Dick McCord, Richard McCord

Dick McCord, former Door County Advocate editor, dies at 79

Nov. 16, 2020

Richard “Dick” McCord, who in the mid-1990s had a brief tenure as editor of the Door County Advocate, died Wednesday, Oct. 7, in Santa Fe, N.M. He was 79.

McCord was hired by then-Advocate owner Frank Wood to serve as editor of the Sturgeon Bay weekly newspaper.

After retiring, he wrote several books, including “The Chain Gang: One Newspaper versus the Gannett Empire,” which detailed Wood’s efforts to continue publishing the Green Bay News-Chronicle after Gannett had purchased the city’s other daily newspaper, the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

anthony shadid, shadid award, journalism ethics

Nominations due Jan. 15 for Anthony Shadid Award

Nov. 16, 2020

The Center for Journalism Ethics is seeking nominations for the Anthony Shadid Award for Journalism Ethics, the Center announced Monday. The deadline for submitting nominations is Jan. 15, 2021.

The Shadid Award, now in its 12th year, recognizes ethical decisions in reporting stories in any medium, including print, broadcast and digital, by journalists working for established news organizations or publishing individually. The award focuses on current journalism and does not include books, documentaries or other long-term projects.

Peter Kwong

The prodigal bird returns

Nov. 16, 2020

I always believe in miracles, but to get our prodigal bird back safe and sound, and after spending three days in the impossible wilderness, is more than just a miracle.

christine spangler

Christine Spangler to end 42-year run at Daily Union

Nov. 12, 2020

Longtime managing editor Christine Spangler will leave the Daily Jefferson County Union next week, the Fort Atkinson newspaper announced Thursday.

Spangler spent her entire career of more than 42 years at the Daily Union. She is stepping down as regional editor Scott Peterson‘s role is expanded to oversee newsroom operations in both Watertown and Fort Atkinson.

Stephanie Jones

Stephanie Jones named Lake Geneva Regional News managing editor

Nov. 12, 2020

Stephanie Jones has been named managing editor of the Lake Geneva Regional News, the Wisconn Valley Media Group announced Wednesday.

Jones has served as managing editor of The Journal Times since February 2016. Scott Williams, previous editor of the Regional News, is moving to a reporting role at The Journal Times. Tom Farley, who had served as news editor since July 2000, will succeed Jones as interim managing editor of The Journal Times.

polco, coronavirus, voter registration, presidential debates, covid-19

Poll: What are your pandemic holiday plans?

Nov. 12, 2020

A new poll question about readers’ holiday plans amid the coronavirus pandemic is now available to be used by WNA members.

Poll questions are available through a WNA partnership with Polco aimed at helping newspapers better engage readers and access enhanced data and insights.

Wisconsin Policy Forum logo

In 2021 city budget, Madison finds stability amid pandemic’s tumult

Nov. 12, 2020

Despite the turmoil of a global pandemic, the city of Madison’s proposed budget maintains core services in 2021 with the smallest property tax increase in nearly two decades — a feat accomplished in part through one-time measures that could narrow options for future budgets.

capitol report, wispolitics

Election 2020 sets records, gives mixed results

Nov. 10, 2020

The dust hasn’t quite settled on Election Day 2020. But it can be said that this unique election likely will be remembered as a record high-turnout affair (at least by one measure) with record absentee ballots and record spending that resulted in Wisconsin reverting to its blue tilt during presidential years.

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