News & Announcements | Wisconsin Newspaper Association

State Journal publisher Chris White appointed to WNA Board, 3 others to join WNAF Board

Sep. 25, 2020

The Wisconsin Newspaper Association Board on Thursday welcomed two new directors and approved three new additions to the WNA Foundation Board.

Chris White, publisher of the Wisconsin State Journal, was appointed to fill the daily newspaper seat opened by the departure of former State Journal editor John Smalley.

Smalley Herman Baumann and Dave Bennett were also appointed to the WNA Foundation Board.

Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame event canceled

Sep. 25, 2020

In the interest of public health and due to ongoing COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the Wisconsin Newspaper Hall of Fame dinner has been canceled for 2020.

The WNA Board on Thursday elected to postpone the event in order to not deprive inductees the opportunity to celebrate their remarkable careers in-person with family, friends and colleagues.

Morris publisher John Ingebritsen elected to WNA Board of Directors

Sep. 13, 2020

John Ingebritsen, publisher of Morris Newspaper Corporation of Wisconsin, has been elected to the WNA Board of Directors as the weekly newspaper representative for the Southwest region.

Ingebritsen succeeds Robb Grindstaff, who retired last month from his position as General Manager for Adams Publishing Southern Wisconsin.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel vacates longtime home ahead of move

Sep. 13, 2020

Ahead of a planned move in November, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has begun clearing out its longtime home in a historic downtown building, the Milwaukee Business Journal reports.

While its staff has been working remotely since March due to the pandemic, the Journal Sentinel is vacating the offices at 333 W. State St., as a local developer prepares to convert the building into apartments. A drone video shot by photographer Mike De Sisti offers a last glimpse of the empty building prior to the move.

Gannett Foundation to give $2.3 million to community-building nonprofits

Sep. 6, 2020

The Gannett Foundation on Tuesday announced a $2.3 million crowdfunding and grant program for community-building nonprofits.

The initiative offers local nonprofits a national platform on which to fundraise, in addition to grants for the most exceptional projects. Last year, three Wisconsin nonprofits were recipients of grants totaling $45,000.

National Newspaper Week set for Oct. 4-10

Aug. 20, 2020

The 80th annual National Newspaper Week, a celebration of the impact newspapers have in their communities, will be observed Oct. 4-10. This year’s theme is “America Needs Journalists.”

The annual effort, which makes content available to newspapers nationwide, is sponsored by Newspaper Association Managers, Inc., a consortium of North American trade associations representing the industry.

Volunteers needed to judge the Texas Better Newspaper Contest

Aug. 19, 2020

As contest season approaches, the WNA is asking members to consider volunteering to be a judge for our partners at the Texas Press Association.

TPA needs at least 60 WNA members to sign up by Sept. 25 to help judge their contest. All judging will be done online and is scheduled to begin Oct. 19.

Madison’s alt-weekly Isthmus announces shift to nonprofit business model

Aug. 14, 2020

Nearly five months after Isthmus announced in March it was shutting down indefinitely due to the pandemic, the Madison alternative weekly has decided to become a nonprofit news organization.

While the details of the transition to nonprofit status remain uncertain, it will allow Isthmus to seek funding in ways it could not previously, such as foundation grants and tax-deductible donations from readers and local businesses.

The Gazette celebrates 175 years in Janesville

Aug. 14, 2020

Established three years before Wisconsin became a state, The (Janesville) Gazette on Friday marked the 175th anniversary of its first issue, printed Aug. 14, 1845.

In recognition of Friday’s anniversary, the newspaper published a timeline of major events in its history, along with several historical photos of past staff, newsrooms and printing operations.

Trio of weekly newspapers merge to form Buffalo County News

Aug. 4, 2020

Beginning with Thursday’s issue, subscribers to Buffalo County’s three weeklies will receive a newly merged newspaper, the Buffalo County News.

The newspapers last week announced the (Alma) Buffalo County Journal, Mondovi Herald-News and Cochrane-Fountain City Recorder would be merged to form one newspaper serving the entire county. All three newspapers shared the same parent company, Media One.