Briefing Archives | Page 16 of 28 | Wisconsin Newspaper Association

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.

polco, coronavirus, voter registration, presidential debates, covid-19

Poll: Which large events will you attend this summer?

May. 19, 2021

A new poll question about which large summer events readers plan to attend is available to be used by WNA members. We are asking the question as many annual summer events return amid the reduction of pandemic safety measures such as masks, distancing and capacity limits.

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

DOJ issues advisory regarding public records access under Marsy’s Law

May. 14, 2021

The Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Office of Open Government last week issued an advisory regarding the applicability of the state’s public records laws under Marsy’s Law.

The advisory instructs records custodians to continue applying the balancing test when responding to requests for records that contain information about crime victims, but notes the recent constitutional amendment strengthens the public policy interest in protecting victims’ rights.

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4 common blind spots among advertisers

May. 4, 2021

When we learned how to drive, we heard about blind spots.

Blind spots also are common in the advertising business, veteran sales trainer John Foust writes. In his most recent column, Foust takes a look at some examples of blind spots in sales and how advertising professionals can handle advertisers with blind spots.

Your Right to Know: Officials use digital dodges to hide records

May. 3, 2021

In March, The Washington Post reported that UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank sought to move a conversation around the COVID-19 pandemic and students returning to campus in the fall to a private portal used by presidents and chancellors of the 14 Big Ten universities.

It's just one example of a disturbing trend toward using digital platforms to evade Wisconsin’s Open Records Law, writes David Armiak, research director for the Center for Media and Democracy, in the most recent Your Right to Know column from the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council.

MMC launches Wittenberg Northerner Buyers Guide

Apr. 30, 2021

Multi Media Channels has launched a new local community shoppers' guide in central Wisconsin, the Wittenberg Northerner Buyers' Guide.

The first issue of the shopper was set to be delivered Thursday to approximately 10,000 homes in about a 20-mile radius around Wittenberg, which lies roughly 25 miles east of the metro Wausau area.

Volunteers needed to judge West Virginia newspaper contest

Apr. 27, 2021

Wisconsin Newspaper Association members are being asked to consider volunteering to judge the West Virginia Press Association's annual newspaper contest. Without reciprocal judging partnerships, the WNA would not be able to hold our annual contests.

WVPA needs at least 70 WNA members to sign up by May 23 to judge across a variety of editorial, photography, design and advertising categories. All judging will be done online and is scheduled to begin in late May or early June.