All posts in Pumarlo

Pumarlo: Think carefully before posting the ‘final word’

Hardly a week passes that a newspaper’s policies and practices aren’t called into question. When should you avoid saying “the last word?”

Pumarlo: Facing a tough call? Talk it out

Newspapers routinely face challenging decisions. Should we run this photo? Should we accept this ad? Should we report on every monthly meeting of a local activist group?

Pumarlo: You want to stay relevant? Be accessible

Why do so many newspapers make it so difficult for readers to connect with reporters?

Pumarlo: Legislature makes news even during recess

The Legislature is the last thing on your newsroom’s radar, right? Wrong.

Pumarlo: Challenged by ‘big projects’? Broaden your definition

Some ideas for identifying opportunities to generate more substantive reports in everyday coverage.

Pumarlo: Connect with readers; deliver what your community wants

News organizations must connect with readers – their customers – if they are to remain relevant.

Pumarlo: Police logs basic to monitoring public safety

How to create a fair-to-all policy to treat public records and police reports in your newsroom.

Pumarlo: Giving sources preview of story

It’s happened to every journalist as least once. The subject asks, “Could I see a copy of the story before it goes to print?”

Pumarlo: Holding court with your news sources

A newsroom’s lifeblood is its ability to keep a pulse of the community and deliver timely reports.

Pumarlo: Political advertising: Don’t forget the ‘ask’

Another election season is under way, and newsrooms are gearing up for campaigns that last weeks and even months. Coverage will consume the news pages from candidate profiles and community forums to photo requests and letters to the editor. And don’t forget the steady barrage of press releases. Step-by-step coverage of political campaigns likely prompts more than one publisher to utter: Why are we giving the candidates all this free publicity? Where are their ads?