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PLAN NOW TO INCLUDE THE MNA ANNUAL CONVENTION IN YOUR BUDGET

MNA Convention dates are: January 24 & 25, 2013

AD-LIBS: HOW LOSING A SALE CAN BE GOOD FOR BUSINESS

“As crazy as it sounds, losing a sale can be good for business,” Gerald told me. “It offers a unique chance to build rapport over a long period of time. And when they conduct another advertising review, I’ll be in a better position than before.”

To put it simply, a sales presentation has three possible outcomes: (1) yes, (2) no, or (3) not yet. The good news – for Gerald and other optimistic sales people – is that “no” can be interpreted as “not yet,” instead of “never.” This means there is hope for a future sale, even when the last attempt wasn’t successful. Rapport is a huge element in turning today’s “not yet” into next month’s or next year’s “yes.”  (Read More…)

SLIMP: THEY SAY THAT EVEN A BLIND SQUIRREL FINDS A NUT ONCE IN A WHILE

My inbox was filled with notes from publishers across the states who were writing to congratulate me on correctly predicting what would happen with the whole Times Picayune mess in New Orleans.

Now I’m interested in seeing what can be done in Syracuse and Rochester, N.Y., where Newhouse cut the dailies to three times a week. My guess is that someone will step up to the plate soon to create a new daily in one or both of those cities. (Read More…)

ALL POLITICAL ADVERTISING THAT MNA HANDLES IS PAID IN ADVANCE

MNA will not send political ads to newspapers until we have obtained payment from clients.

Newspapers will be paid promptly after the ad runs. MNA will send checks to newspapers after the political advertising has been placed and we have conformed that the ad ran as scheduled.

SEND A COPY OF YOUR STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP TO MNA.

Please remember to mail or fax or email a copy of your Statement of Ownership once it has been published in your newspaper.

All circulation figures that MNA uses for advertising, directory information and contest classification purposes must come from a published Statement of Ownership.

If we do not receive a new Statement of Ownership for your newspaper, we will use the circulation figures from the most recent one we have for your paper, which may be quite old, or we may have to indicate that your paper’s circulation is “not verified.”

Please fax your Statement of Ownership to 612-342-2958 or 612-342-2064 or email member@mna.org

CANDIDATES’ RESPONSES TO MNA’S ELECTION QUESTIONNAIRES WILL BE AVAILABLE

Responses from candidates for Federal office and judges will be posted to MNA’s website.

Check the MNA website frequently for new responses that will be added as we receive them.

Sample questions are also available for your paper to use for Legislative races.

MINNESOTA HIGH SCHOOL LEAGUE CREDENTIAL DEADLINES

A 2012-2013 Media Policy Manual will be mailed from MSHSL to each member newspaper later this month.  Please review the manual for rules and regulations for news media coverage of state tournament competition conducted by the League.

¹ GIRLS’ TENNIS………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. FRI. OCT. 19

BOYS’ & GIRLS’ SOCCER

QUARTERFINALS……………………………………………………………………………………………… MON. OCT. 22

SEMIFINALS & FINALS……………………………………………………………………………………….. SAT. OCT. 27

BOYS’ & GIRLS’ CROSS COUNTRY RUNNING………………………………………………………………… MON. OCT. 29

GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL…………………………………………………………………………………………………… MON. NOV. 5

ADAPTED SOCCER…………………………………………………………………………………………………… MON. NOV. 12

FOOTBALL

QUARTERFINALS……………………………………………………………………………………………….. MON. NOV. 5

SEMIFINALS……………………………………………………………………………………………………. MON. NOV. 12

² FINALS (PREP BOWL)………………………………………………………………………………………. MON. NOV. 19

GIRLS’ SWIMMING & DIVING……………………………………………………………………………………..MON. NOV. 12

¹ Media credentials are not required for this state tournament.
² Television broadcast rights are not available for championship finals of this state tournament.

All requests for credentials must be submitted online at the League website. Contact Yvonne Walsh at
the League office, 763-560-2262, ext. 486, or ywalsh@ mshsl.org , or Ellen Giloy-Rajkowski, 763-560-2262, ext. 542, or ERajkowski@mshsl.org, to obtain access information. Further information can be found at www.mshsl.org.

HAVE YOU COMPLETED THE NEW MEDIA SURVEY YET?

MNA is conducting a survey, and your response would be appreciated. Please consider taking 10 minutes today to complete the following New Media Interactive Survey.

We recognize that there are huge revenue opportunities in digital media. As a result, we are researching ways in which MNA can help to facilitate statewide networks, programs and training to capitalize on this area of growth within the newspaper industry.

If you have any questions as you complete the survey, please contact us (member@mna.org or 612-332-8844). Thank you in advance for your participation in this project!

To complete the survey, visit: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MNANewMedia2012

THE 2011-2012 MNA BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED

Thank you for entering the 2011-2012 Better Newspaper Contest!  We are busy processing your online and mailed entries.  If we have any questions about your submissions, a member of the MNA staff will contact you.

If you have any BNC-related questions, please contact Sarah Bauer by e-mail (sarah@mna.org) or phone (612-278-0250).

2013 MINNESOTA NEWSPAPER ASSOCIATION CONVENTION

SUPPORT MNA BY SPONSORING THE CONVENTION

Consider becoming a convention sponsor. We have opportunities ranging from $100 to $3,500. To lean more, contact David Kaplan (david@mna.org)

ADVERTISE IN THE CONVENTION BOOKLET AND THE BNC TAB

Promote your organization or business in the  pocket-sized convention booklet and the keepsake booklet listing all winners of the MNA’s annual Better Newspaper Contest. Prices start as low as $175. Contact David Kaplan for more information (david@mna.org)

SILENT AUCTION ITEMS NEEDED

Support the Minnesota News Media Institute through our annual Silent Auction as part of the 146th Annual Minnesota Newspaper Association Convention by donating auction items. Past items have included hotel and resorts stays, airline tickets, gift baskets, artwork, wine, electronics, apparel, newspaper memorabilia, books, DVD sets, and much, much more.

To donate, contact David Kaplan (david@mna.org) with a description of the item you are donating and the approximate retail value.

All proceeds of the silent auction directly benefit the training programs produced by the Minnesota News Media Institute.

MNA CONVENTION TRADE SHOW

It’s almost time again for the annual Trade Show as part of the 146th Annual MNA Convention. Do you know of a great company who should be taking part as a vendor? Contact David Kaplan (david@mna.org) and let us know about it.

If your new vendor agrees to exhibit at the Trade Show, you’ll get 50% off your convention registration!

To reserve a trade show booth, contact David Kaplan (david@mna.org)

THE NEXT COGItations TAKES A LOOK AT CAMERAS IN MINNESOTA COURTS

The Minnesota Supreme Court is allowing cameras in civil cases for a test that runs through
June 30, 2013. The Minnesota Coalition on Government Information will host a panel to examine the experiment at its halfway point.

Minnesota news organizations hope the civil courts test will show that recording equipment does not disrupt court proceedings and can enhance the public’s understanding of what goes on inside its courts. They also hope the experiment will open the door to modern coverage of criminal court proceedings in Minnesota.

CAMERAS IN THE COURT COGItations
Wednesday, Oct. 24, 11am-12:30pm in Room 10 of the State Office Building.

Panelists include:
Seventh District Assistant Chief Judge John H. Scherer of Stearns County
Ramsey County District Judge Margaret Marrinan
Emily Gurnon, courts reporter for the St. Paul Pioneer Press
Joan Gilbertson, producer for WCCO-TV
David Unze, reporter for the St. Cloud Times

Moderator: John P. Borger, MnCOGI board member and partner at Faegre Baker
Daniels

MnCOGI is a coalition of individuals and organizations committed to the public’s right to know. Members
of the Coalition include attorneys, government employees, librarians and public citizen advocates for
open government.

CONTACT: Helen Burke, MNCOGI Board Chair, mncogi@gmail.com

CAMPAIGN LITERATURE MUST INCLUDE DISCLAIMER

The 2010 Legislature once again restored the disclaimer requirement for political ads, which had been gone for several years because it was declared unconstitutional by the Court of Appeals.  Indeed, over the past 10-15 years, the disclaimer mandate has been declared unconstitutional three different times, but on each occasion, the Legislature has eventually tried to restore it by enacting slightly different language.

Campaigns covered by Minnesota law: All statewide races (such as those for governor or attorney general); legislative contests; judicial elections; and those for municipal posts, such as city council, county board, and school board.  Also, campaigns relating to “ballot questions.”  These are elections conducted by government bodies that involve issues on which the public is to express its views by voting.  Examples include school bond elections and elections on constitutional amendments.

Minn. Stat. 211B.04, which was the section amended by the 2010 Legislature, describes the current version of the disclaimer requirement.

(a) A person who participates in the preparation or dissemination of campaign material other than as provided in section 211B.05, subdivision 1, that does not prominently include the name and address of the person or committee causing the material to be prepared or disseminated in a disclaimer substantially in the form provided in paragraph (b) or (c) is guilty of a misdemeanor.
(b) Except in cases covered by paragraph (c), the required form of disclaimer is: “Prepared and paid for by the ………. committee, ………(address)” for material prepared and paid for by a principal campaign committee, or “Prepared and paid for by the ………. committee, ………(address), in support of ………(insert name of candidate or ballot question)” for material prepared and paid for by a person or committee other than a principal campaign committee.
(c) In the case of broadcast media, the required form of disclaimer is: “Paid for by the ………… committee.”
(d) Campaign material that is not circulated on behalf of a particular candidate or ballot question must also include in the disclaimer either that it is “in opposition to…..(insert name of candidate or ballot question…..)”; or that “this publication is not circulated on behalf of any candidate or ballot question.”
(e) This section does not apply to objects stating only the candidate’s name and the office sought, fund-raising tickets, or personal letters that are clearly being sent by the candidate.
(f) This section does not apply to an individual or association who acts independently of any candidate, candidate’s committee, political committee, or political fund and spends only from the individual’s or association’s own resources a sum that is less than $2,000 in the aggregate to produce or distribute campaign material that is distributed at least seven days before the election to which the campaign material relates.
(g) This section does not modify or repeal section 200B.06.
Minn. Stat. 211B.05 requires that the term “paid advertisement” be included in a political ad.  Indeed, this part of the law was never invalidated by the courts.www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=211B.05

Keep in mind all newspapers may adopt individual policies that require disclaimers on all political ads.

Federal Disclaimers
There are three varieties of federal political disclaimers, depending on who places the advertisement. Virtually all federal election ad copy will already contain the disclaimer. The disclaimer must appear on any type of advertisement, including leaflets and campaign signs.

Federal law does not specify the exact disclaimer language, but here are some sample disclaimers for each of the three varieties of advertisement covered by the law. Names but not addresses are required in each of the federal disclaimers.

Federal law covers advertising for the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate for federal office (president, vice-president and member of the U.S. House or Senate) and advertising that solicits any contribution in connection with a federal election.

1. Advertisements authorized and paid for by (a) a candidate or (b) an authorized political committee of the candidate or its agent (including solicitations for contributions):
a. Paid for by John Doe on his own behalf.
b. Paid for by the John Doe for Congress Committee.
2. Advertisements authorized by (a) the candidate or (b) the candidate’s authorized committee but paid for by other persons (including solicitations):
a. Paid for by Pat Platt and authorized by John Doe.
b. Paid for by Pat Platt and authorized by the John Doe for Congress Committee.
3. Advertisements on behalf of or in opposition to a candidate but not paid for and not authorized by either a candidate or an authorized political committee of a candidate (including solicitations): Paid for by Jane Jones and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee

Advertisements soliciting contributions from the general public on behalf of a political committee that is not an authorized committee of a candidate must “clearly state the full name of the person who paid for” the advertisement.

Size and Placement
Federal law does not specify the size or placement of the disclaimer, but it is typically at the  beginning or the end, and in at least 8-point type.

Honor the memory of a friend or colleague

with a MEMORIAL GIFT to the Minnesota News Media Institute.

Click Here to make your donation.

IT’S TIME! MNA REINTRODUCES THE QUARTER-PAGE (QP+) DISPLAY ADVERTISING NETWORK

Originally discussed but temporarily tabled in mid-2011, MNA is excited to reintroduce the Quarter-Page (QP+) Display Advertising Network. Success in other states has proven there is now an appetite for a larger space statewide saturation advertising program aimed directly at non-traditional newspaper advertisers. Sold as a “high reach/low cost multi-market turnkey advertising solution,” the QP+ Network will offer unparalleled reach of Minnesota households, but with larger page presence that advertising clients who are looking to test newspaper campaigns are seeking.

To create a sense of urgency and increase demand with potential advertisers, only ONE QP+ Network ad will be available for sale per week. As with all MNA advertising networks, each participating newspaper has the option to accept or refuse an ad that is sold into the network.

Depending upon member newspaper participation interest, multiple networks may be created (eg.  Dailies, Dailies + Weeklies, Statewide.) Participating newspapers will receive 20% of their general net rate, paid monthly.

The QP+ Network will provide an innovative opportunity to many new print advertising prospects, the benefit of which is an incremental new business revenue source for our member newspapers. If your newspaper is interested in being a part of this exciting new display ad network, you can find the QP+ Agreement Form here.

The following newspapers originally committed to participate in the QP+ Network. Since we already have your signed agreement on file, you will be automatically enrolled in this new program. Please contact Dan at MNA – 612.278.0223 or dan@mna.org if you have any questions or for more details.

OPEN LETTER: ENCOURAGING YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THE QUARTER-PAGE (QP+) NETWORK

Colleagues,

MNA is reintroducing the Quarter Page Display Advertising Network that is designed to:
1. Act in response to national advertisers and agencies looking for larger page presence than what we currently offer in our 2×2 and 2×4 programs.
2. Target new incremental business opportunities in statewide advertising budgets.
3. Use same rate structure that is based on many newspaper’s “remnant” space programs.
4. Copy the success that other state newspaper associations have successfully launched.

As a member of the Board of Directors at MNA I realize that only receiving 20% of your local net rate for running a quarter-page network ad might make you hesitate from wanting to embrace this program right away, but think of the program as 20% of an ad run that you have never previously received.

This is a great new revenue stream that has proven results in other states and as before you always have the option to say no when MNA sends you the insertion.

The success of this program hinges on the cooperation of all of our MNA members as we try to work with agencies on both political and other statewide advertising that has often gone to other media sources to brand and spread their message. Once all interested newspapers have responded and the program details and pricing are finalized, MNA is targeting a launch date of November 15, 2012.

Thank you,

Scott Schmeltzer
Publisher, Albert Lea Tribune

MNA STATEWIDE NETWORKS: HEALTHY MEMBER PARTICIPATION, IDEAL OPTION FOR ALL ADVERTISING CLIENTS

MNA has 343 active newspaper members, with a total circulation of 2,786,916. Of the active newspapers, only 46 do NOT participate in at least one statewide network advertising program! MNA networks provide participating members with a cost effective turn-key advertising option for their clients. Earn more revenue for your newspaper, earn more revenue for your territory, and earn personal sales bonuses also! MNA advertising networks are simple to execute and deliver proven results! For more information on how your newspaper can participate in the MDAN (Display Ad Network), MCAN (Classified Ad Network), or MINN (Interactive Newspaper Network) please contact Randy – 612.278.0225/randy@mna.org or Dan – 612.278.0223/dan@mna.org today!

NETWORK SALES BONUS AND INCENTIVE STRUCTURE

The MNA Board of Directors approved a sales bonus and incentive structure making it more lucrative than ever for the sales staffs of MNA member newspapers to cash in and earn big bonuses for MDAN and MCAN network sales!

New 2×2 advertisers = $150 bonus! New 2×4 advertisers = $300 bonus. New MCAN advertisers = $50 bonus

PROTECT YOUR REVENUE: AVOID “DID NOT RUN’S” (DNR’s)

We continue to receive complaints from clients about incorrect ad creative running or insertion dates being missed. It’s crucial to provide the highest level of service to ensure our customers are confident in the value they receive from our newspapers. If you have any questions regarding insertion orders, dates, placement, or creative please contact MNA immediately for clarification. We’re here to help!

DIGITAL: DO NOT TRACK – ADVERTISERS SAY “DON’T TREAD ON US”

THE campaign to defang the “Do Not Track” movement began late last month. Do Not Track mechanisms are features on browsers — like Mozilla’s Firefox — that give consumers the option of sending out digital signals asking companies to stop collecting information about their online activities for purposes of targeted advertising. First came a stern letter from nine members of the House of Representatives to the Federal Trade Commission, questioning its involvement with an international group called the World Wide Web Consortium, or W3C, which is trying to work out global standards for the don’t-track-me features. The legislators said they were concerned that these options for consumers might restrict “the flow of data at the heart of the Internet’s success.”

Read the entire article here: http://nyti.ms/OyULDY (Courtesy of NYTimes.com)

PAYWALLS: STOCKS FOR NEWSPAPER COMPANIES THAT ENACTED PAYWALLS ARE UP 50% TO 80% IN THE PAST YEAR

The newspaper industry’s turn toward “paywalls,” that is, charging for online access, has been a hit with at least one important constituency: investors. Newspaper stocks are up 50% to 80% in the past year, despite uncertainty about the long-term financial impact of digital subscription policies. There is no question the fundamentals of the industry remain challenged. Newspaper print advertising, which has fallen by half since 2005, is expected to be down again in the third quarter. But paywalls have begun to give newspapers a way to slow, and in some cases reverse, circulation declines, raise prices and open up a new source of revenue.

Read the entire article here: http://on.wsj.com/T5cxBn (Courtesy of WSJ.com)

FORECAST: RETAIL AD SPENDING IN LOCAL MARKETS TO EXCEED $26.8B NATIONWIDE IN 2013

According to BIA/Kelsey’s Media Ad View reports, retail spending on local advertising will exceed $26.8 billion nationwide in 2013, $4.2 billion of which will be spent on online media. Rounding out the top five business categories spending on local advertising across the country in 2013 are automotive, general services, restaurants and financial/insurance.

See the entire report here: http://bit.ly/WdK7FT (Courtesy of BIAKelsey.com)

INSIGHT: WHY ADVERTISING NEEDS TO CHANGE

Advertising isn’t what it used to be. Sound ambiguous? Well, it is. On the one hand, if you’ve been around a while, you’ll agree that ads have lost much of their pizzazz in the last decade or so. For pure, unadulterated ad fabulousness, today’s ads fall short. On the other hand, advertising isn’t what it used to be because it’s actually so much more, in so many ways. It’s more present in our lives, more dynamic and variable, and more reflective of our tastes and interests. Today’s ads can help you decide what to wear, share music with friends, or find a cheaper flight. But the problems are bigger too.

Read the entire article here: http://bit.ly/R8bDzI (Courtesy of MediaPost.com)

GANNETT: CHANGING THE GAME IN ONLINE ADS

Gannett is poised to grow its digital advertising revenue into 2013, powered by surges in video and mobile ad sales according to its head of digital. David Payne, chief digital officer and senior VP, said there’s considerably untapped potential in digital advertising when media companies move past a banner ad mentality. Instead, he said Gannett’s focus has moved to building ads in HTML5 with video and rich media that can run across desktop, tablet and mobile. Such ads have more power by becoming part of the content in users’ experience, he said, rather than marginalized at its edges.

Read the entire interview here: http://bit.ly/R8c8tJ (Courtesy of NetNewsCheck.com)

MNA SALES QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

“So long as new ideas are created, sales will continue to reach new highs.” – Dorthea Brande

TOP 10 WAYS TO INCREASE SALES

Keep it simple. Don’t work longer, work smarter. Easy and relatively painless way to increase your advertising sales…

10. Always Be Closing
Whether it’s a sale or setting a meeting, know what you want to achieve and constantly be striving towards it.

9. Learn to get past “No”
That your customer cares enough to surface an objection means they are interested in what you are saying. Ask probing questions to learn more.

8. Bundle your products
A current customer believes in what you can offer. Give them additional opportunities to increase their presence and maximize results.

7. Minimize your paperwork
The more time you spend selling, the more sales you will achieve. Cut out unnecessary paperwork clutter and make more calls.

6. Know your product
Inside and out. Backwards and forwards. Know exactly what your newspaper can offer…and exactly what it cannot.

5. Prepare for the initial sales call
Do your research. Practice your opening. Know your audience. Be ready to answer any question your customer may have.

4. Only pursue pre-qualified leads
Use online research to prioritize your opportunities. Start with customers with a presence in competing media – they believe in advertising.

3. Keep your pipeline full
You never know when the gravy train with current customers will end. Never stop developing future opportunities.

2. Make the most of your customer’s (and your own) time
Can you actually help a customer achieve their business goals? If not, terminate the conversation and move on.

1. Listen more than you talk
Don’t spend all of your time talking about what your product can do. Instead have a conversation with the customer about what they need.

Have a terrific week,

Dan

If there are specific topics you’d like to see discussed in a future issue of The Sales Cycle, please let Dan know! dan@mna.org or 612.278.0223

The Minnesota News Media Institute of the Minnesota Newspaper Association provides regular training opportunities for its members. Visit this section of the Bulletin each week to find information on new programs, in-person training sessions and webinars. Contact Program Director Sarah Bauer with any questions, comments or programming suggestions: sarah@mna.org or 612-278-0250.

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CHECK OUT THE REYNOLDS CENTER’S UPCOMING FREE TRAINING

From finding investigative stories to interviewing to branding yourself and setting up your own business, we’ve got you covered with online training you can do at your desk. Please check out offerings – online and in-person — from the Donald W. Reynolds National Center for Business Journalism and sign.

Learn in just one hour a day with these free webinars:

• SEC Filings Master Class, Nov. 13-15, with Michelle Leder of Footnoted.com
• Investigating Public Pensions, Dec. 4, with Barlett & Steele Award winner Craig Harris
• 5 Local Economic Stories to Jump on Now, Jan. 15-16, with NPR’s Marilyn Geewax
• Finding Your Best Investigative Business Story, Feb. 5, with Pulitzer winner Michael J. Berens
• Branding for Journalists: You Being You…Online, March 5, with Reynolds Center Digital Director Robin J. Phillips
• Power Searching for Business Journalists, March 19, with Google research scientist Dan Russell
• Getting the Goods – Interviews that Work, May 8-9, with Pulitzer winner and Knight Chair Jacqui Banaszynski
• The Business of Me, June 4-6, with 10,000 Words blog founder Mark S. Luckie

UPCOMING MNI TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

WEBINAR: Postal: Making The Transition To IMb
Presented by Online Media Campus in Partnership with the Minnesota News Media Institute

Friday, November 2 | 1:00 – 2:00p | $35 | Register Online

Effective January 2013 newspapers must implement Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb) in order to be eligible for USPS automation rates. This webinar will provide an understanding of how you can continue to take advantage of automation pricing. It will cover migration to the Intelligent Mail barcode including creating the barcode, obtaining a Mailer ID, working with your software vender and much more.

Topics to be covered:

About the Intelligent Mail Barcode

• What it is and what it means for newspapers
• Differences between Basic and Full-Service IMb
• Different types of IMb (piece, sack/tray, container)
• USPS requirements for IMb transition

What is needed to produce and use a Basic IMb

• Business Customer Gateway account
• Mailer ID (MID)
• Compatible software and hardware
• Possible adjustments to mailpiece design

Resources

• Links to USPS information on IMb
• Links to various software vendor instructions

Presenter: Brad Hill is one of the National Newspaper Association’s representatives on the USPS Mailer’s Technical Advisory Committee.

WEBINAR: The Role Media Can Play in Suicide Education
Presented by Online Media Campus in Partnership with the Minnesota News Media Institute

Friday, November 9 | 1:00 – 2:00p | $35 | Register Online

The media can play a powerful role in educating the public about suicide, including ways to prevent it and ways to help readers deal with it and other emotional issues.

In this webinar we will discuss:

• The relationship between bullying and suicide.
• Safe and responsible ways media can cover suicide.
• How to use stories to inform readers of causes, warning signs, trends and treatment advances.
• How to avoid reporting ways that may lead to suicide contagion.
• National media recommendations for safe reporting.

In today’s society, reporters must report on an alarming number of sensitive stories, particularly those involving young people. Each of the techniques and tools discussed in this program will be applicable for coverage of delicate topics.

Presenter: Wylie Tene is the public relations manager of the American Foundation for Suicide

UPCOMING INLAND WEBINARS

Webinars cost only $75 for MNA members. To view all upcoming webinars, or to register, click here.

View a full list of upcoming Inland Press webinars here: http://inlandpress.org/training/webinars/

POYNTER’S NEWS UNIVERSITY

The Poynter Institute’s News University serves more than 130,000 users through courses, group seminars, and Webinars, covering subjects from multimedia techniques, to writing, to reporting, and beyond.

Some interesting upcoming training events:

• October 17: Medicare Reform: Reporting Past the Rhetoric
• Webinar on demand: Political Fact-Checking: Tips and Tricks for the 2012 Election
• Webinar on demand: Social Media and Your 2012 Election Coverage

CLICK HERE for a complete list of upcoming training opportunities.
TRADEWINDS

Aaron Becher is the new general manager of The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. Becher had been advertising director of the newspaper since 2009.

A graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, he had previously worked at the Duluth News-Tribune as advertising director from 2006 to 2009. Becher replaces James Boberg who left The Forum in July.