Columnists

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

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.

John Foust, advertising, ad-libs

In search of the perfect headline

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.”

newspapers, local journalism

Local journalism needs a new ‘Sustainability Act’

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.

Jim Pumarlo

Is your newspaper capturing all community voices?

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.

Al Cross

Amid bad news, a permanent solution to a temporary problem

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.

John Foust, advertising, ad-libs

Advertising sales is a problem-solving business

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.

Bart Pfankuch

19 tips on how to produce great journalism from home

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.”

Jim Pumarlo

Guide to aggressive reporting? Begin with the basics

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.

Al Cross

Newspapers must embrace bold, persistent experimentation to survive and thrive

Our country may not be in a depression, but the newspaper business is. To get through this, newspapers need to prove their value and try new things, writes Al Cross, director of the Institute of Rural Journalism and Community News.

In a recent column, Cross discusses ideas newspapers should explore, including philanthropy, collegiate resources and government-funded advertising.

John Foust, advertising, ad-libs

9 things to keep in your ‘go-bag’ for ad presentations

In order to be prepared for anything you might need in an ad presentation, be sure to pack a “go-bag,” writes veteran sales trainer John Foust in his latest installment of “Ad-Libs.”

In his column, Foust highlights nine key basics to make sure to include.

Wisconsin Newspaper Association