We’re pleased to announce the first board of directors for Media of Birmingham. As previously mentioned, these 12 distinguished professionals will guide this organization from this point forward.
A new Christian online magazine, The Sword, made its debut last week. Marie Sutton, a freelance writer and public relations consultant, is behind the publication.
She discussed her new venture with us by e-mail.
MOB: How long has the Sword been in the works? Why online? Will there be a print version?
Sutton: Actually, I left the Birmingham News to start the print version in 2003. It was a glossy mag and was well received, but I had to put it to bed after running out of money. I tell people, “I had the vision, but not the provision.”
I have been wanting to bring the book back and found the web would be more cost-effective. I do ultimately plan a print version, but it won’t be for at least a year.
MOB: What is the mission of the publication?
Sutton: The mission is to inform, instruct and inspire Birmingham’s Body of Christ. Our goal is to be the source for Birmingham’s Christian news and views.
MOB: Why did you decide to launch it?
Sutton: I decided to launch it because I feel there is a hole when it comes to Christian news and views. There is not one central source for calendar items, stories, etc. about Birmingham’s Body of Christ.
Also, I have a passion for sharing stories that will inspire but also rebuke, if necessary, my fellow believers so that we can be everything God wants us to be.
• Birmingham Weekly’s Kyle Whitmire picked up his second consecutive first-place award in the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies’ Alternative Newsweekly Awards, his fourth overall.
• In the Society of Professional Journalists’ 59th Annual Green Eyeshade Awards, Alabama media outlets took home five first-place awards, and WBHM (90.3 FM) took home its second consecutive divisional win in radio. [The directors of the Green Eyeshade Awards canceled this year’s banquet because “the news media’s economic problems made it difficult to guarantee attendance.”]
Divisional Winner
Radio – WBHM (90.3 FM) of Birmingham, for “Considering Faith,” by its news team. Links to stories
1st Place
“Collection of Editorials” Mac Thrower, Mobile Press-Register
Open to everyone interested in the media business. Portion of proceeds go to BABJ Scholarship Fund. Sponsored by the Birmingham Association of Black Journalists.
With all the turmoil in the media, you need to know to survive? This special half-day session gives you some answers.
It will take a hard look at what’s happening in the media business and why; offer advice from people who know on how to reinvent yourself; and give you practical tips on how to start your own business if you no longer want to work for a company that may be forced to lay you off.
In addition to getting the real deal from people who have been there, you’ll also get a chance to share best practices with each other.
When: Saturday, June 27
Where: The Birmingham News, 2201 Fourth Ave. N. [map]
Cost: $15, includes continental breakfast and box lunch.
Welcome to Media of Birmingham, a news and information site about journalism, advertising, public relations, new media and marketing based in Birmingham, Ala. The site went online in 2006, and the group behind it was founded in 2003.
A new Christian online magazine, 
Media of Birmingham 