News Industry Columns | Wisconsin Newspaper Association

Sharpen your writing by reading stories aloud

Sep. 1, 2020

Reading text aloud performs two basic yet critical analytical and diagnostic functions — it quickly shows if the prose is smooth, flows well and is pleasing to the eye and ear and where the clunks in copy are located; also, it reveals whether information is being presented in a logical, clear and meaningful progression, writes veteran journalist Bart Pfankuch.

It’s perhaps the best way for a writer or editor to check their work for flow, accuracy, clarity and meaning.

Read any good catalogs lately?

Aug. 27, 2020

There are other approaches to advertising creativity, but catalogs excel when it comes to descriptions of product features and benefits, writes veteran sales trainer John Foust.

In his latest installment of “Ad-Libs,” Foust points to some standout examples from L.L. Bean catalogs.

A community with no local newspaper? That’s bad news

Aug. 13, 2020

In a recent column, America’s Newspapers CEO Dean Ridings asks readers to consider what their town would be without a newspaper.

In an effort to get the country involved in the passage of the Local Journalism Sustainability Act, WNA members are encouraged to publish this opinion piece and the accompanying editorial cartoon — or write their own editorial — to educate the public about this important issue.

In search of the perfect headline

Aug. 1, 2020

A headline can make or break an ad. It’s important to look for connections between what the audience needs and how the advertiser can meet those needs.

Veteran sales trainer John Foust gives suggestions for doing just that in his latest installment of “Ad Libs.”

Local journalism needs a new ‘Sustainability Act’

Jul. 30, 2020

An editorial by the Vilas County News Review (which is available for republication by WNA members) asks the entire Wisconsin delegation to co-sponsor the Local Journalism Sustainability Act.

“Never has America’s free press been more threatened by economic insolvency, a development that could eliminate the work of local journalists who provide in-depth perspectives that inform their readership regarding important current events,” the editorial board writes.

Is your newspaper capturing all community voices?

Jul. 13, 2020

Are all your readers’ voices represented in your newspaper’s coverage? Providing as many perspectives as possible is the foundation of a well-rounded story.

Journalism trainer Jim Pumarlo provides some suggestions on how to make sure your newsroom is best representing the local landscape.

Amid bad news, a permanent solution to a temporary problem

Jul. 9, 2020

Since fall 2018, 300 more U.S. newspapers have disappeared, bringing the number over the last 15 years to 2,100. That’s almost 25% of the 9,000 newspapers that were published in 2005, writes Al Cross director of the University of Kentucky’s Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues.

The coronavirus pandemic and its economic impact has made it clear that the choices we make — as citizens, policymakers and industry leaders — will determine the future of the local news landscape.

Advertising sales is a problem-solving business

Jul. 1, 2020

Being observant can go a long way in selling advertising.

In the most recent installment of his “Ad-Libs” column, veteran sales trainer John Foustdiscusses five things to consider before approaching a potential new client.

19 tips on how to produce great journalism from home

Jun. 23, 2020

Successfully producing journalism from home full-time requires four critical concepts: self-discipline; regimentation; boundaries; and production.

Veteran writing coach Bart Pfankuch, who has significant experience working remotely, shares some tips and techniques for working from home in his latest installment of “Better Writing with Bart.”

Guide to aggressive reporting? Begin with the basics

Jun. 15, 2020

Aggressive reporting goes beyond tackling sensitive and contentious subjects in a community’s living history. It also means delivering meaningful content, writes Jim Pumarlo, a speaker and trainer on newsroom success strategies.

In his most recent column, Pumarlo provides six examples of reporting that will erode a newspaper’s foundational credibility — and why it’s critical delve further with your reporting.

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