Tag Archives: Joe O’Donnell

February event: Media Outlets Unleashed

Posted on February 3, 2010 by | 4 comments

Update: See photos from this event.

What are Birmingham media outlets doing right in new media? How can they improve, and make money at it?

Join us for our panel discussion:

Our moderator:

Join us on the Samford campus for lunch, networking and a lively discussion with your questions.

  • 11:30 a.m.-noon — Networking
  • Noon-1 p.m. — Panel

Invite your friends and colleagues in media (print, broadcast, online, etc.), public relations, advertising and marketing.

Special: First five registrants can buy 2 tickets for the price of one!

Please RSVP by Thursday, Feb. 11, 5 p.m.

Note: You must RSVP for this event. Late fee is $20; fees go to W Social Marketing.

Please RSVP by Thursday, Feb. 11, 5 p.m.

Special thanks to our sponsors, Samford University Brock School of Business and W Social Marketing. Also thanks to J&M Photography and Design for shooting this event.

Questions? Contact us or leave a comment.

Samford University Brock School of Business W Social Marketing

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

Want to sponsor a MOB event? It’s easy.

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Joe O’Donnell to launch B-Metro magazine

Posted on October 7, 2009 by | 2 comments

b-metro magazine logoDoes Birmingham need another city lifestyle magazine? In addition to Birmingham Magazine, Portico, Thicket (which covers all of Alabama) and the recently launched online-only Pavo Magazine comes B-Metro.

Joe O’Donnell, who left Birmingham Magazine in July, plans to launch B-Metro in November with two colleagues who departed at the same time. (The Web site is live, but not yet finished.)

In an interview with the Birmingham News, he discusses his plans for the new publication:

“We’ll be publishing great writers and photographers, columnists, bloggers and everyday people who have something to say, information to share and insights into the richness and excitement of life in this seven-county region.”

MOBster André Natta will be one of the columnists in the new publication.

• • •

Read more Birmingham media updates.

Have a news tip? Let us know!

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EXCLUSIVE: Birmingham magazine hires Thicket’s editor-in-chief, advertising director

Posted on August 7, 2009 by | 1 comment

After the departure of five staff members at Birmingham magazine in July, including editor Joe O’Donnell and advertising director Cathy Fingerman, Media of Birmingham has learned about two hires from Birmingham-based Thicket magazine.

Julie KeithJulie Keith, Thicket’s editor-in-chief and co-owner, will serve as the new editor for Birmingham magazine. Before, she was executive editor of Birmingham-based Portico magazine and managing editor for the Better Homes and Gardens Crafts Group. Keith was a panelist at Media of Birmingham’s Freelancers Forum in September. Her husband Todd Keith is senior editor at Thicket.

Garrick Stone, Thicket’s advertising director and partner in the magazine, will serve as the new advertising director for Birmingham magazine. Before, he was sales director at Portico and a senior account executive at Birmingham-based Black and White.

Thicket launched in January 2008 as a bimonthly Alabama-focused publication with 10 issues to date. Birmingham magazine‘s current edition began in 1961 and publishes monthly through the Birmingham Business Alliance, which combined the Metropolitan Development Board and the Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce.

No word yet as to how Thicket plans to move forward.

• • •

Read more Birmingham media updates.

Have a news tip? Let us know!

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EXCLUSIVE: One-third of Birmingham magazine staff exits during Chamber merger

Posted on July 13, 2009 by | 3 comments

Joe O'DonnellThe Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce, which publishes Birmingham magazine, has been involved in a merger with the Metropolitan Development Board and Region 2020 to form a streamlined group. The name will be announced Tuesday.

But in the process, Joe O’Donnell, editor of Birmingham magazine for the past 22 years, pictured at left, ended his stay there Thursday. Media of Birmingham has learned that four other Birmingham magazine staff members have also left:

  • Robin Colter Creative director Robin Colter
  • Cathy Fingerman Advertising sales director Cathy Fingerman
  • Jane Higdon Account executive Jane Higdon
  • Mary Ellen Stancil Associate editor Mary Ellen Stancil

O’Donnell, who was offered a post-merger position at the magazine but declined, told the News:

“I’ve had a great staff, freelance writers and photographers over the years. It’s been a great run. I wish the new organization the best. I think the combination of the chamber, Region 2020 and MDB will have a great impact on the area.”

No word as to if these positions will be filled. The departures represent a third of the current staff of 15 to 16 members.

Have a news tip? Let us know!

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