Government Affairs Conference: What's Up At The Capitol These Days?
Jan. 31-Feb. 1, The Hilton Harrisburg and Towers
Time is running out to plan on attending this year's Government Affairs Conference, and we're hoping the array of policy and political topics will tempt you to attend.

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City of Hazleton seeks Times Leader suit dismissal
The city of Hazleton on Jan. 9 filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the (Wilkes-Barre) Times Leader.

The city claims that the newspaper "failed to exhaust all administrative remedies" when trying to obtain the names of donors to the city's legal defense fund. The fund was set up to cover expenses from a lawsuit challenging the city's Illegal Immigration Relief Act.

The newspaper in October requested information on the defense fund, including donor names. The city provided only the amount of each donation, and the town from which it was sent.

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Inquirer owner to reinstate diversity committee
In response to complaints by staffers at The Inquirer that the newsroom lost a disproportionate number of minority journalists in layoffs earlier this month, publisher Brian Tierney agreed Jan. 16 to reinstate a diversity committee that he said previous management had allowed to lapse.

But Tierney and Inquirer editor William K. Marimow, who met Jan. 16 with members of an ad hoc group of staff members protesting the cuts, said they could not promise to meet another of its goals: rescinding some of the layoffs.

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Phila. newspapers owner reviewing real estate holdings
Brian Tierney, chief executive of Philadelphia Media Holdings, said the company hired a real estate firm months ago to evaluate its assets, including the 82-year-old landmark that houses The Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News.

The review encompasses real estate holdings the company owns or leases. While no property is off limits, Tierney said there's a "very small chance" that the iconic building would be sold.

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'Brighter Pennsylvania': Open government is a priority!
Open records are a hot topic right now from federal government down to local school boards. Don't let policy makers forget about the public's right to know.
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From the Hotline:
Is there an exemption in the fair housing laws that permits religious organizations to discriminate based on religion when seeking tenants for properties that are owned by that religious organization?

PNA's legal team answers this question.

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Use this link to visit the Headlines & Deadlines page which groups and archives Teri Henning's weekly 'From the Hotline' columns. 

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The Ridgway Record hires new editor, advertising manager
The Ridgway Record would like to announce the promotion of Kristal Oknefski to editor of The Ridgway Record and Krista Zameroski to advertising manager for The Ridgway Record/Shop-Right The Ultimate Shopper.

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Ex-'Inky' editor Amanda Bennett to join Bloomberg News
Amanda Bennett, who left the Philadelphia Inquirer in November after three years as the paper's top editor, has been named executive editor in charge of enterprise stories at Bloomberg News overseeing a staff of more than 150 people.

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Nutting to take over as Pittsburgh Pirates' owner
Pirates chairman of the board Robert Nutting will replace Kevin McClatchy as controlling owner of the team. McClatchy, who headed the group that bought the team before the 1996 season, will remain chief executive officer and in control of the club's day-to-day operations.

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KBA North America announces staff appointments
KBA North America has announced the following sales staff changes, effective immediately:

Heinz Schmid assumes the position of senior vice president, web press sales. Gary Owen has been appointed vice president, sales and communications newspapers – regional. Bruce Richardson and Steve Brown have become sales managers, East and West, respectively.

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Keystone Press Awards deadline approaching
If you haven't entered the 2007 Keystone Press Awards yet, what are you waiting for? The deadline for entries is Jan. 26. The professional awards are presented at the Pennsylvania Press Conference. The scholastic and collegiate awards are presented at the America East Newspaper Operations and Technology Conference.

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Best Practices in Growing Readership -- Hershey
Wednesday, March 14, 10:30am-11:45am -- Part of America East
The PNA Foundation's Youth & New Readership Committee (YNRC) is inviting you to attend the Best Practices in Readership session at America East. Moderated by the American Press Institute, discussion will focus on a select group of entries from the 2006 Reader Initiative Awards which exemplify a diverse and innovative best practices compilation for growing readership.

The YNRC felt a discussion focusing on entries from the Reader Initiative Awards would be a natural choice for this year's readership session. There will be a display in the lobby area at America East showcasing all of the 2006 RIA entries. Stop by and review all the contributions toward best practices in growing readership contributions.

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Internet leadership award nominations still being sought!
Thought it was too late to enter for the John Fisher Internet Vision Recognition Award? Think again! The deadline for this award, which recognizes leadership of Web site and Internet services and growth, has been extended to Jan. 29.

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Co-op opportunities needed
Students from National Technical Institute for the Deaf, a college of Rochester Institute of Technology, are seeking co-op opportunities at Pennsylvania newspapers. The students’ training is very hands-on and is focused on the goal of becoming graphic design technicians or media production technicians. Graduates are well-prepared for jobs in newspapers, printing and publishing. Hiring deaf or hard-of-hearing co-op students or permanent employees adds diversity to your workforce.

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Apply for your 2007 Pennsylvania Press Pass!
It's 2007, do you have your new Press Pass? All member media personnel including freelancers are eligible to apply for this personalized press credential.

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Feb. 7: Math for Journalists -- Harrisburg
For those who never thought they'd use math in the real world, here's a hint: unfortunately it's everywhere. Learn the math you need to do your job.

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Feb. 23: Virtual Newsroom/Participatory Journalism -- Harrisburg
More and more people are getting news on the Web. Learn to open up your newsroom to readers through online-provided content.

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