Greetings Region 11! It's been a busy few weeks, what with the amazing Region 11 Conference in Phoenix to the SPJ Centennial Celebration in Greencastle, In.
Region 11 Conference
The regional conference this year was led by Mark Scarp (aka Mr. SPJ). Mark and his team of pros and students from the Phoenix area did an amazing job of creating an inspirational and educational experience. Three cheers for all of their hard work!
SPJ Centennial Celebration
April 17 was 100 years to the day of the founding of SPJ (Sigma Delta Chi). I was lucky enough to experience a celebration of SPJ's 100th birthday. Did you miss the celebration? I've posted my photos from Greencastle and the Centennial here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sonyanews/sets/72157617015892007/
SPJ Spring Board of Directors Meeting
Here's a recap of the actions our national board took during the spring board meeting. E-mail me at sonyanews@mac.com if you have any questions.
Budget - The board approved a budget that spends about $1.6 million and
projects a $30,000 surplus at the end of the year. We have added categories to
the Mark of Excellence Awards in hopes of adding entries. Quill magazine will be
printed six times instead of nine, saving about $40,000
We are also going to
replace the roof at the headquarters in Indianapolis, sharing the cost with the
SDX Foundation. Revenue projections are based on membership levels of 8,200. We
are at 8,500 this week. Membership is about 32 percent of our revenue.
New chapters - The board admitted five new chapters to the Society. This is very exciting. Please welcome Angelo State, Butler University, Harding University, Northern Kentucky University and Western Michigan University campus chapters.
Relief for laid off journalists - The board approved a six-month extension for existing members who have lost their jobs. The offer is good for the next year. This will help journalists who have been laid off to maintain their SPJ memberships while they transition to their next job. Quill will be sent digitally to members who apply for this option. Look for more details in the coming weeks.
2010 Convention - We are going to Las Vegas. We had a successful convention their in 2005 and we plan to return in 2010. The convention will probably take place in early October. The board also considered New Orleans. Hotel rates are expected to be under $150 a night. The conference was originally schedule for New York in 2010 but the board rescinded that when it became clear travel and hotel costs would be too expensive for members.
2011 Convention - SPJ plans to pursue the concept of a joint convention with
the Radio Television News Directors Association in 2011. Both organizations have
a goal of creating a giant professional development conference that might some
day include additional partners. The partnership provides the opportunity for
more participants, better room and meal rates. It also ends the need to compete
for speakers, fundraising and attendance with another large organization.
It
is important to note that both organizations will keep any traditions they have
in this new setup. We would still have the President’s Installation Dinner, the
LDF auction and the Mark of Excellence Awards. Our business meetings would still
be conducted.
The board rescinded its plan to have the convention in San
Francisco in 2011 so it could work on a location that is suitable for both SPJ
and RTNDA.
Fairness Doctrine - The board took a position in opposition to the Fairness
Doctrine. No bill exists but there has been discussion. The organization opposes
government intervention in speech and journalism ethics. A number of people have
been contacting us asking what our position is on this issue. We will post a
statement on the web site next week. The Fairness Doctrine was originally put in
place in 1949 and required anyone with a broadcasting license to provide both
sides of any controversial issue. The FCC repealed it in 1987.
We believe
that the Fairness Doctrine is an attempt to regulate speech.
Branding statement - The Public Outreach committee was asked to recommend a
branding statement that can be used as a slogan internally and externally. The
board approved the slogan, “Fighting for your right to know, one story at a
time.”
This will complement and not replace the “Improving and Protecting
Journalism” that is now being used. It will start gradually making its way onto
our promotional materials during the next few weeks.
Chapter reports - A recommendation to put before the delegates a plan to remove from the bylaws the annual report requirement was rejected. The regional directors are working on improving the current system to rate student and campus chapters.
Shield law - SPJ has scheduled July 13-15 as its annual trip to Washington D.C. to talk to congress about issues important to journalists. More information will come out later on how board members and committee leaders can take part if they are interested.
Improved digital communications - The Digital Media Committee recommended SPJ improve its blog system, engage more in social networking opportunities and put all digital tools in one place on the web site. All of these things are in the process of happening in the next year.
Strategic plan - The board is still committed to the strategic plan approved
in 2007. It met for about an hour Saturday to talk about the nest steps in
meeting the goals of the plan.