkins and Clement interpreted previous court rulings on Rule 16(a)(2). cbrayer pointed out that the documents sought by media in the Vanderbilt rape case were not exempt from disclosure under the rule, and, in fact, had already been given over to defense. The majority reads Schneider (v. City of Jackson) as also extending the Rule 16(a)(2) exception to materials that are relevant to a pending or contemplated criminal action. In my view, such an extension of Rule 16(a)(2) exception is not warranted by Schneider. Still cbrayer wrote the trial court erred in granting media access to the documents. He said the trial court had identified three other potential exceptions to the Tennessee Public Records Act the criminal court s protective order, the constitutional rights of the accused to a fair trial, and the Victims Bill of Rights yet none had been addressed. I would find that these rights and interests constitute state law exceptions to the Public Records Act, wrote cbrayer, explaining why he would have vacated the ruling and remanded it back to chancery court for further proceedings. The issues at work in this particular public records case are likely to continue to cause confusion and problems for journalists throughout the state. The TCOG hotline receives regular questions from reporters who have been denied incident reports or other information from police. The media in the state needs to continue its efforts to show citizens how total law enforcement control over information creates an imbalance of power and could unleash problems with transparency of one of the most important institutions in our local communities. Deborah Fisher is executive director of Tennessee Coalition for Open Government, an alliance of media, citizens and good government groups. STONE, from Page 4 items not included for the record reveal the depth of Stone s involvement in his community and his profession: deacon and lifetime member of aryville First Baptist Church, 50-year plus member of the American Legion and the VFW, lifetime member of the Professional Photographers of America, Society of Professional Journalists and New Providence Lodge No. 128 A&A. Busy birthday As for his Bits of Stone column, Dean didn t get to spend much time working on it on his birthday. His phone kept ringing with calls from well-wishers. In the afternoon, Daily Times staff with family and friends of Stone s gathered to celebrate with the cutting of a birthday cake. Esposito served as master of ceremonies and read a portion of Alexander s entry into the Congressional Record: any Blount Countians have their own stories about Dean s impact on their lives, and I have mine. Other than lawn mowing and paper routes, Dean gave me my first real job. When I was a student at aryville High School during the 1950s, Dean began a feature in The Daily Times reporting the news in Blount County high schools. He named me the school page editor for aryville High. As I remember, the pay was one penny for each inch of copy that I wrote. At this point, Stone interjected, to laughter all-around, Don t trust everything you read. Esposito added, Don t think the cost consciousness stopped there, because, as he resumed reading from Alexander s entry into the record, I remember turning in so many inches of copy that after the first edition, Dean limited the number of words each school editor could write. ore laughter. It was left to Stone to close the talking before cutting the cake: I ve been very blessed in a lot of ways, one of the things is working for The Daily Times all this time. We ve had an awful lot of good people here, the current Photo by Tom Sherlin The Daily Times Daily Times Editor Dean Stone visits with Publisher Carl Esposito and U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander at Stone s 90th birthday celebration. group and the ones before you. It s been a long time. It s been a good relationship. I ve enjoyed working here and I still do, and I expect to work for a while. Applause.

13 Page 14 The Tennessee Press November 2014 entucky Journalism Foundation retains Border War trophy By AELIA ORRISON HIPPS anaging Editor While the team representing the entucky Journalism Foundation may have retained the second annual Border War trophy, both it and the Tennessee Press Foundation were the real winners. Held Thursday, Sept. 18, at the Crooked Creek Golf Club in London, entucky, the Border War Golf Tournament netted a total of $25, for the two foundations. TPAF will receive $12, to enable it to continue making educational opportunities available to all newspaper personnel and students, in related fields, in a socially, ethically, and financially responsible manner. As hoped, the tournament raised approximately $2,500 more for each foundation this year compared to last year s inaugural tournament, which netted about $10,000 for each foundation. We had a great day, said Bob Atkins, TPAF Trustee and tournament co-chair Bob Atkins. It was a really nice and challenging golf course. entucky Press teams took the first three places. The first place team from the London Sentinel-Echo shot a 59 on a par 72-course. Two other entucky teams had 61s, but the team officially proclaimed the second place winner did so with an eagle on the par five 18th hole that broke the tie. The team representing the London Tourism Commission took second, while the Corbin Times Tribune team took third. entucky Press Past President Jerry Lyles and Athlon edia Group provided a $10,000 sponsorship and was the tournament s main sponsor, according to PA Executive Director David Thompson. The folks with the entucky Journalism Foundation were great hosts and did a great job, Atkins said. We re looking to the next year s tournament back in Tennessee. The third annual Border War Golf Tournament will be held at Fairvue Plantation Country Club near Hendersonville, Tennessee. Information from entucky Press President David Thompon s blog contributed to this article. Photo by Laurie Alford TPS Above, from left, are Bob Atkins, TPAF tournament coordinator, David Thompson, PA executive director and Willie Sawyers, publisher of the London (y.) Sentinel Echo, with the tournament trophy. Below, TPA Executive Director Greg Sherrill raised $750 for the Tennessee Press Foundation doing a Happy Gilmore-style drive. People could make donations to have him to take a swing for another team. The team receiving it had the option of making a donation to avoid it. Photo by Laurie Alford TPS Tennessee Press Foundation tournament coordinator Bob Atkins said the Crooked Creek Golf Club in London, entucky was challenging. Please share this copy of The Tennessee Press with your colleagues!

14 November 2014 The Tennessee Press Page 15 Clarksville celebrates columnist Jim onday s 50 years By ATELN CLAR The Leaf Chronicle (Clarksville) Oct. 6, 2014 Friends, family and fans of Jim onday gathered at iss Lucille s Café Sunday to celebrate 50 years. onday, well-known columnist for The Leaf-Chronicle, was first published on Oct. 2, 1965, with his famous column, Open Line. As the longest running column in The Leaf Chronicle, onday continues to write Open Line today. People would always ask about Jim, said Dee Boaz, former editor for The Leaf-Chronicle. He s a community institution. The café was decorated with onday s articles through the past 50 years, with pictures of his friends and family accompanying them. onday talked about inspirations and his growth as a writer during the celebration. I learned more from Stanley Gower [editor at The Leaf-Chronicle when onday started] than I would have if I went to college, he said. onday said he plans to continue writing his column and is currently working on a book. Throughout his time at The Leaf-Chronicle, onday said he has met some of the most wonderful people that all have a story to tell. From the start of his journey in Clarksville in 1960 to now, Clarksville has just opened their arms to me, said onday. And I ve enjoyed every minute of it. Photo by atelyn Clark The Leaf-Chronicle At right, friends, family and fans meet and greet Jim onday at a celebration of his 50-years as a columnist. The 10 design absolutes according to Henninger One definition of the word absolute is: not qualified or diminished in any way. Works for me. It works because I believe in some design absolutes call them laws, if you will. I m convinced that a design that does not adhere to these absolutes is a design that is faulted. Put it this way: If I owned a newspaper, I d be sure these 10 absolutes are followed. Always. No question. No sidestepping. Always. So, if you wanna work for me, here are the 10 design musts I d expect you to learn and live with: 1. Place the visual first. The lead photo or graphic you place on the page is the element your reader will see first. Place it where it will be most effective and give it the size it needs to have some impact. Remember, you can arrange type in various configurations around visuals, but visuals (for the most part) are rectangular and can t be configured to fit. So place the visual first then arrange the type around it as needed to create a well-designed package. 2. Align text to the baseline. ou want your publication to have a professional, planned, polished look. This is the first step in getting there. It s easy to set up, it s easy to work with. ost important, it makes your paper easier to read. 3. Negative space is a positive force. Stop working so hard to fill every square inch of space on the page. Allow the page especially in features packages to breathe where you can. No, I m not suggesting you leave open spaces on the page willy-nilly. But I am pointing out that a bit of negative space, for example, around the edges of a photo page helps to create a more pleasing, more comfortable package for your readers. 4. Think and work in picas. es, By Design Ed Henninger I respect the fact that advertisers and ad reps always deal in inches. And I don t argue against that. But if you re working on the design of the entire page, you must learn to think and work in picas. Why? Because a quarter-inch is just too much space between elements and packages. And an eighth of a inch is too tight. So, what number falls exactly between four and eight? Six. And how many picas are in an inch? Six. Well whaddaya know! It s not difficult to train yourself to think in picas. All ya gotta do is start. Give it a week and you ll be there. 5. Don t leg obits or recipes. Obits are what I call Bible material. The relatives of the deceased want to be able to clip an obit from your paper and place it in one piece in the family Bible. They will not want to have to tape it or staple it together. And those who cut out your recipes will want to clip them in one piece so they can file and use them more easily. 6. Always fix a widow. A widow is a line of type at the top of a column that does not fully go across the width of the column. These are distracting and they just look wrong. No, readers may not object to these, but widows send a subliminal message that you re not careful. And if you re not careful about your typography, how can readers be sure you re careful about getting the facts straight in a story? The details matter. Get them right. 7. Design the page first. Don t wait until you have all the photos, all the stories. ou can t afford the time to do that. Once you have a good idea of what s going on the page, do a loose design of how the page should look. This takes planning and communication. eah, I know: radical concepts in some newsrooms. If a story comes in a bit too long, be ready to trim it. If it s too short, look for ways to help fill the space. ou can use another line of headline, a subhead, a pullout, another visual. 8. Think like readers. Stop thinking like the editor, designer, writer or photographer you are (in some cases, I know, you re all of these!). Start asking yourself what the reader wants to know what the reader needs to know: Do I really need to know all these details? Does this story really need to be this long? Wouldn t it be better for me to see these facts in a list? In a chart? On a map? 9. Be consistent. Decide on the look for your newspaper then stick to it! If your headline typeface is Baskerville, use different fonts and sizes of Baskerville. Don t toss in a smidgen of inion here or a smattering of Caslon there. And puhleeeze bring a consistent look to your standing heads. Create a look that works for all of them, then stay with that look. For the crime report weddings sports editorials. All. The same. 10. Less is more. Stop trying too hard. Relax and quit over-designing. If there s any one fault I see in the design of community newspapers, it s over-designing. Often, it s obvious in the many different designs of standing elements (see previous paragraph). Readers want us to give them packages that are uncluttered. Clear. Concise. Consistent. Compelling. Designed with ease of reading in mind. We can give them that if we keep things simple. ou show me how good a designer you are not by what you choose to place on One of Ed s 10 Absolutes: Place the visual first. the page, but by what you choose to take away. Take it easy. Less really is more. Actually, I have more than 10 absolutes. At least another 10 maybe more. But, for now, these are the 10 I think matter most. If this column has been helpful, you may be interested in Ed s books: Henninger on Design and 101 Henninger Helpful Hints. Find out more about Henninger s books by visiting Ed s web site: Ed Henninger is an independent newspaper consultant and the director of Henninger Consulting. Phone: issing a Publisher? Rushing to hire a publisher can be expensive and unsettling for staff and community. A substitute publisher with 35 years experience can give your company time to make a qualified selection. Coaching for new hires available. T.G. Wilson edia Consulting tgwilson619@gmail.com

15 Page 16 The Tennessee Press November 2014 Survey responses show glimpse into the state of newspapers This column is dedicated to my colleagues and friends in Tennessee who edit, design, sell ads for, deliver or do anything else in the newspaper business. ou might remember that last month I mentioned a survey I ve been doing of newspaper publishers in the United States and Canada. It s been three weeks and, so far, more than 600 publishers have taken part in the survey. Requests to complete the survey were sent out by most newspaper associations in both countries. In addition, I sent out requests to publishers in areas where associations didn t send out a request, so we could get an accurate idea of how things are going in our industry. We had a great response from Tennessee. It s impossible to know exactly how many TPA members took part in the survey, because of its anonymous nature. However, there was a place where participants could voluntarily indicate their names and newspapers. So we know at least 25 publishers in Tennessee took part. y guess, knowing that many publishers manage multiple titles, is that somewhere around 20 percent of the publishers in the United States completed the in-depth survey. That s a pretty amazing response. To assist in keeping the results valid, I set up the survey in such a way that only one submission would be accepted from a particular IP address. This meant that answers from only one respondent at each location would be accepted, keeping the results from being skewed. We re nowhere near ready to release the results, but later in this column, I d like to share some interesting responses to the survey. I ve gathered a group of industry and non-industry experts to sift through the results. Over The News Guru evin Slimp the next few weeks, we ll be digging through the responses to learn what is really going on in newspapers. A little about the respondents: 17 percent report their primary product is a free paper Coincidentally, 17 percent of responses came from daily newspaper publishers and 83 percent from non-daily newspapers. Not surprisingly, since most newspapers are situated in small towns and rural communities, 63 percent of survey participants come from those areas. ost of the remaining respondents came from large and mid-size metro areas. Over the next few weeks, our group will be sifting through the responses and making notes about answers we find particularly interesting or helpful. Once we ve had a chance to go through the answers thoroughly, I will begin sharing the information in this column and at conferences. I m already scheduled to speak on this topic at conventions throughout Canada and the U.S. in early 2015, so chances are I will be near you at some point. Over the past two weeks, I was able to share a couple of findings from the survey at conferences in Arizona and Indiana. Audience members were enthusiastic about the information, and many caught me afterwards or wrote me later to discuss the survey. Some findings related to income at newspapers are simple enough to report, since they came in the form of answers to multiple-choice questions. Take this one: For those whose primary product is paid, what percentage of your total revenue is derived from your digital/online version(s) of your primary product (through subscriptions and advertising revenue)? While 21 percent of publishers answered zero to that question, another 49 percent answered between one and five percent of their revenue came from these sources. ost of the remaining respondents reported between five and 10 percent of their total revenue came from digital sources. That indicates that 70 percent of newspapers receive very little, if any, revenue from the digital side of things. That s very close to how Tennessee publishers responded. Contrast that with the number of papers that invest in social and digital media, which is relatively high (86 percent), and you begin to notice some interesting phenomena. In future columns, I hope to examine in detail responses to questions about how newspapers foresee the future. A quick glance at the survey tells me that 64 percent of publishers when answering the question, How true is the following statement of your newspaper: y newspaper is profitable and will be for years to come, responded that the statement is true. In Tennessee, 87 percent of publishers answered that way. Another 25 percent of the national participants answered that their paper is profitable, but they can t predict the future. That s higher than in Tennessee, where 13 percent answered the same way. In the national survey, 10 percent report that they are having a tough year this year. Well, there you have it. y first column related to my survey of 600 plus newspaper publishers. To be honest, it s a bit overwhelming to look over the all the responses, many of which were essay questions, and not feel a responsibility to get the information out as quickly as possible. Still, it s going to take some time to sift through all the answers and learn what is really on the minds of our industry leaders. I can t wait to share comments from publishers who were given an open forum to share their thoughts about our industry and their advice for the future. This is going to be an interesting ride. C C