Patriot-News publisher, PNA president to share expertise with Russian media

According to Williams, the Russian Independent Print Media Program, which is funded by the U.S. government, seeks to "encourage a more vibrant and robust independent press as an important part of democratic society." 

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Patriot-News named one of 10 newspapers that 'Do it Right'
The (Harrisburg) Patriot-News was named as one of 10 newspapers that "Do it Right" in an annual feature published in the July edition of Editor & Publisher.

The Patriot-News, fresh from the Keystone Press Awards Division I Sweepstakes win and an America East Print Quality Award, is the first Pennsylvania paper to appear in the E&P feature since the Tribune-Review in Greensburg, four years earlier.

Editor & Publisher selects the 10 papers annually as a "model for others" not as the "10 best newspapers." The following areas factored into the selection: editorial, community awareness, effective marketing ideas, attractive design, online innovations and diversity in coverage and hiring. 

The "Do it Right" feature is available only to Editor & Publisher subscribers on the publication's Web site.

New Castle News reorganizes newsroom
Following a year with changes including a newspaper redesign and the expansion of online and interactive features, the New Castle News announced changes to its newsroom organization.

Tim Kolodziej, managing editor since 1994, assumes the title of new media director. He will oversee the entire news operation in this position.

Pat Litowitz moves from living department editor to news editor. Lisa Micco, formerly assistant news editor, became the paper's design editor. Dan Irwin, who worked at the paper from 1978 to 1988 and then rejoined the staff in 1992, takes the title sections editor and will oversee the Today section and the sports section.

Hetzel lands general manager job 
with Kentucky Enquirer
Dennis R. Hetzel, former editor and publisher of the York Daily Record, has been named general manager for The Kentucky Enquirer, a daily published by the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Hetzel was PNA's vice chairman/ dailies and had served previously as chairman of the association's government affairs committee. He received the 2002 Benjamin Franklin Award for journalistic excellence from the PNA.  Hetzel left the York Daily Record in May as the paper was sold to MediaNews Group of Denver.

Gazette names assistant editor
The Indiana Gazette has named Elaine Jacobs an assistant managing editor. 

Her position as one of two assistant managing editors at the Gazette is a new one, following other newsroom changes, according to representatives of the paper.

Jacobs, 33, a native of the area, joined the Gazette in 2001 as a staff writer. She had previously spent seven years in public relations with a local hospital. 

Steele promoted to NIE/community services manager in Lancaster
Ann Marie Steele has been promoted to newspaper in education/community services manager at Lancaster Newspapers Inc., the company that publishes the Lancaster New Era, Lancaster Sunday News and the Intelligencer Journal. 

Levine leaves Tribune-Democrat
David M. Levine, editor of The (Johnstown) Tribune-Democrat for more than seven years, has left the paper.

Publisher Chris Voccio said a team of editors, including Deputy Editor Arlene Johns and Managing Editor Sean Roane, will lead the newsroom until a new editor is named. 

Seeking your help in business development
Mid-Atlantic Newspaper Services Inc., the for-profit arm of the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association, is seeking the help of member newspapers in developing new business.

What types of accounts would you like MANSI to go after in placing ads in your newspaper?  

The MANSI staff would like to hear from PNA members as we continue to serve you through advertising placement services.

Please call Lisa Knight, sales manager, at (717) 703-3043 or send her an e-mail.  

Introducing Elissa Doyle, PNA's newest staff member
Elissa Doyle joined the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association this week as the assistant director of meetings and conventions.

Look for Elissa at upcoming PNA events, including the Annual Convention, the Pennsylvania Press Conference, Classified Advertising Sales Workshop, the Display Advertising Conference, America East and the Government Affairs Conference.

Elissa will primarily be responsible for the Classified Sales Workshop, Display Advertising Conference and Print Quality Contest as well as assisting with our other conferences. You may reach her at (717) 703-3059 or by email at elissad@pa-news.org.

Members needed for committee serving legal community, press
The Bar/Press Committee, a committee of the Pennsylvania Bar Association, is seeking additional members from the media. Any reporter, editor or publisher who has any interest in serving on the committee, please contact Teri Henning at (717) 703-3076 or terih@pa-news.org.

Please click here for more information on the committee and its role.

Browse the 'From the Hotline' Archive
Teri Henning will return next week with a new question. Use this link to visit the Headlines & Deadlines page which groups and archives Teri Henning's weekly 'From the Hotline' columns. 

[HOTLINE ARCHIVE]

Get those entries in for the 2004 Classified Advertising Contest!
PNA recently mailed information on the 2004 Classified Advertising Contest to all members. This annual contest rewards the best use and promotion of classified advertising. Winners are compiled in an “Idea Book” sure to inspire your staff to boost classified revenues.

The awards banquet will be held at the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel, Scranton, Oct. 5 during the Classified Sales Workshop. Please mark your calendar and be sure to get your entries in soon. 

The contest deadline to enter is Aug. 2 so please don't wait. Click here for contest details.

If you need registration material or have any questions please contact Tracy Metz at 717-703-3003 or tracym@pa-news.org.  

Have your top carriers entered the 'Carrier of the Year' competition? July 22 is the deadline for nominations
Hurry, there is still time to enter your newspaper carrier in the 2004 Outstanding Newspaper Carrier of the Year Contest!!

For 45 years, this popular statewide program has helped newspapers recognize their top newspaper carriers -- the first line of defense in the battle for great customer service. 

First, second and third place winners receive saving bonds and plaques. Fourth and fifth place winners receive framed certificates. The awards presentation will be held Wed., Oct. 27, at the Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel, Pittsburgh. 

What a nice way to acknowledge your newspaper carriers for their hard work! Please send in your carrier nominations by July 22. Don't miss this chance to show your appreciation! 

For further information please call Tracy Metz at 717-703-3003 or e-mail tracym@pa-news.org. 

PA Bar Association accepting entries for Schnader Print Media Awards
The Pennsylvania Bar Association is now accepting entries for the annual William A. Schnader Print Media Awards Competition. First and second place winners receive cash prizes. 

Awards are presented for beat coverage (with two circulation divisions for dailies, beat coverage for weeklies) and for special reports or series.

These awards, funded by the law firm of Schnader Harrison Segal & Lewis LLP, recognize journalists who foster greater public understanding of the legal system and disclose practices needing correction or improvement as to encourage and promote efforts to improve and modernize our laws, courts or law enforcement agencies statewide.

[CLICK FOR CONTEST RULES]

[CLICK TO DOWNLOAD AN ENTRY FORM]

AP plans its first blog to cover party conventions
The Associated Press is debuting its first blog at the political conventions in Boston and New York, starring Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Walter R. Mears. 

Mears will pair with Washington reporter Nancy Benac to provide running commentary, insight and news tidbits from the Democratic and Republican conventions. Mears and Benac bring a deep knowledge of politics and conventions to the blog. Mears has reported from every convention since 1964 and Benac has covered 10 conventions.They will be assisted by political databank editor Sam Hananel. 

blog@ap.org will be available to subscribers to AP's premium election services, AP Politics and AP Election Online.