Briefing Archives | Page 3 of 28 | Wisconsin Newspaper Association

Thepaperboy.news group purchases Sentinel & Rural News

Dec. 2, 2022

Thepaperboy.news group of publications has purchased The Sentinel & Rural News from Multi Media Channels, effective Nov. 18, the two companies announced in a joint news release last month. The group, which includes the Stanley Republican and the Pierce County Journal, is published by John McLoone.

MMC, which purchased The Sentinel & Rural News in December from Travis and Nicole Rogers, said in the release it determined that the publication didn't quite fit into its geographical footprint.

Prehn records fight seeks accountability

Dec. 1, 2022

Dr. Frederick Prehn — who continues to occupy a seat on the Natural Resources Board more than a year and a half after the expiration of his term — recently failed to turn over dozens of text messages related to his refusal to step down, writes attorney Adam Voskuil in December's "Your Right to Know" column from the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council.

In his column, Voskuil, who works for the public interest firm Midwest Environmental Advocates, calls for the judge to send a strong message that officials who violate the open records law when he issues a final ruling in the case.

UW System pledges $20,000 in support of Wisconsin Civics Games

Nov. 17, 2022

As part of its effort to promote citizenship and civil dialogue, the University of Wisconsin System has announced an annual $20,000 commitment in support of the Wisconsin Civics Games, a statewide civics bowl hosted by the Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation.

The funds will support scholarships and cash awards for the Civics Games and its accompanying editorial writing and cartooning contests, as well as promotion of the programs.

WNA Foundation celebrates newspaper pioneers during Hall of Fame banquet

Nov. 11, 2022

The Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation inducted five new members to the Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame during a banquet on Thursday, Nov. 10, at The Madison Club in Madison, Wisconsin.

Inductees included Peter Fox, a former editor of The (Racine) Journal Times who served as director of the WNA from 2004 to 2010, and Chuck Gauger, who retired as general manager of the Trempealeau County Times in 2019 after a nearly 50-year career in newspapers. Three inductees were honored posthumously. They included Emma Brown, co-founder of Fort Atkinson's first newspaper and the state's first successful female publisher, Dickey Chapelle, a pioneering journalist and photographer known for her work as a war correspondent, and Phil Muench, a longtime pressman at the Grant County Herald Independent who died in 2020 following a battle with COVID-19.

NBC News’ Pete Williams to discuss journalism ethics and covering the U.S. Supreme Court

Nov. 3, 2022

The University of Wisconsin's Center for Journalism Ethics will host a public event – “Breaking Precedent: Journalism Ethics & Covering the US Supreme Court” – at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, at the Memorial Union Play Circle on the UW–Madison campus. In conversation with Kathleen Bartzen Culver, director of the Center, NBC's Pete Williams will engage in a public discussion of media ethics and the challenges of covering the U.S. Supreme Court in turbulent times.

Your Right to Know: Don’t pay too much for that photocopy

Nov. 1, 2022

How much does it cost to copy one piece of paper? Many records custodians in Wisconsin charge 25 cents — a price that likely goes back to 2018 guidance from the attorney general that anything in excess of 25 cents may be suspect. But state law says custodians can only charge the “actual, necessary and direct cost of reproduction.”

In the most recent installment of the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council's Your Right to Know column, council member Tom Kamenick, provides an overview of the law surrounding the cost of hard-copy public records and encourages requesters to push back the next time a custodian tries to charge them 25 cents per copy.

wisconsin civics games contest, first amendment, editorial writing, editorial cartoon

Civics Games editorial contest deadline extended until Nov. 14

Oct. 26, 2022

The deadline for the Wisconsin Civics Games Editorial Writing & Cartoon Contest, presented by the WNA Foundation, has been extended until 11:59 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14. With the extension, winners will now be announced in early January, at which time winning entries will be made available for publication by WNA newspapers.

Thank you to the many members who have published stories and ads to help promote the contest. Any assistance in publicizing the extended deadline would be much appreciated!

Herb Kohl Educational Foundation seeking volunteers

Oct. 25, 2022

The Herb Kohl Educational Foundation is looking for volunteers to read and evaluate applications for its 2023 Wisconsin student, teacher and principal awards. The Wisconsin Newspaper Association is a longtime sponsor of the program.

Volunteers will need access to a computer and the internet and will need to complete a one-hour online training prior to scoring applications. Applications will be available for scoring from approximately mid-November through mid-December. Interested volunteers should sign up by Saturday, Oct. 29.

Reminder: Legal notice recertification paperwork due by Oct. 31

Oct. 13, 2022

In order to be certified to publish legal notices in 2023, newspapers must submit their legal notice recertification paperwork by Oct. 31.

Wisconsin newspapers can find their recertification paperwork by clicking here. Details instructions were sent via email by state Procurement Specialist Bill Goff (william2.goff@wisconsin.gov) on Oct. 3.

2022 WNAF Better Newspaper Contest now accepting submissions

Sep. 16, 2022

The WNA Foundation Better Newspaper Contest, which recognizes newspaper excellence across more than 50 categories and five circulation divisions, is now accepting entries for the 2022 contest.

The submission deadline for the 2022 WNA Foundation Better Newspaper Contest is Monday, Oct. 24. Hard copies must be postmarked by Friday, Oct. 21.