Ohio SPJ Contest - Entry Deadline Extended

Ohio's Best Journalism - 2018 Competition Call for Entries Extended   NEW DEADLINE: Midnight, Sunday, April 8, 2018   Honoring the Best of Ohio’s Print, Broadcasting, Digital Media, Freelance, Trade and College Journalism Entry information and a list of categories are available at our competition website: Visit Contest See Categories There has been a flurry of activity on the contest website, and we have received requests to extend the submission deadline a few extra days because of the upcoming holiday weekend. To give everyone who needs it some extra time, the Ohio’s Best Journalism contest has extended the deadline to midnight, Sunday, April 8, 2018. Thank you to all of you who have submitted entries or are still in the process of submitting. The “Rules” and “Help” tabs in the header of the contest home page offer complete directions and explanations to help you submit entries. If you have any questions, please contact us via email at contact@ohiospjawards.org. Please take note of the following highlights when submitting entries: If you're a returning applicant from our 2017 contest, you can use your 2017 account for this year's contest. There is a field asking whose name(s) should appear on any award, as well as the name of the media outlet, should your entry receive an award. Thank you for paying close attention to this field and entering the information correctly. This will help avoid any errors when awards are created. Please be sure to submit your entry in the correct category. Large print categories are reserved for publications with circulation of 75,000 and higher; small print categories are reserved for publications with circulation of less than 75,000.  Our annual statewide contest is presented collaboratively by the Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland Pro Chapters of The Society of Professional Journalists and honors print, broadcast, digital, trade, freelance and college journalists in Ohio for their best work during 2017. Our contest is the only Ohio competition that honors journalists who fulfill the SPJ mission: defense of the First Amendment, support of literacy, resistance to censorship, advocacy for openness of public records and meetings, media self-criticism and community service. Our contest also recognizes the best college daily and weekly newspapers. ELIGIBILITY: Journalists are eligible who work for newspaper, magazine, radio, television, trade, digital and college media in Ohio and adjacent states that have significant reach into Ohio. Freelance journalists, who are Ohio residents, are eligible, regardless of where their work is published, broadcast or webcast. We recently added numerous freelance categories in response to the growing number of freelance journalists. Click here for Freelance categories. Newsletter and blog submissions also are welcome. Entrants need not be members of the Society of Professional Journalists. Submitted work must have been published or broadcast in 2017. FEES: A $30 entry fee must accompany each submission, except college entries. College students pay a $10 entry fee for writing of news, feature, sports and opinion. College newspapers may enter the best college daily and weekly newspaper categories for free. There is a $5 discount per entry for work by SPJ members. You may submit any given article in as many relevant categories as you wish. Not an SPJ member? Join here and save. SPREAD THE WORD: Please forward this message to anyone you think would like to participate in Ohio’s Best Journalism contest! OpenWater makes it easy to share the contest site with your colleagues and friends. Look for the social media icons (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.) on the left side of the contest site landing page. QUESTIONS: For additional information, please visit our website – www.ohiospjawards.org – or contact: Sarah Mills Bacha 614.563.1066 contact@ohiospjawards.org

Local media to discuss ‘Who can I trust to give me the real news?” at VOA Museum April 26

Contact:  Jack Dominic                                                                                             March 26, 2017

Phone: (513) 777-0027

Email:  jdominic@voamuseum.org

Local media to discuss ‘Who can I trust to give me the real news?” at VOA Museum April 26

Journalists to explore, explain the importance of an educated public in a democracy

The National Voice of America Museum of Broadcasting and Cincinnati Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) will host a panel discussion titled, “Who Can I Trust to Give Me the Real News?” on Thursday, April 26 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the VOA museum in West Chester.

The public event underwritten by Kehoe Financial Advisors will be held in Clyde Haehnle Hall. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students.

“An educated public is essential to the survival of a democracy,” said Ginny McCabe, a Cox Media Group journalist and president of the Cincinnati Society of Professional Journalists. “In today’s culture, the media plays a vital role in presenting the public with the truth in a manner that is fair, thorough and accurate. Journalists have a responsibility to act with honesty and integrity as they gather the news and report it. We’d also like to share some of the critical thinking skills and standards we employ as journalists so the public can better discern between accurate news and news designed to persuade or manipulate.”

WCPO reporter Tom McKee will moderate discussion on how journalists determine real from fake news, where and how to access trustworthy news, and how to identify fake news and avoid accidently promoting it through social media.

            Panel members will include: Kevin Aldridge, opinion editor of the Cincinnati Enquirer; Ann Thompson, news reporter at WVXU; Jim Bebbington, senior news editor for the Dayton Daily News; and Hagit Limor, former investigative reporter and now associate professor of electronic media at the University of Cincinnati.

“The community journalism panel was our most popular event last year, with a standing-room only crowd,” said Jack Dominic, VOA museum executive director. “The need to help citizens access accurate news in at-risk societies and sharing America’s voice with the world has always been the core mission of the Voice of America and it’s one that our museum fully embraces.”

The Voice of America, based in Washington, D.C., is the world’s largest international broadcaster, providing balanced and comprehensive news and information in 45 languages to 236 million people each week, according to the VOA website. It continues to reach people in countries lacking a free press today. Its languages include: Russian; Ukrainian; Azerbaijani; Serbian; Armenian; Thai; and Somali.

Tickets can be reserved by calling the museum at (513) 777-0027. Tickets will also be available at the door, but seating is limited. Other programs and exhibits are in the works for the VOA museum this year. Now offered are annual $50 and $250 memberships that entitle members to free admission and discounts and access to special events and exhibits. The annual gala fundraiser benefitting the museum will be held Saturday, Sept. 22 this year.

The VOA museum is open Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. at 8070 Tylersville Road in West Chester. General admission is $5 for adults and $1 for children. Docents are always needed and are trained on the history of the Voice of America, its technology at the VOA-Bethany station, the history of wireless radio and Cincinnati’s radio and TV broadcast history.

For more information on becoming a docent, a gala sponsor or to purchase event tickets, email admin@voamuseum.org or call (513) 777-0027. To access Voice of America programs, visit www.voanews.com. 

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Cincinnati SPJ's 50th Anniversary Celebration with Gregory Korte

Highlights in Photos

(Photo by Jenny Wohlfarth) 

(Photo by Jenny Wohlfarth) 

(Photo by Jenny Wohlfarth) 

(Photo by Jenny Wohlfarth) 

(Photo by Carly Hagedon)

(Photo by Jenny Wohlfarth) 

(Photo by Jenny Wohlfarth) 

(Photo by Jenny Wohlfarth) 

(Photo by Jenny Wohlfarth) 

(Photo by Jenny Wohlfarth)

(Photo by Jenny Wohlfarth) 

(Photo by Jenny Wohlfarth) 

(Photo by Jenny Wohlfarth) 

(Photo by Jenny Wohlfarth) 

(Photo by Jenny Wohlfarth) 

(Photo by Jenny Wohlfarth) 

(Photo by Carly Hagedon)

(Photo by Jenny Wohlfarth) 

(Photo by Jenny Wohlfarth) 

(Photo by Jenny Wohlfarth) 

(Photo by Jenny Wohlfarth) 

(Photo/Carly Hagedon) 

(Photo/Carly Hegadon)

(Photo by Carly Hagedon) 

(Photo by Carly Hagedon)

(Photo by Lisa Korte) 

(Photo by Jenny Wohlfarth) 

SPJ Region 5 Conference - Early Bird Registration Ends March 22

SPJ Region 5 Conference in Chicago April 6, 7 

Early Bird Registration Ends March 22!

Veteran journalist and association leader Alison Bethel McKenzie moves into the Society of Professional Journalists' executive director role this month with a mission to fight for press freedom and to elevate SPJ's work.

Jonathan Eig captures the life of a legend in his best-selling autobiography of "The Greatest" man in sports, Muhammad Ali.

These two prominent journalists will headline the Society of Professional Journalists Region 5 conference April 6-7 in Chicago -- and you're invited.

The conference, open to journalists, students and supporters of a free press, will feature more than 15 sessions led by more than 30 professionals and educators on the most important topics in journalism.

• Hear the story behind WBEZ's multimedia investigation into gun violence in Chicago, learn the do's and don'ts of podcasting and how to find truth in science.
• Discover strategies for listening to your community, explore new approaches for building trust and experiment with apps for scraping data.
• Join in discussions on the way newsrooms should address the Me Too movement, build trust with diverse communities and prepare for the impact of Alexa and other smart speakers.
• Educators, let's talk about what J-schools should be teaching.
• Professionals, check out SPJ's new Facebook training program. 
• Students, share your resume with hiring managers and enjoy well-deserved recognition at the Mark of Excellence Awards ceremony.

Plus much more! This is the conference you don't want to miss.

For more information on the conference and to register, go to https://www.spj5conference.com/ 

SPJ Freelance Community Newsletter - March 2018

HELLO FROM THE CHAIR Dear SPJ Freelancers, One benefit of the Freelance Community that I quickly came to appreciate when I got involved four years ago is its function as a virtual newsroom of sorts — where members seek advice, lament their struggles, share their victories. Since joining the board, I've also grown closer to fellow board members through the work we do together offline. The Freelance Community's true gift has become the camaraderie I thought I had to give up when I went independent. This month, we have a new opening for an at-large position on the board, and I hope some of you will consider joining the fun. The at-large position helps monitor and maintain the Community’s social media platforms, and engages in other duties or projects along the way. It's not a heavy lift, but we are looking for a sustained commitment of about five hours per month, including periodic online meetings, through the end of the calendar year. Interested? Contact me for more information. And please join me in thanking Kathy Rosenhammer of Fort Worth for her service the past two years! Kathy's stepping down from the at-large position to focus on several upcoming projects. We wish her the best of luck, and look forward to her continued involvement as a member of the community. Sincerely, Hilary Niles Chair, SPJ Freelance Community

Around the Regions The SPJ Greater Cincinnati Professional Chapter celebrates 50 years of excellence on Sat., March 24, 11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at The Phoenix, 812 Race Street, Cincinnati. See the full announcement below. The Greater Los Angeles Chapter of SPJ is hosting the Region 11 Conference on Fri., April 27 and Sat., April 28, at the Universal City Hilton. The conference includes sessions on freelancing, data reporting and broadcast investigative journalism. This conference is in Los Angeles only every six years, so mark your calendar to attend today! Click here for more, or visit http://spjla.org/category/upcoming-events/.    Got a date? You can publicize your chapter’s or region’s freelance programs on the Freelance Community calendar! Please let us know these details: event title date and time location (including address for Google maps) a description of freelance session(s) primary contact (including email) your name and email If there is a URL leading people to more information, please include that in the description. Send the information to Hazel Becker, Freelance Community Resources Coordinator: hazel@hazelbecker.com  Did you know...? Anyone can post to the Jobs Board. Yes, even you! We’re glad to see news outlets posting jobs on our Jobs Board. In fact, if your client needs someone and you can’t provide the service, you can post a gig at: https://www.spj.org/comfreelancejob-newpost.asp. Or, they can post it themselves. You don’t have to be logged into the website to submit listings — just to view them. Another exclusive benefit of belonging to SPJ! Jobs Corner As a freelancer working in both print and television, I’m taking it upon myself to be a cheerleader and a resource for all you freelance television and multimedia journalists out there. Here are some high-profile freelance opportunities for producers, editors and photographers. If you apply, let me know, and good luck! Please note the URLs are correct and accurate as of March 19, 2018. This column by: Stacie Overton, SPJ Freelance Community Vice Chair. Email Stacie at: stacieoverton@hotmail.com **Freelance field producer, NFL Network** https://recruiting.adp.com/srccar/public/RTI.home?d=External&c=1123141#/ **Freelance Associate Producer/Writer, FOX news channel, NYC** http://careers.foxnews.com/jobs/fox-news-channel/freelance-associate-producerwriter **Freelance Video Editor, BuzzFeed, NYC** https://www.buzzfeed.com/about/jobs?gh_jid=894282 Money Matters Finances & Budgeting Having trouble figuring out your budget as a freelancer? Wondering how to plan for travel expenses? Or what tools are out there to help you manage your finances? 7 budgeting tips for freelance journalists from the International Center for Journalists explores these topics and MORE!    Social Media Corner Let's break 1,000! We're at 979 members on the SPJ Freelance Community's Facebook page and going strong! We're growing the FB membership so please join the page and share it with your freelancer friends and colleagues. The FB page is a "closed" group that requires eligibility as follows: Freelance journalists working in any medium  Journalists who are interested in freelancing Editors who hire freelance journalists Journalism students Professors who teach journalism Both US-based and international journalists are eligible. Find our FB page by typing "SPJ Freelance Community" in the FB Search bar, or here's the link: https://goo.gl/aq2bSE

SPJ Region 5 Conference in Chicago - April 6, 7

The Society of Professional Journalists welcomes professionals, students and supporters of a free press to our annual Region 5 (Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky) conference in Chicago.

The conference will be hosted on Friday, April 6, at Northwestern University and Saturday, April 7, at DePaul University, both at their downtown Loop campuses.

Learn new skills, share tips and ideas with industry experts, gain insights on the most important issues facing American journalism today, and find job and internship opportunities. Then, explore a vibrant city with great food, world-class arts and culture, and an incredible lakefront.

For more information on the conference and to register, go to https://www.spj5conference.com/ 

USA Today's Gregory Korte will be with us on March 24

We invite you to help the Greater Cincinnati Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists celebrate 50 years of excellence.

Join us for a buffet luncheon to mark this occasion

as we look back on how the profession

has evolved and peek into its future.

CELEBRATING FIVE DECADES OF CINCINNATI JOURNALISM

DATE:  Saturday, March 24, 2018 

TIME:  11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

 --11:00 a.m. - social hour

--12:00 p.m. - lunch 

--12:30 p.m. - program 

LOCATION:  The Phoenix, 812 Race Street, Cincinnati 

  

KEYNOTE SPEAKER :  Gregory Korte, White House Correspondent, USA Today

Gregory Korte is a White House correspondent for USA TODAY, focusing on executive power and national security in the Trump presidency. He previously covered the Obama White House, Congress, politics, and a half-dozen city halls. He is a native of Cincinnati and graduated from Ohio University. He is a recipient of the Gerald R. Ford Prize for Distinguished Reporting on the Presidency.

COST PER PERSON:  $25.00 prior to March 17, 2018 and $35.00 after that date 

Register on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/greater-cincinnati-professional-chapter-of-the-society-of-professional-journalists-celebrate-50-tickets-42963210118

Guests may also RSVP and mail a check, or bring cash or a check with them the day of the event. Make all checks payable to "Society of Professional Journalists."

For those who prefer mail, send a check to:

Tom McKee, Event Coordinator and Region 4 Director

Society of Professional Journalists

c/o WCPO-TV

1720 Gilbert Avenue

Cincinnati, OH 45202