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ONF receives grant for internships in 2011

Lisa Potts — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 16:56:06 GMT

We're excited to announce for the fourth consecutive year the Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation in Oklahoma City has awarded a grant to ONF to fund student internships. The funding will provide at least 25 paid internships in summer 2011 to college students pursuing a newspaper career. Application materials for newspapers and students will be available in October 2010. » Read the EEiJF press release

August Publisher Available

OPA — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:10:15 GMT

The August issue of The Oklahoma Publisher is available online at www.okpress.com/the-oklahoma-publisher. This month, the cover story gives examples of how political candidates won the primary election with the help of newspaper advertising. Plus a feature on how Oklahoma newspapers are using Facebook and rules for the 2010 Better Newspaper Contest. Download a copy today!

Celebrate NNA's 125 years at Omaha convention

Lisa Potts — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 01:10:55 GMT

Join in the celebration Sept. 30-Oct. 3 in Omaha, Neb. as the National Newspaper Association celebrates 125 years of promoting, protecting and enhancing community newspapers across the U.S. Visit the NNA website for details.

Services for Lawrence Gibbs

Lisa Potts — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 19:42:20 GMT

Lawrence Lindsay Gibbs, 67, managing editor of The Perkins Journal, died Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010, in Tulsa, Okla. Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 14, 2010, at the First Presbyterian Church of Stillwater, 524 S. Duncan, Stillwater, Okla. The service is under the direction of Strode Funeral Home of Stillwater. Gibbs was born Oct. 21, 1942, in Tulsa, Okla. He attended Oklahoma State University where he received his B.A. in journalism. He was married on Sept. 8, 1966, to Peggy Leigh. After working at several state newspapers, Gibbs joined the Stillwater NewsPress in 1968. He remained at the NewsPress for 35 years, working as city editor and then managing editor. He joined the staff at The Perkins Journal in 2003, and was instrumental in helping the Journal launch the Stillwater Journal in 2004. Gibbs was inducted to OPA's Half Century Club in February 2010.

Better Newspaper Contest Entries Mailed

OPA — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:37:11 GMT

The 2010 Better Newspaper Contest entry packet is on its way to your newspaper. The packet, which contains rules, labels, tips, entry form and more, was placed in the mail today.
This year, Oklahoma colleges are invited to participate in a division created just for their newspapers. This brings the number of divisions in the contest to 10 – eight for business member newspapers, one for sustaining member newspapers, and the new one for college newspapers.
Rules for the Website Contest, Print Quality Contest and Outdoor Writer of the Year were included in OPA business member packets.
All entries in the contest(s) must be postmarked by Monday, Sept. 27, 2010.
Watch your mailbox for the entry packet or get a jumpstart on your entries by downloading events, rules and more.

See complete contest information at www.okpress.com/awards

2010 State Questions Available

OPA — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 19:19:06 GMT

Eleven questions will be on the Nov. 2, 2010 general election ballot. Make sure your readers are informed by publishing the questions in your newspaper. OPA has made a camera-ready version for you to drop in your newspaper as well as a text-only document if you prefer to format the questions yourself.
» Click here for links to the PDF and text version

Build Your Newspaper Faster Using InDesign & Photoshop

Lisa Potts — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 18:13:09 GMT

Russell Viers is coming back to Oklahoma on July 15 for a one-day workshop to show OPA members how to build their newspapers faster in InDesign and Photoshop. Learn tools and techniques that could save you hours each week building pages and ads. Viers is an Adobe Certified Instructor and travels the world teaching production techniques to help newspaper staffs save time and improve quality. Registration is only $20 and includes lunch, so Register Today!

New OPA president's term begins

OPA — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 20:50:27 GMT

Rod Serfoss, publisher of the Clinton Daily News, took over as president of the Oklahoma Press Association on July 1, 2010. He will serve a one-year term. Other officers serving for the 2010-2011 term are Rusty Ferguson, publisher of The Cleveland American, as vice president; Barb Walter, co-publisher of The Hennessey Clipper, as treasurer; and Gloria Trotter, co-publisher of The Countywide & Sun, as past president. Directors are Jeff Shultz, The Garvin County News Star; Jeff Mayo, Sequoyah County Times; Jeff Funk, Enid News & Eagle; Robby Trammell, The Oklahoman; Dayva Spitzer, Sayre Record & Beckham County Democrat; and Brian Blansett, Shawnee News-Star.
» Click here for complete news release and high-resolution photo

New ONF Officers Announced

Lisa Potts — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 21:03:35 GMT

John D. Montgomery, publisher of The Purcell Register, became the new president of the Oklahoma Newspaper Foundation on July 1. He was elected by the ONF Board of Trustees during its meeting on June 5th. Other new officers are Jerry Quinn, publisher of the Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise, as vice president; and Barb Walter, co-publisher of The Hennessey Clipper, as treasurer. Two new members were appointed to the ONF Board - Steve Booher, publisher of the Cherokee Messenger & Republican, and Joe Worley, executive editor of the Tulsa World. » View the other trustees on the ONF Board

Videos of Candidates for State Office Now Online

Lisa Potts — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 15:56:57 GMT

Twenty candidates for statewide office took advantage of the OPA's offer to film a short video during the OPA Summer Conference after participating in panel discussions about Oklahoma's future. Jeff Mayo, associate publisher of the Sequoyah County Times in Sallisaw, receives our thanks for filming all candidates. In addition to the videos, high-resolution photos of most candidates are available to download. Links to each candidate¹s website, if available, also are provided. OPA Members may place the candidate videos on their newspaper websites, but the videos must remain in their entirety and not be altered or edited.
» Click here to review candidate videos and photos

OETA Hosts Small Town Newspaper Discussion

Lisa Potts — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 15:40:13 GMT

Local publishers Gloria Trotter, Jeff Mayo, Dayva Spitzer and Rusty Ferguson joined OETA Deputy Director Dick Pryor (left) to discuss small town newspapers on this week's episode of "Oklahoma Forum." The show will re-air Mon. June 28, 5:30 p.m.; Tues. June 29, 5 a.m.; Thurs. July 1, 3:30 p.m.; Sat. July 3, 4:30 & 10 p.m.; or click here to watch the video online (scroll to bottom). "Oklahoma Forum" routinely features different newspapers and headlines in its Hometown News section at the conclusion of each episode.

Services for Dale Colbert

OPA — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 21:35:36 GMT

Dale Colbert, former owner and editor of the Northwest Oklahoman in Shattuck, died Wednesday, June 20, 2010. He was 84. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, June 28, 2010, at the United Methodist Church, 701 Olive Street, Shattuck, Okla., under the direction of Mason Funeral Home, (580) 938-2521.
Colbert began working at the Northwest Oklahoman in 1946. The couple operated the family business until retiring in 2004.

NNA to honor Jeff Mayo with Leadership Award

Lisa Potts — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:31:36 GMT

Jeffrey W. Mayo will be honored during the National Newspaper Association’s 124th Annual Convention & Trade Show, when he will be presented with the Daniel M. Phillips Leadership Award. The award is presented to an individual between 23-40 years old who is well respected in his or her community, of good reputation and integrity, provides active leadership in the newspaper industry and is active in his or her state press association and community and whose newspaper is a member of NNA. Mayo is associate publisher/general manager of Sequoyah County Times; and publisher of Vian Tenkiller News, McIntosh County Democrat, The Indian Journal (Eufaula), and Eastern Times-Register (Roland). For more information about the award, visit the NNA website.

Sign Up to Serve on an OPA Committee

Lisa Potts — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 17:23:25 GMT

President-Elect Rod Serfoss says the best way to get your kicks on Route 66 is by serving on an OPA committee. Many important decisions are made by association committees, from educational workshops to the Better Newspaper Contest and legislative issues. Any staff member of an OPA business member newspaper is encouraged to serve on one or more committees. Most committees meet via teleconference approximately four times per year with the possibility of one in-person meeting at the OPA office in Oklahoma City. Volunteer today to serve on the Awards Committee, Education Committee, Government Relations Committee, Legal Services Plan Committee or Marketing Committee.
» Click here to sign up

Photos of Statewide Candidates Available

OPA — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 20:18:01 GMT

The OPA has compiled photos of candidates for statewide offices. If you need a photo or website for a gubernatorial candidate or other candidate for other statewide office, check to see if it's available here. The page also contains links to the state election board and candidate expenditure reports.
» Click here for photos and links

Register for June Writing Workshop

Lisa Potts — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 17:24:02 GMT

Join us on June 25 for "The Art of Feature Writing" and learn to add color to your feature stories. Topics include finding features in your readership, the structure of feature storiess, developing descriptions and your ideas step by step. You can also receive a critique of a previous feature story you've written.
» Click here for more information and to register online

Newspapers Still Deliver - Election Ad Series

OPA — Thu, 27 May 2010 21:36:14 GMT

Keep 6-Day Mail Delivery

OPA — Thu, 27 May 2010 21:36:41 GMT

The U.S. Postal Service is proposing elimination of mail processing and delivery on Saturday beginning in 2011. OPA tested how many newspapers arrived at their offices on Saturday for three consecutive weeks in March. The delivery delays are an eye-opening look at what will happen to newspapers that mail their papers. Read the complete report at okpress.com/postal-resources.

Services for Dutch Miller

OPA — Thu, 27 May 2010 00:35:26 GMT

Herbert Dean 'Dutch' Miller, longtime publisher of the Taloga Times-Advocate, died Sunday, May 23, 2010. He was 70. Services were held on May 26 in Taloga under the direction of Shaw Funeral Home.

OPA Summer Conference at Western Hills

Lisa Potts — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 14:13:14 GMT

Are you already dreaming about a summer family vacation? You should join your OPA friends at Western Hills State Lodge on June 4-6 for the 2010 Summer Conference! All candidates for governor and other state offices have been invited to answer your questions and discuss how to turn around the state’s economy. All OPA members are invited to attend this candidate forum free of charge (registration required). A lot of favorite events will return as well, such as the hayride & cookout, idea exchange, leisure activities and golf tournament. Reserve your room at the lodge and send in your registration today!

» Click here for the Summer Conference schedule and online registration

The Race for Space is on

Jennifer Gilliland — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:41:27 GMT

Oklahoma Press Service is offering a new political advertising plan with a low, low rate. There's only one package for each of nine races so candidates should grab them as soon as they become available.

» Click here for more details

Don't miss two ONF workshops in April

Lisa Potts — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:37:18 GMT

Reporters are often expected to shoot their own photos and video to complete the story in print and online. Two Oklahoma experts will improve staff members' skills, knowledge and understanding in these areas at two upcoming ONF workshops. Be sure to bring your camera to the photography workshop on April 15 to learn from an experienced photography and Photoshop instructor. We'll address not only the technical side of digital photography but also the aesthetic, story-telling side of photography. Whether you’re already shooting video or thinking about getting started, don’t miss the video workshop on April 29. Learn what type of equipment and software you need, how to get the best video content, and how to edit like a pro.
» Register today!

Scholarships Available to NIE Central States Conference

Lisa Potts — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 02:55:30 GMT

Wouldn’t it be fun to attend a conference at the Texas Motor Speedway? That’s exactly where the Newspapers in Education Central States Conference will be held June 16-18 in Dallas. Here’s a special opportunity for OPA members - The Oklahoma Newspaper Foundation will provide scholarships to cover registration and hotel expenses to two individuals from different Oklahoma papers to attend the conference. That’s a $500 value for each!
» Find out how you can attend the conference.

100 more reasons to enter contests

OPA — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:36:43 GMT

You now have 100 more good reasons to enter the OGE Photo Contest every month – a $100 cash award to each of the monthly winners! That's right. OGE will give the winners of the daily and weekly photos of the month $100 each. And the annual sweepstakes winner in each category will receive $250. This is the same amount ONG presents winners of the column and editorial contest each month and for sweepstakes. What are you waiting for? Enter your photo, column or editorial for the chance to win $100 – and for the recognition you deserve.
See complete contest rules at www.okpress.com/contests--awards.

Journalism Hall of Fame Inductees Announced

Lisa Potts — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 02:15:05 GMT

Nine journalists will be honored April 9 during the 40th annual induction ceremonies of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame. The 2010 inductees are Gean B. Atkinson, Oklahoma City journalist; Mike Boettcher, CNN correspondent; Ray Dyer and Sean Dyer, co-publishers of the El Reno Tribune; Susan Boling Ellerbach, managing editor of the Tulsa World; Melba Lovelace, columnist for The Oklahoman; Andy Rieger, managing editor of The Norman Transcript; Bill Sherman, religion writer for the Tulsa World; and Jack Stone, retired executive editor of The Anadarko Daily News. The program will include the dedication of a new exhibition hall in the University of Central Oklahoma's Nigh University Center and a 40th anniversary address by Boettcher, who currently teaches at the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication at OU.

» Click here for more information about the inductee' and luncheon tickets

View Mid-Winter Convention Photos

OPA — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 02:55:38 GMT

Photos from last week’s Mid-Winter Convention are available to view online at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/okpress/sets/ They are organized into sets according to day and event, such as Thursday, Saturday, Friday Awards, Friday Bloopers and Friday general (sessions, other).   If you would like to request an image file in jpeg format, please e-mail news@okpress.com with the photo number (for example: “Midwinter0342”)   We hope you enjoy them!

Better Newspaper Contest Winners Revealed

OPA — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 03:43:58 GMT

Congratulations to all the winners in the 2009 OPA Better Newspaper Contest. If your newspaper placed first through fourth in the contest, you can proudly display the 2009 Award Winning Logo in your newspaper. If your newspaper won the Sequoyah Award, you may display the 2009 Sequoyah Winner Logo throughout the year. Also available for your use is a "Congratulations" ad. The ad is available in various sizes.

Click here to view all the winners.

Oklahoma Newspaper Directory Available

OPA — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:13:16 GMT

THE 2010 OKLAHOMA NEWSPAPER DIRECTORY IS NOW AVAILABLE - in spreadsheet format! Built in Microsoft® Excel, the Oklahoma Newspaper Directory is a better way to keep in touch with Oklahoma newspapers. The spreadsheet allows you to customize the list for your specific needs, instantly look up the contact information for hundreds of Oklahoma newspapers or print mailing labels.

Fields include: Publication Name; City; County; Phone Number; Fax Number; Address (street and post office box); E-mail; Website; Owner; Day(s) of Publication; Names of Key Personnel (Publisher / Gen. Mgr.; Editor; Adv. Dir.)

ORDER ONLINE or download an order form today!

Mid-Winter Convention - Publishing in the Information Age

Lisa Potts — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:13:04 GMT

If you’re looking for some new ideas to help your newspaper thrive in the information age, don’t miss the 2010 OPA Mid-Winter Convention. This year’s three-day event, Feb. 4-6, will be held at the Sheraton and Reed Center in Midwest City and feature sessions to help your newspaper succeed both in print and online. The deadline to reserve a hotel room is Jan. 19 so call today!
» Review the convention program and register online

Will Rogers Serial Story Available

Lisa Potts — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 18:37:20 GMT

“Will Rogers: Childhood Adventures with an Oklahoma Legend” is an eight-chapter serial story now available to OPA members for publication. Download chapters, press release and promotional ads