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August 26, 2021 - Issue 34
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 Are You Ready? Check Your Mailboxes.
MNA Better Newspaper Contest Information Has Been Sent.
The 2020-2021 Better Newspaper Contest will be open for entries September 1! Get your best work ready to submit.
Entries for the 2020-2021 Better Newspaper Contest will be accepted September 1 thru September 30. The Rules and Categories packet was sent out this week. You can also download the information from our website: MNA Better Newspaper Contest effective September 1.
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.
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One Call Could Save Your Newspaper Thousands of Dollars in Legal Fees!
A tremendous asset! The smartest money you’ll spend all year.
MNA’s Legal Hotline begins its 36th year on September 1. As current program participants know, one call could save your newspaper thousands of dollars in legal fees.
The Legal Hotline provides subscribers with a reliable, low-cost, accessible source of expert legal advice in most areas of law affecting newspapers. MNA’s Legal Hotline, provided by MNA Attorney Mark Anfinson, allows newspapers of all sizes to have ready access to answers for legal questions.
If you are NOT already a subscriber, sign up now by filling out and returning the MNA Legal Hotline Registration Form.
Please review the Legal Hotline Brochure to learn more about the program.
If you are currently a Hotline subscriber, the 2020-2021 invoice will arrive soon, if it hasn't already.
Here’s what current subscribers have to say about the Legal Hotline:
“Without question the legal hotline and Mark Anfinson have been a tremendous asset to our papers for years. I have yet to stump him with any legal issues and the speed with which he responds is incredible. His understanding of media law is vast and amplified by his every day exposure to the issues that newspapers consider land mines. Owners, publishers, managers and reporters across the state can call the hotline with confidence that any nervousness they may have about libel, copyright, political advertising or online comments can be carefully dissected, disarmed and explained so exposure is minimized without compromising the story.”
–Keith Anderson, director of news, Adams Publishing Group
“The very concept of the legal hotline is an excellent one, but when you add someone with Mark Anfinson’s vast experience and wisdom as part of the deal, it’s absolutely indispensable. Mark knows libel and data practices law backwards and forwards and he can almost instantly get to the nub of any issue, no matter how complex. I’ve never failed to be impressed by his knowledge and his practical, common sense approaches to just about any issue that might arise. I would never, ever be without the Legal Hotline. It’s the smartest money you’ll spend all year.”
— Marshall Helmberger, Publisher, Tower/Ely/Cook-Orr Timberjay
If You Are Not Already Enrolled, Sign Up for LEGAL HOTLINE Today!
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Court denies petition on postal rates
The Postal Service will raise postage rates on Sunday, Aug. 29, after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit denied a petition by National Newspaper Association, News Media Alliance and others to put a hold on it.
The Court simply issued a statement that the petition was denied, without providing any reasoning for the decision. NNA and others had argued that the Postal Regulatory Commission’s decision to authorize the increase by USPS was flawed and that the rate increase should be delayed until the Court decides whether the PRC was correct.
NNA argued that the increase would create immediate and irreparable harm to users of the mail.
“This was always the longest of long shots to try to delay the increase,” NNA Chair Brett Wesner, president of Wesner Publications, Cordell, Oklahoma, said. “We felt the impact of a double-digit increase between last January’s rate hike and the second one of the year coming this month was overwhelmingly damaging to community newspapers. So we decided to join in this appeal.
“But the court rarely issues such stays. This decision does deliver a blow to newspapers that are struggling to stay afloat. It does not diminish the basis of our original lawsuit. The oral argument on that case will proceed on Sept. 13. We expect a decision by the court by the end of the year. That decision could send the whole matter back to the PRC for reconsideration, and the PRC has the authority to roll back this increase if it so chooses. Congress also has the authority to take action here. I think our members have led the industry in reaching out to Congress about the financial distress of USPS and the need for postal reform."
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NNAF establishes Max Heath Postal Institute
A new postal education program from National Newspaper Association Foundation will be named after its longtime mentor and  trainer Max Heath of Kentucky.
The Max Heath Postal Institute becomes the new umbrella to train newspapers and printers for best uses of the mail in a rapidly-changing postal environment.
NNAF President Matt Adelman, publisher of the Douglas (Wyoming) Budget, said the NNAF board decided the most appropriate way to recognize the lifelong work of Heath, who died in July, would be to continue his mission. Memorial donations to NNAF will be dedicated to a fund for postal training.
“No one in this industry has to look very far to find a newspaper whose essential work has been protected by Max," Adelman said. "He understood that the best newspaper imaginable has little value unless people are able to receive it. Max spent decades training us, fighting for us and leaping into the fray of postal policy. An entire industry is indebted to his selflessness.
“Now, as the Postal Service is pushing massive changes out to mail users, we face a daunting frontier without our leader. But National Newspaper Association and its partner foundation, NNAF, have known for years that this sad day would come. Our postal team is ready for it. We’ll be launching new training programs within MHPI, even as NNA continues to advocate for universal postal service.”
Adelman said the first program in the Institute would be October 21 with a presentation by USPS National Customer and Support Center in Memphis. The topic will be “Liberating your Newspaper from Costly Address Change Notices.” It will be designed for publishers, circulation professionals, printers and mail service providers. More information on this program will be provided in the weeks ahead. MHPI will also become the host of Postal Tips, a regular column in Publishers’ Auxiliary.
Adelman said NNAF expressed its condolences to Heath’s wife, Ruth Ann, and son, Jason.
“They have blessed this new design, even as they both often had to share Max with a wide world of newspaper people who called and wrote him at all hours of the day for help," he said. "We thank them for their generosity,”
NNAF has established a donation link for industry professionals who wish to contribute to carrying on Heath’s legacy.
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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
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Study Indicates Ads Placed in News Media — Especially Print — Outperform Social
Colin Kirkland | MediaPost
America's Newspaper
Ads placed in news media consistently outperform ads on Facebook and YouTube, according to a study conducted by Australia’s ThinkNewsBrands.
The cross-platform analysis found that while ads in both print and digital news publications perform better than ads in the social media channels, print ads specifically had a much greater memory impact on readers.
Read more from MediaPost
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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
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8/26 – Advertising Quick Clicks
28 Questions to Ask During the Sales Discovery Process
(Courtesy of HubSpot)
5 Deal Disasters to Avoid in Future Sales
(Courtesy of Sales Hacker)
5 Steps to Building a Stellar Customer Experience
(Courtesy of PR Daily)
Is Your Sales Customer Truly Qualified?
(Courtesy of Partners in Excellence)
Shake Things Up to Grow Your Sales
(Courtesy of Engage Selling)
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
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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.
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Check Out These Available Virtual Training Sessions!
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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.)
Covering Jails and Police Reform
This free online webinar series will help journalists more confidently cover America’s criminal justice system, from learning about COVID-19 inside jails to proposed changes in local policing.
Webinar
Weekly: September 22 - October 20
Register here.
The Value of an Integrated Media Plan
As an executive in the newspaper industry, it is imperative that you understand the value of an integrated media plan. In this workshop, Korena Keys will share data on the impact it can deliver and provide you tools that will help you deepen your client relationships through a holistic approach to selling your products.
Presenter: Korena Keys of Key Media Solutions
Webinar
Thursday, September 23
1:00 - 2:00 PM
Register here.
(MNA members can register for free, email member@mna.org to request the access code.)
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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.
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 If you have relevant news to share, please email member@mna.org
MEMBER CLASSIFIEDS
Newspaper Staff Reporter
The Belle Plaine Herald is seeking a full-time news reporter responsible for covering local and area news and events, city and school board meetings, sports.. More...
Managing Editor
An award-winning weekly newspaper is seeking an Editor/Writer for a community newspaper located in the beautiful central Minnesota lakes area in Otter Tail/Becker counties. Great schools, great recreation area. More...
Community Editor
The Sun Sailor has an opening for a community editor in the western suburban metro. Our community editors cover education, local government, business and features in the communities.. More..
Community Editor / 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...
Sports Editor
Full-time sports editor sought for Herald Journal newspaper group to be part of two-person team covering all sports for several schools in readership area of 3 weekly newspapers. More..
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..
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
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
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...
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...
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.
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