Philly Inquirer, Daily News work with Dunkin' Donuts to boost single copy sales
In single copy sales, you need to be where the people are and this means being in as many venues as possible, preferably early morning stops if you’re a morning newspaper.

In the Philadelphia Media Holdings, LLC market, there are over 260 Dunkin’ Donuts. A year ago, the Philadelphia papers, The Philadelphia Inquirer (daily and Sunday) and the Philadelphia Daily News, were available only through vending boxes, but thanks to the effort of George Price, Regional Retail Sales Manager, and Jackie Keown, Central Atlantic marketing manager for Dunkin Donuts, the papers are accessible today in over 60 area Dunkin’ Donuts.

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Judge dismisses libel suit against Erie Times-News
A federal judge has dismissed a libel lawsuit that Pittsburgh lawyer Joseph Hudak filed against the Erie Times-News and two of its employees.

The newspaper published five stories about Mr. Hudak in 2005 and 2006 after he was arrested and charged with "theft by unlawful taking." The Erie district attorney alleged that Mr. Hudak took money from clients but failed to deliver promised legal services.

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Morning Call's new boss stops in to chat with 'partners'
Employees of The (Allentown) Morning Call clapped and cheered on the afternoon of Jan. 16, after Sam Zell, the new top boss of the newspaper's Chicago parent company, laid out an optimistic vision of growth for an industry others have written off as dying.

In December the 66-year-old real estate mogul closed the $8.2 billion deal that put him in control of Tribune Co., one of the country's largest media companies. His Lehigh Valley visit was part of a two-day tour of Tribune newspapers in the Northeast.

He called for decentralizing Tribune management and putting ''responsibility and authority in individual business units.''

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PASSOPENRECORDS.ORG: Blog for open records!

Patriot-News: House gets open records bill
Legislation intended to make state government more transparent is before the state House of Representatives.

The House could vote as early as Monday, Feb. 4, on a bill that would revise the state's 51-year-old open records law, widely regarded as one of the country's weakest. The Senate gave unanimous approval Wednesday, Jan. 30, to its open records legislation.

That bill, however, faces a difficult passage in the House, according to sources.

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For more open records editorials, visit: passopenrecords.org

From the Legal Hotline:
Does Pennsylvania have a law governing the advertising and sale of firewood? Does the law require firewood to be sold in cords or can it be sold by "racks" or "truck loads?"

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Use this link to visit the PNA Legal Department's archive of "From the Legal Hotline" columns.  

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America East Newspaper Operations and Technology Conference
March 10-12
The Hershey Lodge and Convention Center
Hershey, Pa.
Our e-Edge Conference sessions are better than ever. You can find the latest and most valuable information on how to use the Internet to your newspaper’s best advantage.

Various sessions are offered, including “Peek Under the Hood" on March 10. What are other mediums doing to successfully attract business to their sites? What do we as newspaper executives need to do in order to stay competitive and get ahead? This panel will provide “insider information” from representatives of radio, broadcast and newspapers and will invoke a lively discussion in the most competitive spirit.

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Foundation Update: Looking for multimedia training?
The Foundation recently hired a multimedia consultant/digital journalism specialist to help move us into the 22nd Century. Robb Montgomery, CEO and Founder of www.VisualEditors.com, will offer his expertise in several areas, namely training and social networking.

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NIE and the 2008 election
Perfect timing for the primaries and election of 2008! Start planning now to ensure your teachers take advantage of this important event with great NIE educational materials.

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Networking reception: Create new partnerships, seize new opportunities
Please join us for a mixer to bring together Pennsylvania newspaper professionals and journalism students and advisers for an evening of networking hosted by the PNA Foundation and selected Pennsylvania college newspapers. Here are four networking opportunities:

Thursday, Feb. 28
PNA headquarters, Harrisburg
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Tuesday, April 1
Saint Joseph's University, Philadelphia
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Wednesday, April 9
Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana
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Thursday, April 10
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, Mansfield
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March 10-11: Video: Beyond the Basics - Hershey
Do you use video to cover stories on a day-to-day basis? Are you comfortable using a video camera but aren't taking advantage of all its bells and whistles? Go from good to great after taking this hands-on course in video.

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March 12: Clear Sound: Getting Great Sound for Your Online Multimedia - Hershey
The Internet has helped stories come alive for readers, and one of the most important factors in digital journalism is quality sound production.

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March 27: Online Streetfighter Workshop - Harrisburg
Hey, ad reps! Learn how to maximize your online ad revenue from Mike Blinder, a worldwide online sales guru.

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March 28: PNA On the Road - Butler
Join us for a day devoted to advertising and revenue generation. Register now to hear PNA's knowledgeable staff talk about legal issues, advertising strategy and the inside scoop on media buyers.

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April 10: PSNE Weekly Renewal Workshop
Weeklies aren't dailies, so why report the same way? Celebrate the differences and make your weekly shine.

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Reg requires media to wear safety vests
A Federal Highway Administration regulation that takes effect later this year appears to require members of the news media to wear high-visibility safety apparel when covering events on federally supported highways. The regulation, published at 71 Federal Register 67792, requires, "All workers within the right-of-way of a Federal-aid highway who are exposed either to traffic (vehicles using the highway for purposes of travel) or to construction equipment within the work area shall wear high-visibility safety apparel."

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Two groups of editors pen strong complaints about new AP fees, other practices
Many editors from Boston to San Diego are protesting a string of Associated Press practices, from new fee structures to news coverage practices, according to a pair of strong letters sent to AP executives in recent weeks.

The letters were, in part, a response to an AP rate structure change announced last summer that will take effect in 2009. The new structure, in essence, allows for more flexibility in service, according to AP, which says it will allow new a la carte services and a decrease or unchanged cost for most newspapers.

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