TENNESSEE PRESS ASSOCIATION
MEMBER SERVICES GUIDE
(content last updated March 2007)
The purpose of the Tennessee
Press Association is to provide its members benefits and services as defined
in the TPA Constitution and Bylaws:
To unite the newspapers of Tennessee into a voluntary nonprofit educational
association to promote the welfare of the newspaper industry.
To make surveys, examinations and suggestions which will constructively assist
the members of this Association to raise the standards of service.
The Tennessee Press Association is the trade association of Tennessee's daily
and non-daily newspapers, and it is the parent organization of Tennessee Press
Service and Tennessee Press Association Foundation. It was founded in 1870-71
for the purpose of creating a unified voice for the newspaper industry of Tennessee.
Today, TPA continues to provide assistance to its 130 member newspapers by monitoring
legislative activities, providing training programs, issuing press credentials,
maintaining a website and employment database, and providing regular meetings
and forums to foster the exchange of information and ideas.
MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA
Membership in the Tennessee Press Association is open to newspapers meeting
the following criteria:
1. 70% paid circulation as reported in USPS Statement of Ownership, Management
and Circulation or by independent audit.
2. Having been in publication for one continuous year.
3. Publishing once or more per week.
TPA also has an associate class of membership, which is open to vendors, suppliers,
advertising firms and public relations firms wishing to stay in contact with
our member newspapers. For all membership inquiries, please contact Robyn Gentile,
Member Services Manager, at (865) 584-5761 or rgentile@tnpress.com.
ADVERTISING PROGRAMS
Through the Tennessee Press Service, TPA’s business affiliate, advertisers
can reach Tennessee’s newspaper readership as easy as 1-2-3.
Advertising Sales and Placement
By placing one call to TPS, clients can select any or all of the state’s
128 member publications in which to advertise, or even go beyond with a regional
or national placement. And, best of all, there is no charge to the advertiser.
This one call-one order-one check service can save media buyers, traffic coordinators,
accounts payable clerks and other personnel a tremendous amount of time while
ensuring that they get the same competitive rates as if they had shopped each
publication on their own. Making it easier and affordable to place in newspapers
helps agencies and companies keep newspapers in their media mix.
All this means one thing—more ad sales! Membership in TPA is like adding
additional sales staff to your operation. The TPS staff handles sales calls
to areas that may be cost prohibitive for your newspaper. TPS handles the rate
negotiations, places the insertion orders, collects tearsheets and invoices
the client. As a matter of fact, TPS typically pays its member newspapers before
being paid by the advertiser, thereby reducing the bad debt ratio for the newspaper.
For more information on advertising sales and placement, call TPS at (865) 584-5761
or e-mail bjarrell@tnpress.com.
Tennessee Statewide Classified Advertising Network
Through the TnScan
network, advertisers can reach thousands of newspaper readers each week. It
is a statewide network in which clients may place a classified ad through a
participating newspaper or TPS and have that classified appear in all the participating
newspapers across the state. Advertisers can place a 25-word classified advertisement
in 80 Tennessee newspapers for $245. Regional buys are also available.
Participating newspapers who sell a TnScan ad retain 40% of the $245 on ads
placed through their paper. Participating newspapers also receive a quarterly
commission from a pool of funds collected from advertisers. Since its inception
in 1984, TnScan has been a proven success to advertisers as well as participating
newspapers.
For more information on placing a TnScan ad or to become a participating newspaper,
call TPS at (865) 584-5761 or e-mail belliott@tnpress.com.
Tennessee 2x2 Display Advertising Network (TN2x2)
This Network enables advertisers to market their product or service effectively,
easily and economically. For $945, clients can place a 2 column by 2 inch ad
in 73 Tennessee newspapers. Participating newspapers can sell the ads and retain
40% commission. In addition to the commission, participating newspapers receive
quarterly rebate checks from a pool of funds collected from advertisements placed
into the network. Regional buys are also available. Since its formation in August
2002, this network has seen significant growth and has become indispensable
for countless clients.
For more information on placing a TN2x2ad or to become a participating newspaper,
call TPS at (865) 584-5761 or e-mail belliott@tnpress.com.
CLIPPING SERVICE
TPS offers to the general public a newspaper clipping service to keep customers
current on whatever topics, people or interests they select - legislative news,
political news or advertisements, personnel changes, publicity releases, special
events coverage, business trends, governmental bid letting and other public
notices, what their competition advertises or anything else. TPS clippers read
each edition of the 27 daily and 101 non-daily Tennessee newspapers. TPS can
also coordinate article clipping from newspapers in other states. E-clips is
a service to speed delivery by sending electronic files thus eliminating the
transit time for postal delivery. For more information on clipping services,
contact Brandi Richard, TPS Clipping Services Supervisor, at (865) 584-5761
or brichard@tnpress.com.
COMMITTEES
Whatever your area of newspaper expertise, TPA could use you on one of its 16
committees! Committee membership is open to any newspaper or associate member.
The hard work volunteered by the more than 130 committee members makes our association
one of the most active on both regional and national levels. Results from the
committee actions are immediately evident in every facet of our industry, from
successes in the state legislative arena to the development of high school newspapers
to the availability of affordable training programs for our members.
Any member interested in volunteering for a TPA committee should contact the
chair of that committee for appointment. There are currently 16 committees which
are: Advertising, Circulation, Constitution and Bylaws, Contests, Freedom of
Information, Government Relations, Hall of Fame (special process for appointment,
not open to general membership), Journalism in Education, NIE/Literacy, Nominating
(current and past presidents only), Personnel, Postal, Press Institute, Public
Notice, Summer Convention and Technology.
CONSULTING/TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
With the constant changes in electronic pagination, layout and production taking
place in our industry, the TPS Board of Directors created a staff position in
1998 to help members in a number of ways. Newspapers now have “someone
to turn to” for advice or training in technical areas.
This position, which also serves as Director of the TPS/UT Institute of Newspaper
Technology, is responsible for coordinating statewide training programs for
member newspapers. Onsite consultation is also available to members at the following
rates:
Non-daily newspapers Daily Newspapers
Half day $250 $300
Full day $400 $500
CONTESTS
Advertising/Circulation Ideas Contest
Similar to our state press contests, the annual advertising and circulation
contest places a special focus on these two vital areas of our industry that
help to finance our entire operations. Although extremely competitive, advertising
and circulation departments across the state look forward to sharing ideas that
can help to promote print media as a whole.
State Press Contests
One of the highlights of the newspaper year in Tennessee is the presentation
of the annual State Press Contests awards. This prestigious contest recognizes
the best of the best in Tennessee newspapering, from layout and design to news
coverage to photography and community features. The University of Tennessee
has been a long-standing co-sponsor of these contests.
More than 80 newspapers compete in the different categories offered for competition
and submit more than 1,000 entries each year. Newspapers are divided into daily
and non-daily groups and are then categorized by size to foster more specialized
competition. Entries are taken to a different state each year to be judged by
a panel of that state’s newspaper professionals. In turn, we assemble
a panel of our members once a year to judge another state’s contest, which
gives our leadership a chance to see ideas and trends from other areas as well.
The top winners in each group are presented with a General Excellence award.
CONVENTIONS AND MEETINGS
TPA holds two major conventions per year, a Press Institute and Winter Convention
in early February and a Summer Convention in late June.
The Press Institute and Winter Convention held in Nashville every year gives
members an opportunity to meet with legislators to discuss issues pertaining
to the newspaper industry. There are also a number of educational and/or training
programs on everything from postal issues to software training to basic reporting
and photography skills. A highlight of each Press Institute is the Governor’s
address.
Summer Conventions are hosted in a different location each year. Members have
a chance to socialize and explore different areas of our diverse state while
conducting business as well. Our new TPA officers are elected and the new president
is installed at the summer convention. Several off-site activities are always
offered, which are a popular alternative for the many spouses and families attending.
In addition to the two major conventions, TPA also hosts a Fall Board Meeting,
an advertising and circulation planning retreat in early fall, and the annual
Advertising/Circulation Conference each spring.
CREDENTIALS
Press cards (paper version), vehicle window decals and membership logos for
publication are provided annually to member newspapers. TPA now offers a professional
plastic identification press card to members for $5 per card. The cards include
the photo and electronic signature of the newspaper employee. Download the order
form at www.tnpress.com or contact Angelique Dunn, TPA administrative assistant,
for information on how to order the press cards.
EMPLOYMENT SERVICE
As part of www.tnpress.com, this popular service can help potential newspaper
industry professionals find a position with our member newspapers. In addition
to browsing position openings throughout the state, one may post a resume on
the site, as well as indicate the type of position they are looking for (e.g.
editor, sportswriter, advertising, etc.) Resumes remain on file for six months
and are accessible to any member newspaper in the state. This is a free service,
and anyone may post or update a resume at any time.
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AND GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Tennessee Press Association serves as the voice of the newspaper industry in
our state. With almost 2,000 bills introduced into the session each year, Tennessee’s
open records and meetings law (the “sunshine law”) and the reporters’
shield law have come under constant challenge.
Managed by TPA’s Freedom of Information and Government Relations committees,
TPA retains a well-known and effective contract lobbying service to monitor
activity on “The Hill.” Through frequent reports during legislative
session, TPA keeps publishers aware of what legislation could have an impact
on our industry and lets publishers know how they can make a difference. The
association hosts an annual legislative reception each year so members can develop
a face-to-face working relationship with their elected officials. TPA works
hand-in-hand with the Tennessee Coalition for Open Government.
Through these important efforts, TPA has been successful in protecting free
speech, preserving the public’s right to open records and to knowing what
their government is doing, and to avoiding bad ideas like taxes on circulation
or advertising, which could curtail the free flow of information and hurt the
State on many fronts. TPA is our industry’s voice both in Nashville and
in joining forces with national organziations to uphold the same freedoms in
Washington.
INSTITUTE OF NEWSPAPER TECHNOLOGY
The TPS-UT Institute of Newspaper Technology is an internationally recognized
three-day intensive pagination training program. It is a joint project among
the Tennessee Press Service, Tennessee Press Association Foundation and The
University of Tennessee.
Participants receive hands-on training in the latest software and methods currently
available for newspaper pagination, all from top-notch instructors and specialists
in the field. Classes are held in computer labs on the University of Tennessee
campus in Knoxville each October. An even bigger bonus to Tennessee member newspapers
is the availability of tuition scholarships that reduce the tuition cost by
33%! These scholarships are available to Tennessee member newspapers on a first-come,
first-served basis and are provided by the Tennessee Press Association Foundation.
The Institute offers both introductory and advanced tracks of the Institute,
on both Macintosh and PC platforms.
www.newspaperinstitute.com
LEGAL HOTLINE
A huge money saver for our members, this service allows a newspaper to contact
the offices of TPA’s General Counsel for quick advice. Whether your advertising
staff has a question about what he/she can or cannot say in a housing ad, your
school board has decided to meet behind closed doors, or you are being denied
accident records at the local courthouse, this service provides fast, easy access
to answers from the office of one of Tennessee’s most recognized experts
in First Amendment law, Richard Hollow.
Formerly a subscription service, the TPA Board of Directors has made this service
available to members at no charge since 2004. By taking advantage of this valuable
service in conjunction with NNA’s group libel coverage, a newspaper may
be eligible for a reduction in libel insurance premiums!
LIBEL INSURANCE
TPA endorses the National Newspaper Association’s (NNA) Group Insurance
Plan with Walterry Insurance for libel coverage. TPA/NNA members are eligible
for a 10% discount on their libel coverage under this program. (See Legal Hotline
for information on saving even more off libel coverage.)
NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION
TPA has an active Newspaper in Education (NIE)/Literacy Committee. Through the
committee’s efforts, an NIE curriculum correlated to Tennessee state teaching
standards (K-12) is now available for TPA members to give to teachers. The curriculum
is available at www.tnpress.com. Contact TPA for the access password.
TENNESSEE NEWSPAPER DIRECTORY
At the beginning of each year, TPA publishes the Tennessee Newspaper Directory,
which lists, by city, each member newspaper along with their circulation figures,
addresses, telephone and fax numbers, email and Web site addresses, county population
and household information, key personnel, advertising specifications, publication
schedules and ownership information.
Also included in the Directory are all associate members, addresses and phone/fax
numbers, a listing of member collegiate journalism programs, and a national
directory of press associations. Officers and staff for all three corporations
are listed, and there is a visual map of all newspapers by county to help clients
make smart advertising purchases.
This truly is Tennessee’s most comprehensive print media guide, designed
to allow advertising clients to cover any or all areas of the state with ease.
TENNESSEE NEWSPAPER HALL OF FAME
The Tennessee Newspaper Hall of Fame was established in 1966 as a joint project
of the Tennessee Press Association and the University of Tennessee. The Hall
of Fame honors those who have made an outstanding contribution to Tennessee
newspaper journalism or, through Tennessee journalism, to newspaper journalism
generally, or who have made an extraordinary contribution to their communities
and region, or the state, through newspaper journalism. The Hall of Fame is
physically located on the third floor of the Communications Building on the
campus of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Information on all inductees
may be found at http://www.cci.utk.edu/~jem/TNHF.html.
THE TENNESSEE PRESS
The Association’s monthly tabloid newspaper contains news of interest
to newspaper executives throughout the industry. The Tennessee Press also covers
important registration and meeting news for conventions and training sessions
and provides updates on committee and legislative activities.
The Tennessee Press is circulated to management of each member newspaper, to
all associate members, and to members of the state legislature when in session,
and is available for general subscriptions at just $6 per year. It is also an
excellent way to reach the newspaper leadership with a display or classified
advertising buy. Editions since December 2005 are available in PDF format at
www.tnpress.com/thetennesseepress.html.
TENNESSEE PRESS ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION
The Tennessee Press Association Foundation was established in 1976. Among its
activities are projects that:
• Advance First Amendment freedoms
• Document Tennessee newspaper history
• Promote literacy
• Strengthen journalism education at the high school and collegiate levels
• Provide continuing educational opportunities for working journalists
• Provide technical training for members
• Fund Institute of Newspaper Technology scholarships
• Provide equipment for a traveling computer lab
TRAINING
Conventions
TPA meetings and conventions offer training. Check the convention materials
for topics covered.
Institute of Newspaper Technology
A premiere training event held each October in Knoxville. (See Institute of
Newspaper Technology entry and/or visit www.newspaperinstitute.com
for details.)
Video training
TPA members now have access to short training segments produced by Kevin Slimp,
TPS director of technology. Topics include the latest software for pagination,
photo-editing and Adobe’s Acrobat technology. Access these videos online
at www.tnpress.com/training.html.
Contact TPA for password.
SNPA Traveling Campus
TPA also partners with the Southern Newspaper Publishers’ Association
to bring SNPA’s Traveling Campus to the state two times each year. Training
topics offer education for advertising, circulation, news/editorial and management.
WEB SITE
TPA’s Web site, www.tnpress.com,
provides many services for members and clients. A searchable database of TPA
member newspapers is a component clients find useful. The site offers information
about TPA’s upcoming events and includes registration forms. Members will
find helpful industry links and and resources such as the Open Meetings, Open
Records and Shield Laws. And the Employment Area allows member newspapers to
list position openings, as well as browse resumes of individuals seeking employment.
The site is also used by the TPS advertising department for transfer of advertising
files to member newspapers.