NewsBeat

2 NewsBeat March 2016 PA NY NewsBeat A NEWSLETTER FOR NEW YORK'S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS Published by the New York Press Association 621 Columbia Street Ext., Suite 100, Cohoes, NY 12047 518.464.6483 • 518.464.6489 fax • www.nynewspapers.com Executive Editor — Michelle K. Rea Layout & Design — Rich Hotaling C L I P & S A V E Mark your calendar Thursday, April 7, 2016 NYPA/NYPS Boards of Directors Meetings NYPA Foundation Board of Directors Meeting Gideon Putnam Hotel, Saratoga Springs, NY Friday & Saturday, April 8 & 9, 2016 NYPA Spring Convention and Tradeshow Gideon Putnam Hotel, Saratoga Springs, NY Friday, June 10, 2016 NYPA/NYPS Board of Directors Meetings NYPA Foundation Board of Directors Meeting Straus News, 333 Seventh Ave. (6th flr.), NYC Thursday, September 15, 2016 NYPA/NYPS Boards of Directors Meetings NYPA Foundation Board of Directors Meeting Omni Parker House 60 School Street, Boston, MA Friday & Saturday, September 16 & 17, 2016 NYPA Fall Convention Omni Parker House 60 School Street, Boston, MA Friday, November 11, 2016 NYPA/NYPS Board of Directors Meetings NYPA Foundation Board of Directors Meeting Straus News, 333 Seventh Ave. (6th flr.), NYC ith wide eyes, the high school freshman looked at me and I asked him the question that I had asked all the other kids last week at Career Day at one of our local high schools. "What made you walk into a room to learn about the profession of journalism?" "I love to write, but I'm really thinking about being a photojournalist," he said. "Why?" I asked. "Because I really want to tell the story," was his response. A total of 21 kids came to my sessions on journalism. Some were there because they were required to go to something, but most were there because there is still a romantic passion among kids for reporting. They knew about Ferguson and Dannemora as well as some of our larger local stories. They were able to picture themselves there, asking the questions, writing the copy, shooting the photos, telling the stories. Youngsters provide hope for journalism's future W By DAVID TYLER — President, NYPA Board of Directors Many who joined me wrote for the student newspaper. They love the experience, as well as the recognition they receive when their friends see their names in print. One girl told me she had been in my newspaper twice. "Me too," another chimed in. "My grandmother sent in a photo of me at a figure skating competition." I told them that one of our most important roles is to provide recognition for the extraordinary people in our somewhat ordinary community. We talked about the phrase "refrigerator journalism" and they laughed because some of their own pictures on yellowing newsprint were held tight by magnets to their refrigerator doors. I left feeling good about the future and the possibilities that exist for these kids. There's no question that the profession and options available to them will continue to evolve. But it's good to see a group of bright kids "who really want to tell the story." It gives me hope that our industry will be in good hands in the future. It's the best bargain in professional development, and it's coming up quickly. For as little as $49, you and your fellow staffers can choose 8 of 64 professional development sessions, meet with trade show vendors that can reinvigorate your business, and hear Preet Bharara, the U.S. attorney who brought down the heads of both houses of state government on corruption charges. That's a great deal! Convention deadline nears I believe this year will mark my 20th year attending the New York Press Association Spring Convention. In each of the previous 19, I've returned home inspired by the work of publishers from across the state, reinvigorated by the energy and ideas of the speakers, and awed by the dedication of NYPA's management and staff. The deadline is approaching quickly, so don't miss out!

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