Briefing Archives | Page 15 of 28 | Wisconsin Newspaper Association

Kris Leonhardt steps down from Portage County Gazette editor role

Jun. 18, 2021

Kris Leonhardt, senior editor for Multi Media Channels, will no longer serve as editor of the Portage County Gazette.

Leonhardt is stepping aside from the role as she shifts to work on the creation of other MMC products, including Heritage, a central Wisconsin history magazine. She shared the news in a farewell column, thanking readers for their kindness during her time with the paper.

Taking over the editor role is Taylor Hale, who has served as associate editor and a reporter for the newspaper.

The Press Times moves to downtown Green Bay office

Jun. 10, 2021

The Press Times has moved to a new office in downtown Green Bay, the newspaper announced last week.

Previously located just west of Green Bay in Howard, the newspaper will now operate out of the top floor of the BMO Harris Bank building at 310 W. Walnut St. The move puts The Press Times in the heart of the city's historic Broadway District, home to many local shops and restaurants.

Wisconsin Media Group to acquire Unified Newspaper Group

Jun. 10, 2021

Wisconsin Media Group, an affiliate company of O’Rourke Media Group, announced on Thursday plans to acquire Unified Newspaper Group. The transaction will close on June 30, 2021.

Unified Newspaper Group is composed of four weekly newspapers and digital websites that serve the communities of Oregon, Verona, Fitchburg, and Stoughton.

4 things bosses do that can hurt employee morale

Jun. 4, 2021

In many cases, there are lessons to be learned from negative boss-employee encounters.

In his latest "Ad-libs" column, John Foust shares four examples of things a boss can do that may ruin morale among employees.

Microsoft launches NEW News Lab with Wisconsin newsrooms, foundations

Jun. 3, 2021

Microsoft has given $300,000 to help six Wisconsin newsrooms launch a collaborative journalism lab that will produce in-depth local reporting projects, which will be made available for republication by other news organizations.

The NEW News Lab — a collaboration between Fox Valley 365, Green Bay Press-Gazette, The (Appleton) Post-Crescent, The (Green Bay) Press Times, Wisconsin Public Radio and Wisconsin Watch — will report on racism as a public heath crisis, affordable housing shortages, local school funding and local judicial systems.

MMC publisher Patrick Wood releases new book of columns

Jun. 3, 2021

Patrick Wood, Multi Media Channels CEO and publisher of its weekly newspapers and other publications, has released a new book, the company announced this week.

The book, “Dear Reader: Meditations, Musings and Moments in Time,” is a compilation of columns Wood has written for MMC newspapers over the last four years. In the book release announcement, it is described as a “beacon” intended to uplift and enlighten readers.

Results available for large summer events poll

Jun. 2, 2021

Polco users and readers visiting WNA member websites from May 19 to 31 were asked what large events they planned to attend this summer. Results from the poll are now available for members to help inform their reporting, as many annual summer events return amid the reduction of pandemic safety measures.

Poll questions are available through a WNA partnership with Polco aimed at helping newspapers better engage readers and access enhanced data and insights.

Larry Gallup, Your Right to Know, open records

Your Right to Know: Bar lawmakers from destroying records

Jun. 2, 2021

In the latest “Your Right to Know” column, Larry Gallup argues it makes no sense that public records retention requirements apply to your local parks and recreation department but not to the positions in our state government that are most susceptible to corruption.

U.S. Postal Service announces starkly higher postage rates

May. 28, 2021

The United States Postal Service today announced a planned adjustment of postage rates for the public and commercial mail users, the National Newspaper Association announced. For community newspapers using periodicals mail to reach readers, the average rate increase will be nearly 9%, effective August 29. The first-class stamp will move from 55 to 58 cents.

The rate increase is part of a new USPS business plan that also includes a weakening of service standards for mail that is moving across the country.

Evers signs bill advancing state’s public notice laws

May. 28, 2021

Gov. Tony Evers last week signed into law legislation that further ensures our industry’s role in the continued publication of public notices.

Each amendment aims to cement the position of community newspapers as papers of record, while also promoting ease of access and increased readership of legal notices. The legislation does not change the eligibility status of newspapers currently certified to publish legal notices.