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TPA NEWS
2010

State Press Contests winners announced (7/16/10)

Powers, Johnson City, is TPA president-elect (7/1/10)

TPAers overwhelmingly vote to change constitution (7/1/10)

J. Todd Foster announced as new Times Free Press executive editor (7/1/10)

Athlon Sports and Centurylink are new associate members (6/24/10)

Brewer named Tennessean political editor

Meadows named general manager of Smithville Review (6/9/10)

Nashville-based Heartland Media aquires Middle Tennessee Times

Mooney retires after 40 years at ETSU

Choice Community Newspapers is new company with familiar publications (6/10)

Advocate & Democrat has new editor, Wilson returns as publisher (5/10)

Halls Graphic's 116-year run ends (5/6/10)

Bristol Herald Courier wins Pulitzer Prize (4/10)

Maxwell purchases Polk County News (2/10)

2009

Oppmann named TPA Director of District Six (12/09)

Leifeld retires, Hudler named Tennessean publisher (11/23/09)

Hall of Fame inducts five (11/15/09)

News Sentinel names Birmingham as publisher (10/7/09)

Free circulation associate membership proposal put off (10/1/09)

TPA board approves free legal hotline access for 2010

News Sentinel publisher Hartmann promoted (8/25/09)

Flanagan named Shelbyville Times-Gazette editor (8/9/09)

Debt retired on TPA Building (8/1/09)

Brysons sell Cannon Courier to Fryars (7/28/09)

Bryant Williams, Paris P-I patriarch, dies (7/24/09)

Ad Circ Retreat will not occur this year (7/23/09)

Tennessee Newspaper Hall of Fame to induct five on Nov. 6 (7/16/09)

Chairmen of 14 TPA committees named for 2009-10 (7/16/09)

Covington Leader drops publication day (7/16/09)

Advocate & Democrat changes publication days (7/16/09)

Don McNeil, former TPA executive director, dies (7/13/09)

Lindsey takes publisher's post at Rogersville Review (7/8/09)

Rhodarmer named publisher of The Advocate & Democrat (7/5/09)

Parkins is new president, other officers elected (6/26/09)

Derryberry Public Relations is TPA's newest associate member (6/26/09)

2009 State Press Contests Awards presented (6/22/09)

Follies to honor Jones brothers—Alex, Gregg and John Jr. (4/16/09)

Richardson new publisher of The Oak Ridger (4/6/09)

TPA Ideas Contest winners announced (4/6/09)

New postal label requirements now in effect (3/29/09)

Tom Gentry, Standard Banner owner and publisher, dies (3/28/09)

Cocke County daily returns to tri-weekly (3/26/09)

Summer Convention and Awards combine June 18-19 in Chattanooga (3/19/09)

Shelbyville Times Gazette drops Monday edition (3/19/09)

TPA's newest member is the Dale Hollow Horizon (2/13/09)

TPA Board tables free circ proposal until June (2/13/09)

Six receive TPA Open Government awards (2/13/09)

State Press Contests winners announced

Photo credit: Elenora E. Edwards, The Tennessee Press
Winners of the 2010 University of Tennessee-Tennessee Press Association State Press Contests Awards were announced at a luncheon on Friday, July 16 at the Embassy Suites Nashville Airport Hotel. press release and list of winners

The Commercial Appeal (Memphis), The Jackson Sun, the Shelbyville Times-Gazette, The Standard Banner (Jefferson City) and The Erwin Record won the top general excellence awards.

General excellence honors are based on total points accumulated for all award categories. This marks the eighth consecutive year The Erwin Record has won the top award for its category. The Erwin Record also earned the most first-place honors with 12. The Commercial Appeal won eight first-place awards and The Daily Herald (Columbia) won six first-place awards.

Contest awards are given in five divisions based on average weekly circulation, including small and large daily and non-daily papers. The Illinois Press Association judged a total of 1,468 contest entries from 76 TPA member newspapers.

UT has co-sponsored the State Press Contests since 1940 by providing the plaques, certificates and coordination of the awards presentation. Hank Dye, UT vice president for governmental and public relations presented the awards.

The university's Edward J. Meeman Foundation honored 10 newspapers for their accomplishments in editorial writing and public service journalism with $250 awards in the categories of best single editorial, editorials and public service.

Meeman awards were presented to The Commercial Appeal, The Daily Herald, the Union City Daily Messenger, Grainger Today (Bean Station) and the Erwin Record for winning first place in the best single editorial category.

The Advocate & Democrat (Sweetwater) and The Erwin Record won Meeman awards for editorials and the Bristol Herald Courier, The Jackson Sun and Roane County News (Kingston) received Meeman awards for public service.

Powers, Johnson City, is TPA president-elect
Arthur S. (Art) Powers, vice president and publisher of the Johnson City Press, is president elect of the Tennessee Press Association (TPA).

TPA is the trade association of the state’s daily and non-daily newspapers. It is composed of 26 daily newspapers and 98 non-daily newspapers.

Powers will succeed Victor Parkins, editor of The Milan Mirror-Exchange. The installation ceremony will take place on Friday, July 16 in conjunction with the State Press Contests Awards Luncheon at the Embassy Suites in Nashville.

Speaking of his plans for his term as president, Powers said, “I want to especially encourage our membership to become active in their attendance of all of our events. Sharing our ideas and listening to other professionals from our industry will only make our strong newspapers in the state become stronger.”

Other officers elected at TPA’s business session during the Tri-State Press Convention June 24 in Tunica, Miss. were Jeff Fishman, publisher of The Tullahoma News, re-elected vice president for non-daily newspapers; Michael Williams, publisher of The Paris Post-Intelligencer, elected vice president for daily newspapers; and Kevin Burcham, publisher of the News-Herald, Lenoir City, re-elected treasurer. continuation

Directors elected for two-year terms are Jack McElroy, editor of the News Sentinel, Knoxville, director of District 2; Darren Oliver, advertising director of the Overton County News, Livingston, director of District 4; Andrew Oppmann, publisher of The Leaf-Chronicle, Clarksville, director of District 6; Brad Franklin, marketing director of The Lexington Progress, director of District 8; and Eric Barnes, publisher of The Daily News, Memphis, director of District 10.

Continuing their terms as directors are Lynn Richardson, publisher of the Herald and Tribune, Jonesborough, director of District 1; Chris Vass, Sunday editor of the Chattanooga Times Free Press, director of District 3; Hugh Jones, publisher of the Shelbyville Times-Gazette, director of District 5; John Finney, vice president of the Buffalo River Review, Linden, director of District 7; and Joel Washburn, editor of the Dresden Enterprise, director of District 9. Parkins will continue on the board for one year as immediate past president.

The TPA Board of Directors appointed trustees to serve on the Tennessee Press Association Foundation (TPAF) Board of Trustees for three-year terms. Re-appointed trustees were Doug Horne, Republic Newspapers, Knoxville, and Janet Rail, Independent Appeal, Selmer. Nate Crawford of Nashville was appointed to his first term on the TPAF Board of Trustees. TPAF officers elected at the TPAF Board of Trustees meeting were W.R. (Ron) Fryar, publisher of the Cannon Courier in Woodbury, re-elected president, and Gregg K. Jones, president of Jones Media Inc., Greeneville, re-elected vice president.

Officers and directors of the Tennessee Press Service (TPS), business affiliate of TPA, are Pauline D. Sherrer, publisher, Crossville Chronicle, president, and Michael Williams, publisher, The Paris Post-Intelligencer, vice president. Jason Taylor, president of the Chattanooga Times Free Press, was elected during the TPS stockholders’ meeting June 18 to serve as a director. Re-elected to serve on the board were Sherrer and Williams.

Continuing to serve on the six-member TPS board are Jeff Fishman, Victor Parkins and Art Powers. W. R. (Ron) Fryar is rotating off the TPS board after two nine-year periods of service.

Art Powers became vice president and publisher of the Johnson City Press, a 28,614 paid-circulation daily in Washington County, in 2002.

He began his newspaper career with Worrell Newspapers Inc. in 1973 and moved through several management and publishing positions in Indiana, Virginia and Kentucky before arriving in Bristol, where he was vice president and publisher of the Bristol Herald Courier from 1981 to 1998.

From 1997 to 2002, Powers and his wife, Fran, owned Powers Publications Inc., which published three western North Carolina newspapers, the Watauga Democrat, Boone; The Blowing Rocket, Blowing Rock; and the Avery Journal, Newland.

Powers is a native of Knoxville and a graduate of the University of Tennessee with a bachelor of science degree in marketing.

Powers’ father, the late Frank B. Powers, worked for The Knoxville News-Sentinel as national ad manager, ad director and business manager before accepting roles in the Scripps Howard corporate offices as assistant general manager, business manager and later vice president of all Scripps Howard newspapers.

In addition to TPA, Powers serves on the boards of TPS, TPAF and the Southern Newspaper Publishers Association. He also serves on the boards of numerous educational institutions and community organizations, including the Foundation Board of the Johnson City-Washington County-Jonesborough Chamber of Commerce, Washington County United Way, the Children’s Advocacy Center, Milligan College President’s Executive Council, East Tennessee State University Foundation, and Northeast State Foundation.

The Powerses have two daughters, Erin S. Powers of Knoxville and Logan P. Alexander of Chattanooga.

Powers enjoys fly-fishing, golf, UT football and basketball and Carolina shag dancing.

The TPA was founded in 1870-71 for the purpose of creating a unified voice for the newspaper industry in Tennessee. Today, TPA continues to provide assistance to its 124 member newspapers by monitoring legislative activities, providing training programs, issuing press credentials, maintaining a website and providing regular meetings and forums to foster the exchange of information and ideas.

The TPA presidency rotates among TPA’s three divisions of Tennessee, east, middle and west, and alternates each year between a daily and non-daily publication. It is customary that, when a person is elected a vice president, he or she will serve two terms as vice president before being elected president.

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TPA board approves new associate members
Athlon Sports and CenturyLink are TPA’s newest associate members. The memberships were approved by the board of directors on June 24.

Athlon Sports is a newspaper-inserted sports magazine that is scheduled to launch in October 2010. Athlon is represented by Jerry Lyles, senior vice president of publisher relations.

CenturyLink is a provider of voice and broadband services to 33 states. CenturyLink is represented by Pat Elmore, market development manager.

Contact information for both of these new members follows.

Athlon Sports
Jerry Lyles
220 25th Ave. North, Ste. 200
Nashville, Tenn. 37203
Phone: (615) 327-0747
Fax: (615) 327-1149
www.athlonsports.com

CenturyLink
Pat Elmore
101 N. Roan Street
Johnson City, TN 37601
Phone: (888) 999-7756
Fax: (828) 328-0396
www.centurylink.com

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TPAers overwhelmingly vote to change constitution
By Greg Sherrill, TPA executive director

Tennessee Press Association (TPA) member newspapers overwhelmingly voted to allow a change to the TPA Constitution and Bylaws that would make it easier for the Association to amend that same document. The change allows the membership to alter or amend its governing document with a super-majority of those voting, rather than a super-majority of the entire membership.

The independent auditing firm, McFarland and Gann P.C., which conducted the ballot referendum, reported results of the vote to the board of directors at its June 24 meeting. Out of a total membership of 125 newspapers, responses were received from 111 publishers, or 88.8 percent of the membership. Per the then-current bylaws requirements, TPA needed two-thirds of the full membership to approve the proposed change, and 94 votes were returned in favor of the change (75.2 percent). In the spirit of openness, members were told that their voting preference would be made available to the membership after the referendum.

TPA President Victor Parkins said, “More than the vote itself, I’m pleased that just about every member newspaper participated in the process.”

“As much as our industry has changed over the past decade alone, there’s no question that some of TPA’s bylaws will one day have to change as well. The decision to refer any proposed change in our bylaws for a ballot vote will still be made by our board of directors, and I have confidence they will continue to make decisions in the best interest of the Tennessee Press Association,” Parkins said.

The initial response to the ballot referendum was very poor, and it took considerable effort and expense on behalf of the TPA directors and staff to convince a two-thirds majority of member publishers to take a stand on the issue and return a ballot. This underscored the very issue at hand—that ‘non-votes’ were considered as ‘no votes’ under the restrictive bylaws change requirements.

TPA has operated under its Constitution and Bylaws for 139 years. In 2004, the Association voted to amend its constitution to require a full two-thirds of the entire membership to make any changes to the governing document. The change was made by the Bylaws Review Committee with the best of intentions, to ensure that any vote to change the document fully reflected the will of the entire membership.

What we learned, however, was that with today’s hectic workplace it was extremely difficult to obtain a vote from two-thirds of our members at all. In a 2005 vote concerning adoption of an associate class of membership for free circulation newspapers, we received just 86 votes from a possible 129, representing just 66.7 percent of our membership. In that vote, which failed to pass, every single publisher would have had to vote in the affirmative for the change to take place.

TPA leaders quickly realized that such a restrictive constitution change clause could be damaging to TPA. In the event that the Association really needed to change the constitution and bylaws (for example, a change in the tax laws that would have required us to change the document to fall into compliance), it would be very difficult for TPA to respond in a timely and dependable manner.

The 2008 Bylaws Committee, chaired by Steve Lake, took on the task of amending the constitution back to the original requirement of two-thirds of the voting membership needed to pass any proposed changes to said document. This wording still requires a super-majority of the voting members to approve any proposed changes but doesn’t allow TPA to have its hands tied by inactive or otherwise non-voting members. It leaves TPA in a better position to evolve in response to the current industry or market environment.

NOTE: the auditor's report will be mailed to publishers along with the minutes of the June 24, 2010 TPA Board of Directors Meeting.

The actual change is to Article IX of the TPA Constitution and Bylaws as follows:
The words "full-membership" have been replaced with "participating members", meaning future amendments be approved by a two-thirds majority of the voting membership, rather than a two-thirds majority vote of the full membership.

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J. Todd Foster announced as new Times Free Press executive editor
The Chattanooga Times Free Press today named former reporter J. Todd Foster as its executive editor.

Foster, 49, is currently the editor of the Bristol (Va.) Herald Courier, which recently won journalism’s highest honor, the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service.

“Todd is a seasoned veteran of the newspaper industry with strong, award-winning editorial expertise and a solid record of performance,” said Walter Hussman, Jr. chairman and chief executive officer of WEHCO Media Inc., the Little Rock, Ark.-based parent company of the Times Free Press. “He brings extensive experience in managing a newsroom and producing quality journalism.”
Link to story at www.timesfreepress.com
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Brewer named Tennessean political editor
By: Chas Sisk
Tennessean.com

Clint Brewer has been named the new political editor of the Tennessean.

Brewer will join the newspaper June 28 after a 14-month tenure at the Tennessee Center for Policy Research, where he served as executive director and edited the Tennessee Watchdog.org website.

Prior to those roles, Brewer worked for more than 12 years for Middle Tennessee news-papers. Brewer has been the executive editor of The City Paper and Nashville Post website, a reporter and editor of The Lebanon Democrat, publisher of the Mt. Juliet News and news editor of the Gallatin News Examiner.

Brewer is a former national president of the Society of Professional Journalists, a board member of the Tennessee Press Association and a four-time winner of the Malcolm Law Memorial Award for Investigative Reporting from Tennessee Associated Press Managing Editors. He graduated in 1993 from the University of Tennessee Knoxville.
From Tennessean.com, June 15, 2010

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Meadows named general manager of Smithville Review
By Pat Zechman, Southern Standard

A veteran of the newspaper industry, a civic activist and DeKalb County native, Angie Meadows today assumes the duties of general manager at the Smithville Review.

Mrs. Meadows began her career at the 199-year-old hometown paper in 200 as an ad builder and was assigned the role of sales representative in 2001. She rose to the position of advertising director in 2009.

Well known for her service to her home community, Meadows has served as president of the Smithville Business and Professional Women’s Club and is now its treasurer.

She is on the DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Smithville Rotary Club and is a member of New Home Baptist Church where she is pianist….

Professionally, she has earned the Morris Multimedia 2004 Shining Star honor and has been instrumental in the Smithville Review consistently being recognized by the Tennessee Press Association with first-place honors in the respective advertising categories….

As general manager, Meadows will oversee the day-to-day operations at the Smithville Review and continue her roles as advertising director.
From the Smithville Review, June 9, 2010
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Mooney retires after 40 years at ETSU
By Heather Richardson
Johnson City Press Staff Writer

After 40 successful, productive and influential years, East Tennessee State University professor of communications Dr. Jack Mooney is taking a bow.

A retirement reception was held for Mooney on Friday afternoon in East Tennessee State University’s D.P. Culp Center ballroom.
Former students, co-workers and friends gathered to celebrate Mooney’s career and to reflect on the influence he has had on the hundreds of students, university faculty and community members who have known and worked with him.
link to story on www.johnsoncitypress.com

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Advocate & Democrat has new editor, Wilson returns as publisher

Longtime staff writer Tommy Millsaps has been promoted to editor of The Advocate & Democrat. Tommy Wilson is returning as publisher.

Millsaps will replace Mia Rhodarmer, who has been with the paper since 2000.

Wilson, publisher of the paper from 1990 - 2002, has returned to fill the publisher's position. Wilson is also the current publisher of The Daily Post-Athenian in McMinn County and Vice President of Jones Media's Valley Region, which also includes the newspapers in Rhea and Loudon counties.

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Choice Community Newspapers is new company with familiar publications
On Monday, May 10, 2010, newly formed Choice Community Newspapers, LLC, assumed ownership of three weekly newspapers in Macon and Sumner counties: The Macon County Chronicle, The Westmoreland Observer and The Portland Progressive.

The Macon County Chronicle – founded in 1991 by the late Jim Durham and later purchased by Rural Newspapers, Inc. – had been owned by Lebanon-based Main Street Media, LLC, since September 2007.

Both The Westmoreland Observer and The Portland Progressive – which were founded in February 2004 and March 2005, respectively – had previously been owned by Rural Newspapers, Inc.

Kathryne Belle, publisher of The Macon County Chronicle, and John Cook, president of Rural Newspaper, Inc., will serve as the directors for Choice Community Newspapers, LLC.

According to Belle and Cook, the change in ownership is expected to have no affect on the day-to-day operations at any of three newspapers.
From Choice Community Newspapers
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Nashville-based Heartland Media aquires Middle Tennessee Times
Heartland Media acquired The Middle Tennessee Times, Smithville, from Main Street Media in April. Heartland Media was founded in 2009 by Richard Lawson.

The Middle Tennessee Times publishes weekly on Tuesdays and has a paid circulation of 2,460. It is located in DeKalb County in Middle Tennessee.

Heartland Media also owns the NashvilleChatterClass.com subscription based web site, which provides insider news on commercial real estate, development and related local politics to readers in Middle Tennessee.

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Halls Graphic's 116-year run ends

The Halls Graphic, published weekly since 1893, ceased publication this week (May 6, 2010).

Lauderdale County from the Earliest Times, edited by Kate J. Peters (1957), says the Graphic was founded by “a man named Davis.”

“Publishers through the years have been Emmett Newport, A. B. Witt, Walter Durham, Ike Smith, Guy Jordan, and Henry and Nell Murchison.”

Walter “Bull” Durham was later Plant-To-Prosper editor for the Memphis Commercial Appeal.

When the Murchisons could no longer manage independently, The Lauderdale County Enterprise kept the Graphic going by providing content, already produced by the Enterprise, which would otherwise have required duplication, and by producing additional content in Ripley.

In 2009, The Graphic had the least circulation (230) of any newspaper in the state, except The Harriman Record (108), now merged with The Rockwood Times (246).

With Halls advertising shrinking towards zero, and production and delivery costs soaring, the Graphic has hemorrhaged substantial losses for several years.

Subscriptions will be automatically converted to subscriptions to The Lauderdale County Enterprise, or extend an existing Enterprise subscription, for the value of the unfulfilled $10 subscription to the Graphic.
From The Halls Graphic, May 6, 2010

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Bristol Herald Courier wins Pulitzer Prize
The Bristol Herald Courier has won the Pulitzer Prize in Public Service for the work of Daniel Gilbert in illuminating the murky mismanagement of natural-gas royalties owed to thousands of land owners in southwest Virginia, spurring remedial action by state lawmakers.

Columbia University announced the 94th Annual Pulitzer Prizes on April 12. Awards will be presented on May 24 at Columbia University.

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Maxwell purchases Polk County News
Ownership of the Polk County News has shifted to a new generation, but no staff changes are planned. Cheryl Maxwell, daughter of Randy and Ingrid Buehler, has bought the newspaper under a new business, The Newspaper Publishing Company, LLC.

Randy Buehler has been semi-retired for a year and Ingrid is working toward that status. They commented, “As we began approaching retirement age, we were delighted that Cheryl decided to take the helm at Polk County’s community newspaper.” They said they had hoped the newspaper would continue under independent ownership when they finally decide to retire. This move provides for a nice transition for them to eventually retire, they said.

Ingrid, who has been backing off some of her reporting responsibilities, will continue to serve as editor. “I’m not leaving any time soon,” she said. Randy will continue to man the sports desk and handle accounting duties.

Maxwell has been working with the Polk County News since the Buehlers purchased the Polk County News in 1983, when she was 10 years old, starting as an errand-runner and coffee cup washer after school and gradually picking up paste-up, reporting, advertising and circulation duties.

“I’d debated off and on throughout the years, but ultimately, I couldn’t imagine myself anywhere other than here,” Maxwell said, adding, “I’m lucky to have the chance to be a part of the history of our county.”
From The Polk County News

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Oppmann appointed TPA Director of District Six
Andrew Oppmann, publisher of The Leaf-Chronicle, Clarksville, and The Daily News Journal, Murfreesboro, has been appointed Director of TPA District Six. The position was vacated by Ellen Leifeld, former publisher of The Tennessean, who retired in November.

The appointment was recently made by TPA President Victor Parkins and approved by the Board of Directors during a teleconference on Dec. 16.

As Director of District Six, Oppmann will represent TPA member newspapers in the counties of Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Houston, Humphreys, Montgomery, Robertson, Stewart, Sumner and Wilson.

Oppmann, who became publisher of The Daily News Journal in May 2007 and also was named publisher of The Leaf-Chronicle in August 2008, has been active with TPA since arriving in Tennessee. He chaired the 2008 Drive-In Training Committee and co-chaired the 2009 Winter Convention with Leifeld.

Oppmann’s term, along with all directors of even-numbered districts, will expire on June 30, 2010.

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Leifeld retires, Hudler named Tennessean publisher
Ellen Leifeld, publisher of The Tennessean in Nashville since 2005, announced her retirement Nov. 23. Gannett has named Carol Hudler to succeed Leifeld as president and publisher. link to story at Tennessean.com

Leifeld has served on the TPA Board of Directors as Director of District 6 since June of 2006.

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Tennessee Newspaper Hall of Fame inducts five
Five individuals were posthumously inducted into the Tennessee Newspaper Hall of Fame at a banquet ceremony on Friday, Nov. 6, 2009, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Knoxville. Inducted were: Sallie Rebecca (Pattie) Boyd (1867-1947) bio ; James E. Charlet (1908-1999) bio ; Roy Coleson (1901-1965) bio ; J. Neal Ensminger (1908-2001) bio and William C. Simonton (1899-1950) bio. The event was the fifteenth induction ceremony bringing the total number of inductees to 53.

For information on the Tennessee Newspaper Hall of Fame, please visit the Web site: http://www.tnpress.com/halloffame.html.

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Birmingham named publisher of News Sentinel
Patrick J. Birmingham, whose leadership earned the Corpus Christi Caller-Times the distinction as "newspaper of the year" in Texas for the past four years, has been named a regional publisher for The E.W. Scripps Company's newspaper division. In his new role, he serves as president and publisher of the Knoxville News Sentinel and has regional responsibilities for the Evansville (Ind.) Courier Press and Anderson (S.C.) Independent-Mail. story in News Sentinel

On Oct. 7, Birmingham assumed the publisher role in Knoxville that had been held for 11 years by Bruce Hartmann, who last month was promoted to vice president of sales for the Scripps newspaper division.

Since 2004, Birmingham has served as president and publisher of the Corpus Christi Caller-Times. In addition to the Caller-Times being named the "newspaper of the year" by the Texas Associated Press Managing Editors from 2005-2008, Birmingham personally earned the distinction last year as "newspaper leader of the year" from the Texas Daily Newspapers Association.

"In Corpus Christi, Patrick has created an environment that rewards courage, innovation and teamwork," said Mark G. Contreras, senior vice president of newspapers for The E.W. Scripps Company. "Patrick's leadership will improve the newspaper experience for the readers and advertisers in key Scripps markets, and his vision will help all of us as we work to transform the way we deliver print and online news to our audiences."

Birmingham, 51, began his career at the Kansas City Star in advertising sales and management. Prior to joining Scripps, he served in advertising leadership roles with Gannett newspapers in Rochester, N.Y., as well as in Cincinnati, Ohio.

In 1997, Birmingham accepted the role as advertising director at the Ventura County Star, a Scripps newspaper. He later became the paper's executive vice president and general manager. During his tenure in Ventura, the newspaper enjoyed consistent revenue and audience growth.A native of St. Louis, Birmingham attended the University of Missouri-Columbia and the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
E.W. Scripps Company

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Free circulation associate membership proposal put off
By Elenora Edwards, The Tennessee Press
The question as to whether Tennessee Press Association will elect to allow free-circulation news publications to become associate members has been set aside indefinitely.

At a meeting of the TPA Board of Directors in June, R. Michael Fishman, chairman of the Free Circulation Associate Membership Task Force, recommended on behalf of the group that TPA not proceed with a proposal.

He explained that because of a provision in the bylaws it would not be wise to continue. The TPA bylaws specify that two-thirds of all regular members must approve a proposed change. He said recent votes did not have two-thirds of the members voting.

Fishman said he didn’t think it wise for the association to expend more time, energy and resources on the proposal.

Tom Griscom, TPA president at the time, suggested the bylaws issue might be examined during the term of President Victor Parkins.

Later, Fishman commented on the task force work. He said he talked with various members and found the process interesting. He said he learned a lot from the conversations he had with various people, since they offered good information and perspectives.
The Tennessee Press, October 2009

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TPA board approves free legal hotline access for 2010
One of the Tennessee Press Association’s (TPA) most valuable member benefits is access to the Legal Hotline. Thanks to TPA and the TPA Foundation, member newspapers will continue to receive access to the Legal Hotline as part of their membership for 2010.

The hotline provides members access to legal advice from the law firm of Hollow and
Hollow of Knoxville. Rick Hollow has served as TPA’s general counsel since 1971.

Hotline calls range from topics of meetings and records access to libel issues and advertising law.

Once a subscription-based service, the TPA Board of Directors voted in 2004 to provide blanket coverage to all members. In 2005, the TPA Foundation became the primary source of funds to cover the cost. Both boards vote annually on whether blanket coverage can be continued.

TPA members can contact TPA at (865) 584-5761 for the hotline number. Those with press cards will find the number there.

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News Sentinel publisher Hartmann promoted, Scripps makes organizational changes
Bruce Hartmann, currently president and publisher of the News Sentinel in Knoxville, Tenn., will become vice president of sales (print and interactive) effective Sept. 1, 2009. Hartmann will have responsibility for all advertising and circulation revenue across the division, and all Scripps advertising and circulation sales directors will report to him. link to story at knoxnews.com

In a move designed to ensure that its 13 daily newspapers put increased emphasis on community-changing local content and peak-performing advertising sales, The E.W. Scripps Company today unveiled the first in a series of organizational changes that will enable faster sharing of best practices, standardization of business processes and more efficient utilization of resources.

In conference calls with investors earlier this year, the company has said it was considering structural changes that would simplify and standardize many business processes and enable the newspaper group to take advantage of its scale. The first step in that process is today's naming of national leaders to key functional roles, including newly created positions to invigorate the focus on content and sales.

"To meet the rapidly evolving needs of our customers, we're reorganizing our division to make sure all of our newspapers have a sharpened focus on delivering unrivaled local content across multiple platforms and developing the best sales organization in each of our markets," said Mark G. Contreras, the company's senior vice president of newspapers. "By making ourselves more valuable to our two most important constituencies - readers and advertisers - I believe we can continue our important public service mission while providing an economic benefit for our shareholders."

The changes announced Aug. 25 include the creation of an operating committee consisting of two new national positions with responsibility for sales and content, as well as four other positions with responsibility for operations, finance, information technology and human resources. complete press release
From a news release from The E. W. Scripps Company, Aug. 25, 2009

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Flanagan named Times-Gazette editor
Kent Flanagan has joined the Shelbyville Times-Gazette as editor.

Flanagan has just completed four years teaching journalism as distinguished journalist in residence at Middle Tennessee State University's College of Mass Communication. Prior to that he spent 26 years with The Associated Press, including 21 years as chief of AP's Tennessee bureau. Before that, he worked for 10 years with newspapers in Florida and Texas.

"The newspaper and its readers are exceptionally fortunate to have Kent with his knowledge and background in the news business on staff at the T-G," said Publisher Hugh Jones. "Also, Kent's knowledge of new media like video and mobile devices is exciting for our future growth."

Flanagan, a native of San Antonio, Texas, is a Vietnam veteran of the U.S. Army and a recipient of the Bronze Star. He and his wife Janet have lived in Franklin for the past 26 years.

"I grew up in a small farming community in West Texas," said Flanagan, "where I became a fan of newspapers at an early age. I wrote my first story for a high school newspaper when I was in the seventh grade, and I've been involved with news and newspapers ever since.
Shelbyville Times-Gazette, August 9, 2009

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Debt retired on TPA building
Four years and two months after its completion, the building owned by Tennessee Press Association Foundation (TPAF) and leased to Tennessee Press Association (TPA) and Tennessee Press Service (TPS) has been paid off.

“I can’t think of any item addressed by the TPAF trustees during the planning retreat three years ago more important, besides the actual construction of TPA’s headquarters, nor more ambitious, than paying off the mortgage on the building,” said W. R. (Ron) Fryar, TPAF president. “Having achieved that goal, on a much faster time table, the Foundation now will be able to more rapidly grow our endowment monies and fund more newspaper requests needing our support through the grant application process. The trustees have wisely shown their stewardship of the Foundation’s vision and mission statements.”

Greg Sherrill, TPAF secretary-treasurer and TPA executive director, said, “This wonderful facility will continue to serve the needs of TPA, TPS and TPAF for many years to come. Now that the debt is retired, the Foundation is poised to rapidly grow its endowment in order to provide assistance and educational opportunities to newspaper-related causes throughout our state, in keeping with the key values of the mission statement.”

The 8,000-square-foot building located at 435 Montbrook Lane in Knoxville was completed in April 2005 after two years of planning and construction. The cost was $987,500. In October 2007 the appraised market value was $1,350,000.

TPAF invested the money from the sale of its first building, built in 1990, into the new facility. The loan for the difference was not scheduled to be paid off until September 2010.

“Being able to retire the note for the new TPA headquarters will allow more funds to be directed toward programs that provide valuable information to our members,” said Tom Griscom, who was president of TPA when the debt retirement announcement was made.

Prior to the Foundation-owned buildings, TPA, TPAF and TPS were housed in the University of Tennessee Communications Building in Knoxville.
The Tennessee Press, August 2009

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Brysons sell Cannon Courier to Fryars
Andy Bryson, a mainstay at the Cannon Courier since 1959 and the owner for the last 15 years, announced July 28 that he has sold the newspaper to McMinnville businessman W. R. (Ron) Fryar, a veteran of the Tennessee newspaper business. story

Fryar has previously served as the publisher of newspapers in several Tennessee communities, including Murfreesboro, Franklin and McMinnville.

Although Bryson is leaving as publisher and editor of the Courier, the rest of the Courier staff will maintain their positions and even assume additional roles, Fryar said.

Patricia Bryson, Andy's wife, will stay on as community liaison. Bob Stoetzel will continue as general assignment reporter. Teresa Stoetzel remains in her positions of bookkeeper, advertising representative, office secretary and paginator.

Kevin Halpern has joined the staff as print and electronic media editor. Sean Parker will serve as community features correspondent.

Fryar is president of the Tennessee Press Association Foundation, a director and former president of Tennessee Press Service and a former president of TPA.

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W. Bryant Williams, patriarch of P-I family,
W. Bryant Williams, editor emeritus of The Post-Intelligencer, died at his home Thursday afternoon, July 23, 2009, at age 95.

His funeral will be at 3 p.m. Sunday at First Presbyterian Church with burial in Memorial Cemetery. Officiating will be the Revs. Jenna Goggins, the church pastor, and Doug Scott, who grew up in the church.

Pallbearers will be grandsons-in-law Jim Barnett and Doug Ray; and great-grandsons Jeremy Maxwell, Daniel Williams, Matthew Williams and Adam Ray.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Rotary Club.
Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Saturday at McEvoy Funeral Home and after 1 p.m. Sunday at the church.

Williams followed his father as editor and publisher of The P-I. He grew up in the family business, went to work full-time upon graduation from high school and, except for Army service in World War II and four years spent with a newspaper in Columbia, he worked at The P-I until his retirement in 1978 at the age of 64.

He was succeeded as editor and publisher by his son, Bill, now retired; and later by his grandson, Michael, the current editor and publisher.

Bryant Williams was publisher of the newspaper from 1951 to 1956 and again from 1960 to 1978, the two periods separated by his work in Columbia.

Born in the Birmingham suburb of Ensley, Ala., on June 30, 1914, he was the second of seven children of W. Percy and Lucy Cowan Williams. The family moved to Paris from Alabama in 1927; he graduated from Grove High School in 1932.

After retirement, his “Post Mortems” columns of local history served as the basis for a tape-recorded walking tour of downtown Paris. The columns were published in booklet form in three volumes by the Henry County Historical Society.

He enlisted in the Army in 1943, won a lieutenant’s commission and served in Europe as an anti-aircraft platoon leader with Patton’s Third Army. He won the Bronze Star for meritorious service.

He was a civic leader, serving variously as president of the Chamber of Commerce, and the Lions and Rotary clubs. He was a charter member of the Elks Lodge and of the Young Business Men’s Club, the Chamber of Commerce forerunner. He helped organize the Food Bank, the Sports Hall of Fame, the People for Progress city beautification group, the Salvation Army service unit and the Rotary scholarship program.

He shared the Chamber of Commerce “person of the year” award with two others in 1964 for their work in industrial development. In 1997 he received both the city’s Marquis de Paris award and the DAR Community Service Award. The Betsy Ross Foundation of Allegro Fine Foods named a scholarship for him.

Williams served as president of the Tennessee Press Association in 1970-71 and was recognized for distinguished service with the Governor’s committee for the Employment of the Handicapped.

First Presbyterian Church recognized him for 50 years of service as a church elder in 1992, and at his death he was the longest-serving elder in the congregation’s history. He joined the church at age 12, held many offices in it and was ordained as a deacon as well as an elder.

He was married in 1933 to his high school sweetheart, the former Julia Sensing. She died in June 2008, three months before the couple would have observed their 75th wedding anniversary.

He is also survived by a brother, the Rev. Ernest (LaVerne) Williams of Hutchinson, Kan., and two sisters, Eunice Clark of Fulton, Ky., and Jeane Herrmann of Lisle, Ill.

Other survivors are a daughter-in-law, Bill's wife, Anne; three granddaughters: Cindy Barnett of Murray, Julie Ray of Tuscaloosa, Ala., and Joan Stevens of Paris; a granddaughter-in-law, Michael's wife, Evonne; 11 great-grandchilden; and two great-great-grandchildren.

From The Paris Post-Intelligencer, July 24, 2009

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Ad Circ Retreat will not occur this year
Members of the TPA Advertising and Circulation committees will meet via teleconferences to plan the 2010 Advertising/Circulation Conference this year. Traditionally, this work is begun during the fall Advertising & Circulation Managers’ Retreat. However, there will not be a retreat this year. more

Reasons for not holding a retreat are largely economic. Many newspaper staff members are not allowed to travel or cannot afford the time away from the office, the 2008 retreat was poorly attended and the 2009 Conference suffered a financial loss because of a 40 percent lower than usual attendance.

Several TPA committees routinely handle committee planning work by teleconference.

If you are interested in serving on the Advertising or Circulation committee, please contact the chairman.
Advertising Committee chairman:
Kerri Meeks, The Tullahoma News, (931) 455-4545,
Circulation Committee chairman:
Don Lovelace, Citizen Tribune, Morristown, (423) 581-5630,

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Tennessee Newspaper Hall of Fame to induct five in November 2009
(July 16, 2009) Five individuals will be posthumously inducted into the Tennessee Newspaper Hall of Fame at a banquet ceremony on Friday, Nov. 6, 2009, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Knoxville.

Selected for induction are:
Sallie Rebecca (Pattie) Boyd (1867-1947)
James E. Charlet (1908-1999)
Roy Coleson (1901-1965)
J. Neal Ensminger (1908-2001)
William C. Simonton (1899-1950)

Sallie Rebecca (Pattie) Boyd was the first female editor of a woman’s page in Tennessee. In 1886, at the age of 18, she convinced the publisher of The Knoxville Tribune to hire her. She continued with the Tribune, the Journal and Tribune and the Knoxville Journal for 52 years. During her career, she wrote about an estimated 30,000 weddings, hundreds of parties, dances, dinners, bridge clubs and women’s sports. She campaigned vigorously for women’s right to vote, volunteered during the Spanish-American War to provide food and necessities to soldiers camped in Knoxville, and supported efforts for the Appalachian Exposition in Knoxville in 1910 and 1911. She was influential in getting a building to honor women’s achievements at the exposition.

James E. Charlet pioneered the central printing plant production of small newspapers in Tennessee and later web offset printing and cold type production. He developed a family-owned newspaper group, which included the Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle, and 16 weekly newspapers covering nine Middle Tennessee counties. He led in the creation of industrial development programs and vigorously editorialized on imperatives for community coalitions to diversify their post-World War II agriculture-industrial economies. He was a leader in TPA, serving as president in 1960-61. He was actively involved in the association for over 40 years.

Roy C. Coleson was publisher of The Fayette Falcon, Somerville. He was one of a group of publishers who reactivated the Tennessee Press Association in the 1930s. For several years, TPA was unable to employ a field manager, and Mr. Coleson served on a volunteer basis as executive secretary of the organization. He traveled extensively over the state visiting newspapers and promoting the Association. He was chairman of the committee that planned and executed the first Mid-Winter Press Institute and served as chairman for several years. He also served as president in 1942-43.

J. Neal Ensminger became the respected voice of McMinn County through his position as editor of The Daily Post-Athenian. He was considered the man people could count on as a citizen and newspaper man of integrity. He had a 50-year career with The Daily Post-Athenian, retiring as executive editor in May 1987. After retirement, he continued to write a weekly column until his death at the age of 92. He tutored numerous staff members throughout his career and was well known for his civic, church and charitable efforts.

William C. Simonton was co-owner and assistant manger of The Covington Leader from 1918 until his death in 1950. He was among those who revitalized the Tennessee Press Association and one of 14 original incorporators. He also was one of three incorporators of Tennessee Press Service. He served as the first president of TPS. He had a vision that TPA could provide more benefits to members if efforts were unified to sell newspaper advertising as a statewide newspaper group.

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 program recognizes and memorializes "extraordinary and clearly outstanding" contributions to newspaper journalism and the newspaper industry.

The program's criteria and procedures were established in 1966, based on policies set jointly by the Tennessee Press Association and the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees.

The Hall of Fame gallery is physically located on the third floor of the Communications Building on Circle Park Drive at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Portraits of all Hall of Fame inductees are displayed there.
Selection of honorees is made biennially by a five-member committee of past presidents of the Tennessee Press Association, serving on a staggered-term basis. No more than four honorees may be selected at any one time. Nominations are sought in the fall of even-numbered years; however, nominations may be made at any time. Installation ceremonies are held in the fall of odd-numbered years.

Five individuals are being honored this year because Mr. Coleson was the only one selected in a previous year and the induction was not held.

Financial underwriting for the Tennessee Newspaper Hall of Fame is provided by the Tennessee Press Association Foundation, Inc.

Registration information for the Hall of Fame event will be available through TPA in September. It will be mailed to publishers of member newspapers and to TPA associate members. The registration information will also be posted to TPA's Web site, www.tnpress.com.

For information on the Tennessee Newspaper Hall of Fame, please visit the Web site: http://www.tnpress.com/halloffame.html or contact TPA at (865) 584-5761.

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Chairmen of 14 TPA committees named for 2009-10
Victor Parkins, TPA president, has appointed committee chairmen to lead in association efforts for 2009-10. The chairmen will be working over the next few weeks to fill their committee rosters. One should contact these chairmen if he or she is interested in serving on a committee or committees.

Advertising Committee: Kerri Meeks, The Tullahoma News

Circulation Committee: Don Lovelace, Citizen Tribune, Morristown

Constitution and Bylaws Committee: Steve Lake, Pulaski Citizen

Contests Committee: Mark Stevens, The Erwin Record

Government Affairs Committee: Elizabeth Blackstone, Kennedy Newspapers, Columbia

Hall of Fame Committee: UT School of Journalism director or designee: Dr. Paul Ashdown, UT

Journalism Education Committee: Michael Williams, The Paris Post-Intelligencer

NIE/Literacy Committee: Lu Shep Baldwin, Jones Media, Athens

Nominating Committee: Tom Griscom, Chattanooga Times Free Press

Personnel Committee: Kevin Burcham, News-Herald, Lenoir City

Postal Committee: Mike Fishman, Citizen Tribune, Morristown

Press Institute Committee: Joel Washburn, Dresden Enterprise

Public Notice Committee: Jeff Fishman, The Tullahoma News

Technology Committee: Alan Broyles, Johnson City Press

Normally, a Summer Convention chairman would also be named. However, for 2010, TPA will be joining the Arkansas and Mississippi press associations for a Tri-State Press Convention in Tunica, Miss. TPA will have two members serve on a committee with Arkansas and Mississippi representatives to develop the convention’s programming.

Committee rosters will be listed in the October issue of The Tennessee Press.

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Covington paper drops edition, returns to weekly publication
The Leader, Covington, returned to a weekly publishing schedule on July 9 after publishing twice weekly since 2004. A story in the June 30 edition said economic factors were largely responsible for the decision.

The new publication day is Thursday and the advertising deadline is Tuesday at 10:00 a.m.

Brian Blackley is publisher of The Leader. The newspaper is owned by American Hometown Publishing of Franklin, Tenn.

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Advocate & Democrat changes publication days
Effective with the July 5 edition, the Monroe County Advocate & Democrat, Sweetwater, has changed its publication days. Formerly published on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday, the newspaper now publishes Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.

Mia Rhodarmer, is editor and general manager of the newspaper. It is owned by Jones Media Inc., which is based in Greeneville, Tenn.

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Don McNeil, former TPA executive director, dies
Don R. McNeil of Madisonville, Tenn., passed away Thursday, July 9, 2009, at St. Mary's Hospice. He was a former executive director of the Tennessee Press Association (TPA). Mr. McNeil was a UT graduate of the School of Journalism and worked for 28 years for TPA and its business affiliate Tennessee Press Service (TPS).

A memorial service will be held at Church of the Good Shepherd, 5337 Jacksboro Pike, Knoxville, with Father Charles Fels officiating, on Saturday, July 18, 2009, at 2:00 p.m.

Don McNeil worked for five years at The Knoxville News Sentinel before joining the TPS staff as sales manager on Feb. 10, 1962, at the age of 23. Later, he also became the TPA associate manager.

Don McNeil was named secretary-treasurer-manager of TPS in 1976, succeeding his father Glenn E. McNeil. Glenn McNeil continued as TPA’s secretary-manager.

Upon his father's retirement, Don McNeil became TPA's secretary-manager on Dec. 1, 1979. He also continued in the role of TPS secretary-treasurer-manager. Glenn McNeil had held the TPA secretary-manager's position for 32 years. The secretary-manager is the same position that is currently titled executive director. Don McNeil resigned as TPA executive director in July of 1990.

He was preceded in death by his father, Glenn McNeil. Survived by wife, Heidi; son, Charles McNeil (Kelly); daughters, Jan Newman (Jim), Kimberly Huffman (Jeff), Terri McNeil; mother, Ercie McNeil; sisters, Glenda McMillan (Dick), Joy McNeil; grandchildren: Courtney, Meghan, Katie, Will, Hunter, Hannah, Zach, Josh, and Jenna; many nieces and nephews; and three great-grandchildren: Parker, Braxton, and Tyler; his "12" friends for life; and his beloved dogs Maggie, Max, and Millie; and cats, MissKitty and Sweetiepie. Special thank you to Dr. Wahid Hanna and Kimberly, and all of his staff at Turkey Creek; Dr. James Shamiyeh; caregivers, Denise, Melissa, Daniel, Edna, Sheila, and Pam.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society ; Monroe County Animal Shelter, 170 Kefauver Lane, Madisonville, TN 37354; Young Williams Animal Center, 3201 Division Street, Knoxville, TN.

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Lindsey takes publisher's post at The Rogersville Review
By Joel Spears / Features Editor

ROGERSVILLE — As the Rogersville Review celebrates its 125th year of service to Hawkins County it also welcomes a new publisher.

"We are thrilled that Jesse Lindsey has agreed to become publisher of the Rogersville Review," Gregg Jones, president and CEO of the newspaper's parent company, Jones Media, Inc., said.

Lindsey, who is a native of Muncie, Indiana, has long called Monroe County in East Tennessee "home." He attended Sweetwater High School and began his publishing career at the county's newspaper, The Monroe County Advocate-Democrat.

From 1998 until 2001, Lindsey worked there in advertising sales and became the newspaper's advertising director.

In 2002, he joined Boone Newspapers, Inc., and was later named publisher of the daily Selma (Alabama) Times-Journal. Since 2006, Lindsey has been publisher of the Suffolk (Virginia) News-Herald, which is also a daily newspaper.

"For several years, we have watched with respect and admiration as Jesse has grown in the responsibilities he has successfully shouldered. He is accomplished at producing a high quality newspaper that truly serves the needs of his community. Plus, he is the type of guy that loves being immersed in the life of the community, looking for opportunities to be a better citizen and a better newspaperman. I am confident that the Jesse Lindsey family and Hawkins County will be a wonderful fit."

"Hawkins County already feels like home to me and my family," said Lindsey. "We always knew that we would be back in Tennessee at some point. I'm confident Rogersville and Hawkins County will be a perfect match for us."

While he has been part of the publishing industry for 12 years, Lindsey also served his country from 1995 until 2002 as a member of both the United States Air Force and Army National Guard.
During his military service he attended the Community College of the United States Air Force.

Lindsey and his wife, Melanie, have four children: son Chance, age 10; son Landon, age 7; daughter Addy Grace, age 2; and the family's newest addition, daughter Emmy Blyss, age 8 months.

As he settles into his new position as Review publisher, Lindsey and his family also plan to settle into Hawkins County life and call Rogersville their new home.

"The Rogersville Review has a long history of being the news and information source for the Rogersville and Hawkins County community. I hope to build on that tradition with help from the experienced and qualified staff here at the Review," Lindsey concluded.
From The Rogersville Review, July 8, 2009

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Rhodarmer named publisher of The Advocate & Democrat
Mia Rhodarmer has been named publisher of The Advocate & Democrat, announced Tommy Wilson, vice president of the Jones Media Inc.’s Valley Division, and publisher of The Daily Post-Athenian in Athens. Mrs. Rhodarmer also will retain the title and responsibilities of the editor’s position.

"Mia came to us in 2000 as a reporter and has displayed exceptional skills as an editor and the leader of our newsroom. In October 2008, Mia was named general manager,” Wilson said.

"Since that time, Mia has shown her leadership strengths go far beyond the newsroom and has done an exceptional job of managing the business side of the newspaper.”

"I appreciate this opportunity Jones Media has given me and the support of the people I work with,” Rhodarmer said. “I have enjoyed learning more about the business side of the newspaper and look forward to leading our newspaper during this changing time in our industry. I am dedicated to producing a high-quality community newspaper that meets the needs of our readers and advertisers.”

Rhodarmer’s past newspaper experience includes working at The Macon News in her hometown of Franklin, N.C., and The McDowell News in Marion, N.C. She graduated from the University of North Carolina—Asheville in 1992 with a degree in mass communication and attended graduate school at Murray State University, Murray, Ky.

Rhodarmer is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists and currently serves as president of the East Tennessee chapter. She is s a member of the Sweetwater Kiwanis club and serves on the board of directors of the United Way of Monroe County. She and her husband, Charlie, live in the Ball Play community.
Monroe County Advocate and Democrat, July 5, 2009

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Derryberry Public Relations is TPA's newest associate member
Derryberry Public Relations was accepted as TPA's newest associate member by the Board of Directors on June 19. The company is located in Chattanooga.

Derryberry Public Relations began when Robin and Andy Derryberry acquired the Chattanooga Office of the original Ingram Group, which was based in Nashville. Robin originally opened the office for the Ingram Group in 2002. When the partners separated and diversified in 2006, the Derryberrys acquired the Chattanooga office.

Derryberry Public Relations is a full service public, government and media relations firm offering services to a very diverse client list. Among its services are: branding, public relations, fundraising, media relations, legislative advocacy, government relations, marketing, special event planning, strategic planning, Web site design/development and crisis communication strategies.

Robin Derryberry is president of the company and the business is recognized as a female-owned small business by the US Small Business Administration.

Derryberry Public Relations is located in the Jack’s Alley area in downtown Chattanooga. Contact information follows:
Robin Derryberry, President robin@derryberrypr.com
Andy Derryberry, andy@derryberrypr.com
Derryberry Public Relations
421 Market Street, Suite 203
Chattanooga, TN 37402
(423) 755-7588
Fax: (423) 755-7589
http://derryberrypr.com/

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Milan editor, Parkins, becomes TPA president

Photo credit: Elenora E. Edwards, The Tennessee Press
(left) Tom Griscom, publisher of the Chattanooga Times Free Press, passes the TPA presidential gavel to incoming TPA President Victor Parkins, editor of The Milan Mirror-Exchange, during the installation ceremony on June 19 in Chattanooga

Download the high-res photo of Victor Parkins for publication

Victor Parkins, editor of The Milan Mirror-Exchange, is the new president of the Tennessee Press Association (TPA).

TPA is the trade association of the state’s daily and non-daily newspapers. It is composed of 27 daily newspapers and 100 non-daily newspapers.

Parkins succeeds Tom Griscom, publisher of the Chattanooga Times Free Press.

Parkins said during his presidency his goal is “to continue the good work this association has achieved over the years. We've got challenging times ahead in regard to public notice and openness in government.”

"TPA can help your newspaper grow and prosper if you use all the resources we provide,” added Parkins. “We're doing lots of things to represent and protect our member newspapers, from public notice, to postal issues and open government. TPA is your voice and we encourage all of our members to become involved and use it as a channel to better your newspapers.”

Other officers elected at TPA’s 140th Anniversary Summer Convention June 18-19 in Chattanooga are Art Powers, publisher of the Johnson City Press, re-elected vice president for daily newspapers; Jeff Fishman, publisher of The Tullahoma News, elected vice president for non-daily newspapers; and Kevin Burcham, publisher of the News-Herald, Lenoir City, elected treasurer.

Directors elected for two-year terms are Lynn Richardson, publisher of the Herald and Tribune, Jonesborough, director of District 1; Chris Vass, Sunday editor of the Chattanooga Times Free Press, director of District 3; Hugh Jones, publisher of the Shelbyville Times-Gazette, director of District 5; John Finney, vice president of the Buffalo River Review, Linden, director of District 7; and Joel Washburn, editor of the Dresden Enterprise, director of District 9. Tom Griscom will serve for one year as director at large.

Continuing their terms as directors are Jack McElroy, editor of the News Sentinel, Knoxville, director of District 2; Mike DeLapp, publisher of the Herald-Citizen, Cookeville, director of District 4; Ellen Leifeld, publisher of The Tennessean, Nashville, director of District 6; Brad Franklin, marketing director of The Lexington Progress, director of District 8; and Eric Barnes, publisher of The Daily News, Memphis, director of District 10.

The TPA Board of Directors appointed trustees to serve on the Tennessee Press Association Foundation (TPAF) Board of Trustees for three-year terms.

Re-appointed trustees are: Joe Albrecht, Bob Atkins, David Critchlow Jr., R. Jack Fishman, W.R. (Ron) Fryar, Dale Gentry, Tom Hill, Gregg K. Jones, John M. Jones Jr., Sam Kennedy, Steve Lake, Mike Pirtle, Pauline Sherrer, Joel Washburn and Bill Williams.

Trustees appointed to their first term are: Jay Albrecht, Eric Barnes, Tom Griscom, Art Powers and Keith Wilson.

Officers and directors of Tennessee Press Service (TPS), business affiliate of TPA, are Pauline D. Sherrer, publisher, Crossville Chronicle, president; and Michael Williams, publisher, The Paris Post-Intelligencer, vice president.

Art Powers was elected to serve as a director during the TPS Stockholders’ Meeting on Thursday, June 18. Continuing to serve as directors are Jeff Fishman, W. R. (Ron) Fryar and Victor Parkins. Sherrer and Williams were elected as officers at the May 8, TPS Board of Directors meeting.

Victor Parkins is the editor of The Milan Mirror-Exchange, an independently owned newspaper in Gibson County. The newspaper was founded by Parkins’ parents, the late Bob Parkins and Dorris Parkins, in 1964. Bob Parkins was president of TPA in 1991.

Victor Parkins was previously the sports editor of The Milan Mirror-Exchange for 10 years. He became editor in 2008.

He currently serves on the TPA, TPS and TPAF boards. He has chaired TPA’s Press Institute and Contests Committees and served on numerous committees.

He is also currently the Tennessee state chairman for the National Newspaper Association and chairman of the board of directors of Associated Publishers Inc.

Parkins is the current president of the Milan Chamber of Commerce and a past Milan Lions Club president.

He is a graduate of UT-Martin with a B.A. in Marketing.

His hobbies include hunting, fishing, real estate, family and grilling. He currently holds the title of Milan’s best burger in town, which was won at the 2008 Milan Burger Bash.

Parkins is one of eight children of Dorris Parkins and the late Bob Parkins. He is married to Carol Putman Parkins, who is a high school guidance counselor. They have two daughters, Jordan and Holly.

Three of his siblings also work at The Milan Mirror-Exchange; they are Melanie Day, Scarlet Elliott and Paris Parkins. The newspaper has a paid circulation of 4,755 and publishes weekly on Tuesdays.

The TPA was founded in 1870-71 for the purpose of creating a unified voice for the newspaper industry in Tennessee. Today, TPA continues to provide assistance to its 128 member newspapers by monitoring legislative activities, providing training programs, issuing press credentials, maintaining a Web site and providing regular meetings and forums to foster the exchange of information and ideas.

The TPA presidency rotates among TPA's three divisions of Tennessee, east, middle and west, and alternates each year between a daily and non-daily publication. It is customary that, when a person is elected a vice president, he or she will serve two terms as vice president before being elected president.

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State Press Contests winners announced

Photo credit: Elenora E. Edwards, The Tennessee Press
Representatives of newspapers winning first place awards in the 2009 UT-TPA State Press Contests pose for the group photo on June 19

List of winners press release winners' logo

Newspapers from across the state won top awards in the University of Tennessee -Tennessee Press Association 2009 State Press Contests.

The Commercial Appeal (Memphis), The Daily Herald (Columbia), the Southern Standard (McMinnville), The Standard Banner (Jefferson City) and The Erwin Record won the top general excellence awards at the association's summer convention and awards luncheon held June 19 in Chattanooga.

General excellence honors are based on total points accumulated for all award categories. This marks the seventh consecutive year the Erwin Record has won the top award for its category.

Contest awards are given in five categories based on average weekly circulation, including small and large daily and non-daily papers. The Kentucky Press Association judged a total of 1,477 contest entries from 84 association newspapers.

UT has co-sponsored the annual contest since 1940. full release

Winners lists from previous years

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Front Page Follies will honor Jones brothers—Alex, Gregg and John Jr.
The East Tennessee Society of Professional Journalists announces that the 31st Annual Front Page Follies will honor three members of a longtime Greeneville newspaper family. They are John M. Jones Jr., editor of The Greeneville Sun; Gregg K. Jones, co-publisher of the Sun and chief executive officer of Jones Media; and Alex S. Jones, director of the Joan Shorenstein Center on the Press, Politics and Public Policy at Harvard University.

The Follies will be Saturday, July 18, in Knoxville. Elements of the evening are a reception, dinner, spoof of Knox area newsmakers, recognition of the honorees and an auction. Watch the ETSPJ Web site, www.etspj.org, for details.

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Richardson new publisher of The Oak Ridger
Darrell Richardson is the new publisher of The Oak Ridger, a 6,824 paid circulation daily newspaper in Oak Ridge, Tenn. He succeeds Richard Esposito, who resigned to take a position with The Mountain Democrat, Placerville, Calif.

Richardson has served as managing editor of The Oak Ridger since December 2003. Previously, he was general manager of the Roane County News, Kingston and its sister newspapers, The Rockwood Times, The Harriman Record and the Morgan County News, Wartburg. He also is former editor of The Courier News, Clinton. He began his newspaper career as a reporter for The Knoxville Journal.

The announcement was made to The Oak Ridger’s staff on Wed., April 1, by Gloria Fletcher, vice president and division manager of GateHouse Media, which owns The Oak Ridger.

For more details see the story in The Oak Ridger.

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Ideas Contest winners announced, Overton County News takes top prize

Sandra Shelton, TPA Advertising Committee Chairman, presents the 2009 Best of Show award to Darren Oliver, the Overton County News. Oliver’s “Read… It does the mind good” entry for self-promotion was judged the best of the 1,095 entries.

Awards in the 2009 Tennessee Press Association Ideas Contest were presented on Friday, April 3, in conjunction with the Advertising/Circulation Conference in Franklin, Tenn. List of winners

The Overton County News won the top prize—the Jack Freeland Memorial Award Best of Show— for its self-promotion ad, “Read…It does a mind good.” The judges’ comments included, “Clean - great use of white space. Conveys message.”

Runners-up were the Herald and Tribune, Jonesborough, for its “Show Down” special section and the Shelbyville Times-Gazette for its “This Christmas” subscription promotion.

The Shelbyville Times-Gazette received the most awards at 40, sweeping the awards in its division for Best Use of Multi Color, Best Feature Page, Best 1⁄4 Page or Smaller Ad, Best Food Store Ad, Best Single Copy Promotion and Best NIE Promotion. The Tennessean achieved the second highest number of awards at 24.

Members of the Kentucky Press Association judged the contest on March 6 in Elizabethtown, Ky.

A total of 1,095 entries from 41 newspapers were submitted in the 2009 Ideas Contest. The contest has 27 categories, with each divided into five circulation divisions, two for non-dailies and three for dailies.

Jack Freeland, for whom the Best of Show award was named, was advertising manager of The Daily Herald, Columbia, and was active with the TPA Advertising Committee. Carson Oliver, publisher of the Overton County News, won the first Jack Freeland Memorial Award in 1981 while with the Livingston Enterprise.

The Ideas Contest was established in 1978. The Ideas Contest proceeds help to offset the speaker costs for the Advertising/Circulation Conference. All conference attendees and Ideas Contest entrants will receive a CD of the PowerPoint presentation.

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New postal labeling requirements now in effect
There has been some confusion in parts of the country regarding new USPS labeling requirements that took effect March 29. Some local post offices were apparently under the impression that newspapers would have to be quarter-folded, which is not the case.
PDF of Labeling requirements information Examples for proper labeling

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Tom Gentry, Standard Banner owner and publisher for 53 years, dies
Thomas Taylor Gentry, age 87, of Jefferson City, passed away early Saturday morning, March 28, 2009, at UT Hospital in Knoxville, from injuries sustained in a fall at home. He had been owner and publisher of The Standard Banner newspaper in Jefferson City for over 53 years.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. A native of Cookeville, he held degrees from Tennessee Tech University and the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, and briefly worked for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture prior to beginning his career in journalism. He had a keen interest in agriculture as well as journalism, spending much of his retirement raising Polled Hereford cattle and growing hay on his farm. He remained an active member of First Baptist Church of Jefferson City until his death, serving as a deacon, and as a member of committees. He was also active in a number of community organizations, including Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Jefferson County Shrine Club, the Jefferson County Genealogical Society and the Jefferson County Historical Society.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ellin Stedman Gentry of Jefferson City; daughter, Bethann Gowan and husband Dennis of Gallatin; son, Dale Gentry and wife Teresa of New Market; grandchildren, Erin Alexander and husband Rob of Goodlettsville, Sarah Kosak and husband Dustin of Jacksonville, FL, David Gentry, and wife Stacey of Jefferson City, and Ann Gowan of Nashville; Sisters, and their husbands, Charlsie and Ed Crouch of McMinnville; and Sue and Heston Milligan of McMinnville. He was preceded in death by his parents, Beecher and Mary Gentry of Cookeville; brother, Wendell Gentry; and sisters, Reba Thompson, Oneta Gentry and Nell Dyer.

Funeral services were held on Monday, March 30, at 8 p.m. in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Jefferson City. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be to the “Together We Rebuild” building fund of First Baptist Church of Jefferson City, 1610 Russell Avenue, Jefferson City, TN 37760.

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Cocke County daily returns to tri-weekly
(3/26/09) The Newport Plain Talk, a five-day daily since 1999, will return to publishing three days a week beginning April 2. Its new publication days will be Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. The newspaper has a paid circulation of 6,566 according to its 2008 U.S.P.S. Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation. The newspaper is part of Greeneville-based Jones Media Inc. For more information see the story on The Newport Plain Talk's Web site www.newportplaintalk.com.

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Summer Convention and Awards combine June 18-19 in Chattanooga
(3/19/09) TPA’s 2009 Summer Convention will be held June 18-19 at the Sheraton Read House Hotel in Chattanooga. State Press Contests awards will be presented at the June 19 luncheon in conjunction with the Summer Convention.

After reviewing the responses to a survey of the membership, the board decided to proceed with the convention. However, members’ budgets were kept in mind with schedule changes so that only one night of hotel expense will be needed by most of the attendees. Many of those attending the awards only will still be able to drive in for the event.

The Chattanooga Times Free Press, host of the convention, is planning a fun event for Thursday evening that will showcase an area attraction. Sen. Bob Corker will be invited to speak at a breakfast on Friday, the annual UT-TPA State Press Contests Awards will be presented and TPA’s new president will be installed.

The Free Circulation Associate Member Task Force is also expected to present a revised proposal to the Board of Directors.

The decision to combine the awards with the convention was made to help TPA meet contractual obligations during this time of economic uncertainty that is affecting some members’ ability to participate in meetings.

Chattanooga is often listed as one of the top vacation destinations for families. One can catch a baseball game, visit the Tennessee Aquarium with its saltwater expansion and penguins exhibit and even check out the famous Delta Queen, now moored in Chattanooga. There are also traditional attractions to explore like Rock City and Ruby Falls. Plus, the area offers something for the more adventurous such as hang gliding and whitewater rafting. Find information about all Chattanooga offers at www.discoversceniccity.com.

Convention details will be available on April 17 and awards notifications will be sent by April 24.

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Shelbyville Times-Gazette drops Monday edition, expands Sunday
(3/4/09)
The Times-Gazette will be offering its readers a variety of additional content beginning this Sunday as it unveils its new Life & Leisure section, to be followed throughout next week with a parade of new content.

As it announced last week in a letter to its subscribers, the Times-Gazette will no longer be publishing a Monday edition.

"We want to be clear that this change is not due to economic necessity," said publisher Hugh Jones Tuesday. "It's the culmination of a plan that's been in the works for several months with the goal of making better use of our resources and delivering better content to our readers.
Click here for the rest of the story.

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TPA welcomes its newest member—Dale Hollow Horizon!
The Dale Hollow Horizon of Celina, Tenn. became TPA's newest member when the TPA Board of Directors approved its membership application on Feb. 4. TPA now has 129 members—27 daily and 102 non-daily newspapers.

The Dale Hollow Horizon is published weekly on Wednesdays. It was established in 2003 as a total market coverage product and was converted to paid circulation in May 2007. Its total average paid circulation is 1,238 as reported in its 2008 U.S. Postal Service Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation.

Contact information for the newspaper:
Publisher: Jonathan Weaver Editor: Thomas Weaver Ad Manager: Kevin Donaldson
Telephone number: (931) 243-4710 Address: P.O. Box 69, Celina, TN 38551
www.DaleHollowHorizon.com

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TPA Board tables issue of associate membership class for free circulation publications
Discussion of the proposed associate membership class for free circulation publications occurred Feb. 4 during the TPA Board of Directors’ meeting. Several TPA members suggested modifications to the task force report and a motion was passed that deferred action until the summer convention in Chattanooga, June 17-19. Below is a letter that was sent to members from TPA President Tom Griscom.

February 17, 2009

Dear TPA member:

At our winter convention your board of directors received a report from the Free Circulation Associate Membership Task Force that has recently examined our associate membership category.

Last summer, I formed the task force, chaired by Mike Fishman, that once more examined the issue of a new classification for free circulation newspapers. Among their recommendations, which previously were provided to you, were associative level, a dues level, a non-voting status and a requirement annually to be approved by the TPA board of directors.

Your board of directors discussed the task force recommendation during the winter convention. Several TPA members suggested modifications to the task force report and a motion was passed that deferred action until the summer meeting.
Mr. Fishman plans to reconvene his panel to review the proposed revisions that were discussed at the winter board meeting and probably to offer a modified recommendation for consideration.

I hope you, as a member of the Tennessee Press Association, will fully review the issue and share your opinions with your district board member. Attached to this letter are the names, phone numbers and email addresses for the TPA board members as well as members of the Free Circulation Associate Membership Task Force. These board members and task force members represent your voice, and they need to hear from you prior to the board meeting in June.

Thank you for your continued interest and support of the Tennessee Press Association.

Sincerely,

Tom Griscom
TPA President

PDF TPA Board and Task Force Contacts

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Six receive TPA Open Government awards
(2/13/09) The Tennessee Press Association (TPA) presented Open Government Awards to six individuals who stood up for transparency in government. The awards were presented on Feb. 5 in conjunction with the TPA Winter Convention in Nashville.

The honorees are: Governor Phil Bredesen; Sen. Joe Haynes, Goodlettsville; Sen. Randy McNally, Oak Ridge; Rep. Steve McDaniel, Parkers Crossroads; Richard L. Hollow, attorney, Knoxville and Jack McElroy, editor, News Sentinel, Knoxville.

"The champion for urging more access and more transparency in state government is Gov. Bredesen. He has broken down artificial barriers that prevented average citizens from being able to review the actions of government unless they were willing to pay exorbitant fees to clerks or lawyers,” said Tom Griscom, TPA president and publisher of the Chattanooga Times Free Press.

Senator Randy McNally was honored for being the first to step up to sponsor the first proposed revisions to Tennessee’s sunshine law since it was passed 35 years ago. That revision legislation ran into trouble in the House, but it led to creation of a study committee to look at open meetings and public records. The committee recommended and the legislature passed changes to the public records act, which by one measure moved it from 44th best in the nation to 10th best.

More significantly though, Sen. McNally stopped changes that would have weakened the open meetings act – and did so with the agreement of the press, public and local government.

Senator Joe Haynes was honored for service as vice chairman of the study committee but his contributions go beyond service on the committee. Sen. Haynes routinely looks for problems in bills that threaten openness as they come through committees. He makes it a point to ask for TPA’s position.

He chaired the sunshine law subcommittee where he successfully rolled back what would have been crippling amendments to the law. He also served on the ethics committee that added the sunshine provision in the new ethics legislation.

Representative Steve McDaniel was honored for his role as chairman of the Open Records subcommittee. He guided the records law changes through the Tennessee House of Representatives and a significant contribution of the subcommittee’s work was the creation of the Office of Open Records Counsel and the Advisory Committee on Open Government.

“It takes leadership to protect the sunshine that already permeates state government and even more to improve the public’s ability to be able to observe its elected officials. These lawmakers led the way,” said Griscom.Richard L. Hollow, attorney and TPA general counsel, and Jack McElroy, editor of the News Sentinel, Knoxville, were honored with awards for their roles in the historic case against the Knox County Commission in a fight for open government that led to the ouster of 12 Knox County commissioners.

When presenting the awards, Frank Gibson, TPA’s Government Affairs Committee FOI coordinator said, “There is always some reluctance to present awards like this to journalists and lawyers who represent them. The argument goes that a journalist is only doing his or her job and that doing that well is reward enough.

"But, there are situations and circumstances that go beyond the ordinary. They take courage. They take commitment, and they take money.

"Rick Hollow will tell you humbly that he was doing what his client wanted done, but everybody knows the passion he brings to his job. That is particularly true when it comes to defending a law he helped write.

"Jack McElroy will tell you humbly that he was doing what he had to do and wouldn’t have been able to do that without the support of his bosses at Scripps Howard.

"Jack did what – as it turned out – what his readers expected him to do. The paper received thousands of letters and e-mail and blog postings as a result of its defense of the public’s right to know.”

The awards were presented at a luncheon, honoring champions of open government with the exception of the award to Gov. Bredesen. His award was presented during the Feb. 5 banquet, prior to his annual address to members of TPA.

The TPA was founded in 1870-71 for the purpose of creating a unified voice for the newspaper industry in Tennessee. Today, TPA continues to provide assistance to its 129 member newspapers by monitoring legislative activities, providing training programs, issuing press credentials, maintaining a Web site and providing regular meetings and forums to foster the exchange of information and ideas.

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TPA is a primary media sponsor of the Governor's Books from Birth Foundation Imagination Library project.