Briefing Archives | Page 8 of 28 | Wisconsin Newspaper Association

Poll results show mixed impact of higher gas prices

Mar. 23, 2022

Polco users and readers visiting WNA member websites from March 9 to 22 were asked how they were adjusting to higher gas prices, which hit record highs earlier this month. More than half of respondents said they hadn't made any changes, while 29% were driving less and 13% said they were spending less elsewhere.

This poll question and results were made available through a partnership between the WNA and Polco to help Wisconsin newspapers better engage readers and access enhanced data and insights.

UW-Oshkosh professor rallies support to oppose restrictions on student media

Mar. 18, 2022

Vincent Filak, a journalism professor at UW-Oshkosh and former adviser for The Advance-Titan student newspaper, has been rallying support this week to oppose restrictions the school has been accused of placing on student media organizations.

Filak reached out to university officials following a report from the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education that student journalists were required to get approval to interview any university employees. He has detailed his exchanges on his blog, offered his views on how to resolve the issue and shared an update Thursday following a meeting between the newspaper and university officials.

Journal Sentinel’s Katelyn Ferral reporting on Ukraine war for USA Today Network

Mar. 18, 2022

Ten years after teaching English at a university in Ukraine, Katelyn Ferral, an investigative journalist for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, has returned to eastern Europe to report on Russia's invasion of the country.

WATCH: Katelyn Ferral talks to Milwaukee PBS about reporting from the Poland-Ukraine border

Based in Poland, Ferral's coverage has focused primarily on Ukrainian refugees who have fled the country for Poland. She also has written about those who are returning to the country, primarily to join the fight against Russia.

Forum Communications to donate $5,000 to Ukraine newspaper

Mar. 18, 2022

Forum Communications Co., parent company of the Superior Telegram, has pledged a $5,000 donation to 20 Minutes, a newspaper in Kyiv, Ukraine. Since the war began, 20 Minutes has been forced to suspend printing its newspaper and switch exclusively to online publishing in order to keep its community informed.

Forum has worked with the Ukrainian newspaper in the past. In early 2020, staff from the two organizations began meeting to share ideas on how to produce the best journalism for their respective readers.

Washington Island Observer announces Mary Marik Grant Program

Mar. 18, 2022

The Washington Island Observer has established a grant program in honor of former managing editor Mary Marik, who died on Dec. 27.

The Mary Marik Community Grant Program will recognize Washington Island nonprofits that make it "a better place to live, work and visit." Two to three grant recipients will be awarded $1,000 annually.

gannett, milwaukee journal sentinel, printing plant

Gannett to close plant, print Wisconsin papers in Illinois

Mar. 17, 2022

Gannett will close its West Milwaukee production facility and move the printing of its 11 Wisconsin newspapers to Peoria, Ill., effective May 15. The change in printing location is not expected to impact home delivery times, said Rob Schafman, director of distribution for the Journal Sentinel.

The move — Gannett’s third major printing facility closure in Wisconsin over the last five years — comes as the company becomes increasingly digital and subscription-led, Gannett representatives said.

Nominations sought for Distinguished Wisconsin Watchdog Award

Mar. 11, 2022

Nominations are being sought for the annual Distinguished Wisconsin Watchdog Award, recognizing an individual’s extraordinary contributions to open government or investigative journalism in Wisconsin.

Letters of nomination are accepted from journalists, news organizations and other individuals and organizations involved in open government and investigative journalism issues. Self-nominations also are welcomed. The nomination deadline is March 21.

Gish Award nominations open until April 1

Mar. 4, 2022

Nominations for the Gish Award for courage, integrity and tenacity in rural journalism are now being accepted, the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues announced last week.

The deadline for submitting nominations is Friday, April 1. Nominations should be emailed to Institute Director Al Cross at al.cross@uky.edu and should include a detailed letter explaining how the nominee shows courage, tenacity and integrity, as well as any documentation of the same.

robin vos, michael gableman, public records, election review

Judge: Vos, Gableman violated public records law

Mar. 4, 2022

A judge on Wednesday ruled Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Robin Vos and former state Supreme Court justice Michael Gableman violated the state’s public records law by refusing to turn over documents and delaying the release of others.

Vos and Gableman “arbitrarily and capriciously denied or delayed access to records,” according to Dane County Circuit Court Judge Frank Remington

uw varsity band spring concert, badger band

UW Varsity Band Concert tickets now on sale

Feb. 17, 2022

Tickets for the University of Wisconsin’s annual Varsity Band Spring Concert are now on sale. This year’s concert is the band’s first since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It will feature two shows, each beginning at 7:30 p.m., on Friday, April 22, and Saturday, April 23, at the Kohl Center on the UW-Madison campus.

Concert highlights this year will include “Bohemian Wait for It,” “Country Classics,” “The Music of Panic at the Disco,” and classic UW favorites like “Space Badgers,” “If You Want to Be a Badger” and the signature Badger Band finale. All proceeds from the event benefit the band.