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August 12, 2021 - Issue 32
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Boost Ad Sales With Latest 'Relevant' Research

 
A new six-part promotional series is available to local publishers eager to tout how newspapers' multigenerational readership is a lucrative target for advertisers. 

The promotions are free to use from The Relevance Project, which teamed up with the research firm Coda Ventures, seven newspaper trade associations, and Metro Creative Graphics to produce them.

Series I of the "All!!! Ages Read Newspapers" presents research pinpointing impressive use of newspaper content by three generations: Millennials, Gen Xers and Baby Boomers. 

Series II offers another three promotions, specifically for social media use, that link eye-opening income, education and homeownership factors to newspaper readership.

Download all six promotions by going to the bottom of The Relevance Project Revenue Resource section of www.relevanceproject.net

The new series is part of The Relevance Project's mission of helping community newspapers and their trade associations tell valuable stories about the power of newspapers to provide print, digital and social solutions to advertisers, marketers and sponsors. 

For a fuller explanation of the series check out this Relevant Point by Executive Director Tom Silvestri. 

You can download the six promotions here:

Promotion - 1 (JPEG)
Promotion - 2 (JPEG)
Promotion - 3 (JPEG)
Promotion - 4 (JPEG)
Promotion - 5 (JPEG)
Promotion - 6 (JPEG)
 

NNAF's Better Newspaper Contest

Each year, NNA honors the best in community journalism in the Better Newspaper Editorial Contest and the best in community newspaper advertising in the Better Newspaper Advertising Contest. The BNEC and BNAC, together, make up the association’s Better Newspaper Contest. Entries are accepted during the contest entry period, which occurs annually from January through June. All entries must be submitted online by the deadline of the current contest year per the Rules document. Participation is open to NNA members and nonmembers. 

Congratulations to MNA member Sauk Centre Herald | Amanda Thooft for winning FIRST place in the Best Sales Promotion Section or Edition.

Winners will be recognized at the awards ceremony held Saturday, October 2, 2021, during the NNAF’s 135th Annual Convention & Trade Show in Jacksonville, Florida.



Coming Soon: MNA Better Newspaper Contest


The 2020-2021 Better Newspaper Contest will be here in a few short weeks! Start saving PDFs of your best work NOW to make award entries a breeze LATER!

Entries for the 2020-2021 Better Newspaper Contest will be accepted September 1 thru September 30. Watch your mail for the Rules and Categories packet which will be sent out the last week of August.
 
 
Important note about the 2021 Minnesota Newspaper Association Better Newspaper Contest:

Changes many of our members have experienced over the last few years have necessitated updates to the Minnesota Newspaper Association Better Newspaper Contest. These updates have been discussed at the Member Services Committee level, the Better Newspaper Contest Task Force level and the MNA Board of Directors level. On unanimous recommendation from the task force, the MNA Board of Directors at their June 25 meeting unanimously approved the following update to the MNA BNC:
The contest is divided into two primary categories of newspapers — multi-day publications and non-multi-day publications. Multi-day publications are defined as those producing a print publication more than once each week. Non-multi-day publications are defined as those producing a print publication no more than once per week.

Multi-day publications will compete among themselves according to the following circulation (per statement of ownership) split:
Less than 5,000
5,001 to 10,000
More than 10,000
 
Non-multi-day publications will compete among themselves according to the following circulation (per statement of ownership) split: 
Less than 1,000
1,001 to 1,500
1,501 to 3,000
3,001 to 7,000
More than 7,000
 
The Vance Trophy will be awarded to the top multi-day publication based on total points earned for each winning entry. The Mills Trophy will be awarded to the top non-multi-day publication based on total points earned for each winning entry.
 

Wisconsin executive named president of newspaper association group
 
MADISON, Wis.—Beth Bennett, executive director of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association, was elected president of Newspaper Association Managers (NAM) during the group’s 98th annual summer conference in Madison, Wis.
 
Bennett, who has led her state’s trade group since 2010, was previously director of government relations for the Illinois Press Association. She also currently serves on the Board of Directors for the National Newspaper Association.
 
Bennett earned a bachelor’s degree in history from St. Joseph’s College in Indiana and a master’s degree in political studies from the University of Illinois. Her family published four newspapers in central Illinois, introducing her to the industry. She becomes the first person to succeed her spouse as a president of NAM. David Bennett is the former executive director of the Illinois Press Association and served as NAM president in 1996.
 
Others elected to leadership positions during the NAM conference were Vice President Laurie Hieb, executive director of the Oregon Newspaper Publishers Association, and Secretary Mark Maassen, executive director of the Missouri Press Association. Phil Lucey, executive director of the North Carolina Press Association, was elected to serve a three-year term on the NAM Board. Continuing directors are Brian Allfrey, executive director of the Utah Press Association and Susan Patterson Plank, executive director of the Iowa Newspaper Association.
 
Saskatchewan Weekly Newspapers Association Executive Director Steve Nixon becomes immediate past president. Layne Bruce, executive director of the Mississippi Press Association, serves as the organization's clerk.
 
Founded in 1923, NAM is a coalition of state, provincial, regional and national trade associations serving North American newspaper media.
 

O’Rourke Media Group, Modulist enter into strategic partnership

 
CHICAGO -- O’Rourke Media Group, which operates community-focused media publications nationwide, and Modulist, a media services company that specializes in processing user-generated content, have entered into a strategic partnership that involves multiple publications in multiple states.

O’Rourke Media CEO Jim O'Rourke and Modulist President Devlyn Brooks jointly announced that Modulist will be handling the processing of obits and milestones for O’Rourke Media’s various digital and print publications that span from the East to the West Coasts, and several states in between.

The strategic partnership means that O’Rourke Media’s publications will enlist Modulist’s software and customer service team to provide an online portal for consumers, funeral homes and other businesses to quickly and easily complete their customizable listings for O’Rourke Media’s community digital and print publications. In addition, Modulist’s experienced customer success team will provide world-class support for the online portal.

Modulist’s service will include vital community content categories such as obituaries, milestones and business announcements, among others.

"We have had a great experience working with Devlyn and his Modulist team to support print and digital Obituaries and other services in number of our markets," said O'Rourke, who founded his company from scratch three years ago. "Modulist provides excellent service to funeral homes and direct to consumers. The service is efficient, and we've taken this work off of our front line folks in Editorial."

Read full release here.


 







 
SAVE 

THE

DATE!



The MNA convention is BAAACK!
We’re excited to see you again!!


2022 Minnesota Newspaper Association

155th Annual Convention


January 27-28, 2022

LOCATION
Marriott Minneapolis Northwest
Brooklyn Park MN

 
Send your speaker and session ideas to: Lisa@mna.org


Into the Issues
By Al Cross
 
Editorials are falling from favor at many American newspapers, for various reasons, including a desire not to upset and chase away readers, especially when it comes to our increasingly tribal and polarized politics.

Unfortunately, many rural newspapers don't publish editorials, or even a column by the editor or publisher, which is the most common form of editorial voice in community papers.

But one journalism group, the International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors, was founded to encourage and advance editorial leadership in newspapers, and the only awards it gives are related to editorials.

Each year ISWNE has its Golden Quill contest, with the best editorial getting the award of that name, and 12 others honored as the Golden Dozen. The presentation of the awards is always inspiring testimony to the importance of editorial leadership, and this year’s Golden Quill winner was a sterling example.

Melissa Hale-Spencer of The Altamont Enterprise in New York won for her editorial that was central to a campaign that ensured fairness for an incapacitated subscriber and preservation of historic structures on the subscriber’s farm at a local scenic spot.


Read full article here.
 

Statewide Advertising Networks

Revenue for Your Newspaper.
Revenue for Your Association.
Cash Bonuses for YOU!


Updated Network Sales Collateral is available in the Member's Only section of the MNA website. You'll find all of the details you need to include Statewide Display, Classified and Digital advertising programs into the media mix of your local advertisers, providing them with expanded reach of their marketing message.  

The Sales Resource Guide is your comprehensive A to Z source for selling network advertising.

Please direct additional questions about network advertising opportunities to either Randy at 612-278-0225 / randy@mna.org or Dan at 612-278-0223 / dan@mna.org
 


8/12 – Advertising Quick Clicks 


10 Killer Sales Pitch Examples
(Courtesy of HubSpot)

"Gen Z" Buyers to Salespeople "Give Me the Price and Get Lost."
(Courtesy of Sales Fuel)

Seeking Unfair Sales Advantages
(Courtesy of The Sales Blog)

What Is Sales Forecasting? Why It Matters + 11 Tools
(Courtesy of Sales Hacker)

Using Sales Questions To Unearth The Real Issues
(Courtesy of MTD Sales Training)


For a comprehensive archive of Advertising Quick Clicks along with an expansive collection of relevant advertising sales resources, please visit The Sales Cycle on the MNA website.

If there are specific advertising, prospecting, presentation or negotiation related topics you'd like to see included in this sales resource section, please contact Dan at dan@mna.org


 



2021 Online Media Campus Webinars Are FREE to MNA Members
 
Online Media Campus webinars are FREE to MNA members. Members can access free registration to all webinars and training sessions.

There are currently 165 webinars in the archive that can be downloaded at any time. In addition, employees of MNA member newspapers may register for new webinars in 2021 free of charge with an access code unique to MNA. To register for a webinar members may obtain the access code by contacting MNA at member@mna.org.
 

Check Out These Available Virtual Training Sessions!

 
How to Use Light & Composition to Make Compelling Photos

 




Have you mastered the settings on your camera? Are you ready for the next step in advancing your photojournalism skills? No matter the device, a DSLR or iPhone, anyone can make a good photo with the right technique. This webinar will take an in-depth look at how to combine storytelling, light and composition to create compelling images. 

Presenter: Kelsey Kremer of the Des Moines Register

Webinar
Friday, August 20
1:00 - 2:00 PM

Register here.

(MNA members can register for free, email member@mna.org to request the access code.) 
 



The Latest Developments in First Amendment Law

 

From cursing cheerleaders to conspiracy theorists to social media bans, there was no shortage of First Amendment cases on court dockets in 2020-21. In this interactive webinar, we will review recent legal decisions to identify key takeaways for working journalists. We’ll end with a discussion on the state of the First Amendment and how to increase understanding among citizens.  

Presenter: Julie Roosa with Iowa State University Greenlee School or Journalism and Communication

Webinar
Friday, September 10
1:00 - 2:00 PM

Register here.

(MNA members can register for free, email member@mna.org to request the access code.)

 


 








Memorial Contributions


The Minnesota News Media Institute (MNI) strives to provide educational programs and training for our members. This is accomplished through generous donations from our friends and members. If you are interested in donating in memory of a colleague or loved one; cherish their memory by a donation to MNI in his/her name. Please contact the MNA office for more information.
 
If you have relevant news to share, please email member@mna.org


 


MEMBER CLASSIFIEDS


General Assignment Reporter

APG Media of Southern Minnesota is looking for two general assignment reporters — one in Northfield and one in Owatonna.. More..

Full-time Ag & Rural reporter with editor possibilities
Star Publications has a full-time ag reporter position available in central Minnesota. The primary duties of this individual will be writing agriculture stories and.. More..

Sports Reporter
The Rock County Star Herald in Luverne, Minnesota is looking for the right person to navigate the fast-paced world of community sports reporting. More..

Community Reporter
We promoted from within, so the Montevideo-American News/montenews.com, a weekly newspaper in western Minnesota that is part of the USA TODAY NETWORK,  More....

News Assistant
Herald Journal Publishing is seeking a full-time or part-time News Assistant for ongoing news gathering and weekly newspaper production duties. This position includes preparing newspaper items for print .. More..

Sports Editor
The Morrison County Record, an award-winning free distribution community newspaper, is looking for a full-time sports editor to cover area high school and community sports in Morrison County. More..

Staff Writer
Press Publications in White Bear Lake is seeking a regional staff writer to join its award-winning team. As a regional staff writer, you will be responsible for coordinating editorial content and layout..More...

Reporter
The Shakopee Valley News, a subsidiary of MediaNews Group, is seeking a Reporter to join the team! MediaNews Group offers news reporting and third party..More..

Reporter
The Sentinel of Fairmont, MN, a daily morning newspaper in south-central Minnesota, seeks a FULL-TIME REPORTER.  Excellent opportunity for recent college grads or reporters at weeklies..More..

Reporter/Copy Editor
The Free Press, a 17,000-circulation daily in south-central Minnesota, is seeking a full-time combination reporter/copy editor to work Sunday through Thursday shifts. More..

Editor/Sports Writer
Award-winning weekly newspaper is seeking Editor/Sports writer. Editor is retiring after 30+ years.  Beautiful community in west central Minnesota. More..

Editor
Do you enjoy.....Being Involved in your Community ~ Being ‘in the know' - Speaking with others ~ Conducting Interviews - Conveying Information to a large audience - Writing ~ Photography...More..

Circulation Marketing Manager
Join the MN APG team as our Circulation Marketing Manager focused a growing our audiences across multiple communities. More...

Full-Time Reporter
The Globe of Worthington has an immediate opening for a full-time reporter with digital skills to help build our audience with outstanding journalism and great interaction with our readership. More...

Entry Level Graphic Designer
Do you have a knack for layout design? Want to be more involved in your community? Consider a job with Press Publications! We are a local community newspaper group in the north metro, More..

Distribution District Manager - $1,000 Sign-on Bonus
Adams Publishing Group, a leading media company serving local communities across the United States, is seeking a Distribution District Manager to join its team in Elk River, MN. More...

Multimedia Account Executive - Sauk Centre
Adams Publishing Group (APG), a leading media company serving local communities across the United States, is seeking a Multimedia Advertising Account Executive to join its team in the West Central region of Minnesota. More...

Circulation Marketing Manager - Coon Rapids
Adams Publishing Group is seeking a Circulation Marketing Manager to join its team in Coon Rapids.The Circulation Marketing Manager has direct responsibility for all regional circulation marketing initiatives. More...

Photojournalist/Videographer
The West Central Tribune is looking for a full-time visual photojournalist and videographer to join our newsroom team focusing on audience-driven content for news, features, sections and sports. More..

Community Journalist
Steele County Times, a fast growing and award-winning county newspaper in southern Minnesota is searching for dynamic community journalists. We may have two openings for news and sports. More...

Community Reporter
Great opportunity at a lakes-central newspaper. This full-time position at the Mille Lacs Messenger, which covers the Mille Lacs lake area, involves coverage of business, breaking news, More...

 



FOR SALE/WANTED


Weekly Newspaper for Sale
The Standard-Gazette & Messenger, located an hour and a half south and west of the Twin Cities is currently for sale. This newspaper covers two school districts and four small towns in three counties. More...


 
The Southwest Journal 
A bi-weekly serving 32,000 residents of Southwest Minneapolis is currently for sale. The asking price is $330k.

If interested, please contact Peggy DeMuse at Sunbelt pdemuse@sunbeltmidwest.com or 651-288-1627
 

Access to the MNA Member Classifieds Page is free to MNA members. To submit an ad, please click the “Submit a Job Posting” or “Submit a For Sale/Wanted Posting” buttons on the Member Classifieds page. MNA members are also encouraged to post ads for available internships (submit as a Job Posting). The charge for non-members is $25 per week, payable by check or credit card. For more details, contact MNA: member@mna.org or 612-332-8844.


NOTE: Once jobs are filled or postings expire, please ask MNA to remove your post from the Member Classifieds by sending an e-mail to member@mna.org.
 

Members Only!

To log into the "Members Only" section of the MNA website, please use the following information:

Username: Member
Password: Newspaper
2021-2022 MNA Board of Directors

Justin Lessman
President, Jackson County Pilot

Chad Koenen 
1st Vice Pres., Citizen's Advocate, Henning

Crystal Miller  
2nd Vice Pres.,
Albert Lea Tribune

Diann Drew  
3rd Vice Pres.,  Alexandria Echo Press

Mark Weber 
Director, APG Media, Eden Prairie

Tara Brandl
Director, Tracy Area Headlight Herald

Lisa Schwarz
Director, St. Cloud Times

Kelly Boldan
Treasurer, West Central Tribune, Willmar

Chris Knight  
Immediate Past President, APG Media, Virginia

 

There are no gains without pains.

- Benjamin Franklin


How to Use Light & Composition to Make Compelling Photos
Webinar
August 20
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Register here.
(MNA members register for free, email member@mna.org for the access code.)

The Latest Developments in First Amendment Law
Webinar
September 10
1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Register here.
(MNA members register for free, email member@mna.org for the access code.)


2022 MNA 155th Annual Convention
Marriott Minneapolis Northwest
January 27-28, 2022

 
MNA/MNI Event Calendar
MNA Member Classifieds
This Week's Network Ads
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