Monthly Archives: October 2008

Editorial / Newswriting Workshop in Montgomery

Posted on October 31, 2008 by | Leave a comment

The Alabama Press Association will hold a “Back to the Basics” editorial workshop led by Jack Smith, former Eufaula Tribune editor. This is a basic newswriting workshop targeted at reporters, whether new to the industry or seasoned journalists, who have not had much formal journalism training or just need a refresher course. This is a good overview for all reporters.

Topics covered include:

  • Writing with accuracy, clarity and integrity
  • News story basics
  • Structuring your writing: “straight” news, inverted pyramid approach and narrative stories
  • Writing leads
  • Learning how to write for your readers and not your sources
  • Fundamentals of good writing
  • Overview of AP style
  • How to identify compelling or unusual stories readers will talk about
  • Feature writing basics
  • Photography 101
  • The public service mission
  • Covering your beat
  • Basic interviewing techniques
  • Libel basics

Please fill out the registration form and return to APA. A confirmation will be e-mailed with directions once registration is received.

  • Cost: $40 (includes lunch)
  • Where: Montgomery Advertiser’s Freedom Room, 425 Molton St. [map]
  • When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 6
  • Deadline: Tuesday
  • Questions: Bethany Carr, Alabama Press Association, 205-871-7737, bethany@alabamapress.org

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30 laid off at Southern Progress; top executives retire

Posted on October 31, 2008 by | 2 comments

Time Inc. Layoffs Hit Southern Progress Unit

The cuts that have been rumored for weeks at Time Inc. are starting to become reality. About 30 people were laid off Oct. 22 at the company’s Southern Progress Corp. unit, which publishes seven titles including Southern Living, Cottage Living, Cooking Light and Health.

The layoffs, representing 3 percent of SPC, were limited to the unit’s seven print magazines and were spread across business and editorial. Southern Progress’ digital and books units were not affected.

Time Inc. says Southern Progress CEO Angelillo, other execs have retired

Southern Progress Corp. Chief Executive Tom Angelillo and three other top executives have retired today, according to parent company Time Inc.

Other retirees are group publisher Scott Sheppard, editorial director Jeanetta Corbett Keller and administrative vice president Lane Schmitt.

New York-based Time announced no replacements.

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Photos from the Freelancers Forum

Posted on October 17, 2008 by | 1 comment

We had our biggest event yet at the Wine Loft. Thanks to Donna Francavilla, Julie Keith and Jean M. McLean, our outstanding expert panel, and to Pat Richeson of Redneck Debutantes for the photography.

Also, thanks to Bob Farley for serving as our hospitality volunteer, and Chianti Cleggett and Atticus Rominger for setting up the event.

Be sure to check out all the great photos, and if you’re in them, let us know! (Or tag yourself in the Facebook album.)

Continue reading →

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Oct. 21 event bonuses

Posted on October 15, 2008 by | Leave a comment

Bonus No. 1: For those interested in reading more about U.S. Rep. Davis, MOBster Atticus Rominger wrote the cover story for the current issue of Thicket magazine.

Thicket: You’ve been labeled a “bipartisan congressman,” as well as a member of a “new wave” of black politicians, is that accurate?

Artur Davis: I’m not big on labels.

Thicket: Why not?

AD: I don’t think they capture the complexity of the public debate.

Rep. Davis will be our keynote speaker Tuesday at the Redmont.

Bonus No. 2: You can register to vote! Empower Alabama will be at our event with all the paperwork you need to vote on Nov. 4. This will be your last opportunity to register (submission deadline is Oct. 24!), so why put it off any longer?

You register, they’ll take care of the rest. Oh, and then you show up on Nov. 4 to vote.

Remember: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday (Oct. 21) at the Redmont with Rep. Davis.

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October event: Rep. Artur Davis on Election 2008

Posted on October 10, 2008 by | 1 comment

Update: See photos from this event.

Rep. Artur DavisJoin us for our first keynote speaker, U.S. Rep. Artur Davis. With Election Day just two weeks from our next event, it’s a great time to discuss the state of politics 2008.

Rep. Davis began his service in the House of Representatives in 2003, which also marks the MOB’s founding.

Join the MOB on its new night — Tuesday — on Oct. 21. Our first event sponsor ever is the Redmont Hotel [map]. We’ll be on the mezzanine level in the Redmont Cafe, where you can enjoy a selection of wines and beers at our private cash bar.

Redmont HotelWith an 81-year legacy of style, elegance and fame, the Redmont offers luxurious hotel and residential living in downtown Birmingham.

This event starts earlier to accommodate Rep. Davis:

  • 5 p.m. – meet and greet
  • 5:15-6:15 – Rep. Davis’ address
  • 6:15-7 – more networking!

The event is free. Wine and beer available at our private cash bar.

Anyone in media, advertising, PR and Web should stop by — please tell your colleagues, friends and enemies to join us. Complete details are available on the Evite.

Our thanks to MOB volunteers Chianti Cleggett and Atticus Rominger for setting up this month’s event!

Here’s the press release [pdf].

Questions? Contact us or leave a comment.

P.S. Please join our free mailing list for all the updates straight to your In box.

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