Briefing Archives | Page 10 of 28 | Wisconsin Newspaper Association

Newspapers sought to host 2022 summer interns

Nov. 12, 2021

The application period for newspapers interested in hosting an intern during the summer of 2022 is now open. The deadline to apply is Sunday, Nov. 28.

In an effort to provide students and newspapers with a more valuable experience, the WNA Foundation board of directors recently voted to change the length and application process for its summer internship program. Beginning in 2022, internships will be extended from eight to 12 weeks and participating newspapers will be awarded of $3,000 — up from $2,000 — and will be required to contribute $1,800 in matching funds.

WNA Foundation seeking sponsors, advertisers for Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame

Nov. 5, 2021

As part of the WNA Foundation's mission to increase public awareness and appreciation of newspapers, it annually recognizes visionaries and innovators in the industry. This year's Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame banquet will be held on Nov. 18 at The Madison Club, 5 E. Wilson St., Madison.

Your support helps us to better celebrate our honorees and assists with our efforts to foster excellence in journalism through engaging current and future newspaper leaders. There are a few ways to get involved with the event and support the mission of the WNA Foundation.

Retired columnist George Hesselberg publishes book of obituaries

Nov. 4, 2021

George Hesselberg, a longtime reporter and columnist best known for his "Dead Lines" column in the Wisconsin State Journal, has published a book of the same name.

"Dead Lines: Slices of Life from the Obit Beat" was published Sept. 28 by the Wisconsin Historical Society Press. Among the obituaries included in the book are the unofficial "mayor" of the nude beach at Mazomanie, an old-time radio actor known for playing villains and even a few animals.

tony wilkin gibart, natural resources board, midwest environmental advocates

Your Right to Know: Records shed light on DNR board shenanigans

Nov. 3, 2021

In the latest "Your Right to Know" column, Tony Wilkin Gibart, executive director of Midwest Environmental Advocates, writes that Wisconsin's open records law has given the public a clearer picture of the controversy involving the Natural Resources Board.

But the picture is far from complete, and that is why his group has sued the NRB's chairman, Frederick Prehn. His column is available for republication by WNA members.

‘Storm Lake’ newspaper documentary featured in free film series

Oct. 29, 2021

Indie Lens Pop-Up will on Wednesday, Nov. 10, offer a free online screening of "Storm Lake," a documentary that offers an inside look at The Storm Lake Times, a family-owned weekly newspaper in northwestern Iowa.

The screening will begin at noon, with a panel discussion to follow via Zoom. Panelists include Eric Lohman, a journalism lecturer at UW-Milwaukee with a focus on the political economy of media, and Tara Jones, a digital reporter for the Sheboygan Sun whose background includes experience working for rural newspapers in her home state of Ohio.

Cap Times to launch new website, leave Madison.com

Oct. 22, 2021

After sharing Madison.com with the Wisconsin State Journal for the last 25 years, The Cap Times is launching its own website, the newspaper has announced. Beginning Monday, The Cap Times' digital presence will move to a new home under the URL captimes.com.

Paul Fanlund, editor and publisher of the newspaper, wrote that the new website would highlight The Cap Times' distinctively Madison-centric approach.

gavel, judge, court, open meetings, walking quorum, public records

Court orders release of former deputy’s disciplinary records

Oct. 22, 2021

A three-judge appeals court panel last week ruled that disciplinary records for a former Milwaukee County sheriff's deputy must be released, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

"The denial of public access generally is contrary to the public interest, and only in an exceptional case may access be denied," the court wrote in its decision. "This policy of disclosure is one of the strongest declarations of policy in the Wisconsin statutes."

delivery, print, newspaper, newspapers, production

Several APG weeklies move to Friday publication, delivery

Oct. 22, 2021

Several Adams Publishing Group weekly newspapers in southern Wisconsin moved to new publication schedules this week, publishing and delivering on Friday instead of Thursday.

Among those making the switch were the DeForest Times-Tribune, Lodi Enterprise and Poynette Press, Milton Courier, and The Waunakee Tribune. Jonathan Stefonek, editor of the Times-Tribune, explained readers are expected to benefit from additional midweek coverage, as well as more reliable delivery.

Poll indicates strong support for civics education in schools

Oct. 20, 2021

Polco users and readers visiting WNA member websites from Oct. 5 to 19 were asked whether they believed civics education should be required in Wisconsin schools. Out of 556 respondents, 89% said they supported requiring civics education in all Wisconsin schools, while 6% said local schools should determine their own curriculum.

Poll questions are available through a WNA partnership with Polco aimed at helping newspapers better engage readers and access enhanced data and insights. WNA members who have signed up for an account with Polco can access their local version of the new question, as well as local poll results, on their dashboards. Those who have not signed up can do so here.

WNA Community Newspaper Forum to explore community connections, engagement

Oct. 13, 2021

Running a community newspaper comes with its own unique set of challenges and opportunities. During the WNA Community Newspaper Forum, speakers will offer best practices and resources for creating community connections, funding journalism, growing your digital footprint & building trust through meaningful engagement.

The program, which is free to WNA members, will run from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 21. Sign up here.

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