Hugh Downs to speak at Arizona Town Hall fall luncheon

Television today bears little resemblance to the fledgling communications vehicle that existed in 1945, the year Hugh Downs made his TV debut from the still experimental studio of WBKB-TV now WBBM-TV Chicago. The remarkable evolution of that medium, as well as the myriad others Americans consume daily, will be the focus of Downs’ presentation, “Changes in the Media,” during the Arizona Town Hall’s Fall Luncheon, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, at the Wyndham Phoenix Downtown, 50 E. Adams St. His talk will incorporate the impact media has on our community, policies and its other influences.

It was 26 years ago that Downs first gained recognition from the Guinness Book of World Records as holding the record for the greatest number of hours on commercial network television. Although his broadcast career has spanned more than six decades, he is probably best known as the Emmy Award-winning co-anchor of the ABC News’ “20/20,” a primetime news magazine program (where he was paired with Barbara Walters), from the show’s second episode in 1978 until his retirement in 1999.

A longtime Valley resident, Downs is the author of 12 books. In recognition of Downs’ impact on the field of communication, Arizona State University is home to the Hugh Downs School of Human Communication.

Prior to the luncheon featuring Downs, a special silent auction will be held to benefit the ongoing work of the Arizona Town Hall. The luncheon will be a part of A Day of Civic Action with other Arizona organizations and will coincide with the National Conference on Citizenship.

Luncheon tickets are $125. Contact Tara Jackson at 602-252-9600 or visit http://www.aztownhall.org/FallLuncheon2011.asp.

Don’t Miss the 7th Annual Publicity Summit

These days a journalist’s time is more precious than ever. Once again, we’re holding the one event that can result in less wasted time for both journalists and PR professionals: The 7th annual Publicity Summit.

What is the Publicity Summit?
The 7th annual Publicity Summit will bring journalists and public relations people together to share information and to offer better ways to pitch story ideas to journalists. Co-sponsored by the local chapters of the Society of Professional Journalists and the Public Relations Society of America, this interactive half-day event is structured with a light breakfast and networking, followed by breakout panel sessions (for radio, television, online media and print), lunch and one-on-one speed pitching. An updated list of the media professionals in attendance is available on the Phoenix PRSA website.

Sounds great. When is it?
The summit will be 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6.

Where is the Publicity Summit?
We’re meeting in the Memorial Union at Arizona State University in Tempe. Visitor parking is free on Saturdays in the Apache Blvd Parking Garage.

How much does this workshop cost?
Advance registration is available for $100 for non-profits or PRSSA students, $125 for PRSA members and $150 for non-members. Walk-in rates are $105 for non-profits or PRSSA students, $130 for PRSA members and $155 for non-members. Note: RSVPs that are no-shows will be charged. Register at the Phoenix PRSA website.

Should I live-Tweet during the event?
Absolutely! Just remember to use the Twitter hashtag #PRPubSum.

I still have more questions.
No problem! Just email Virginia Anderson at vanderson@c-k.com or Alison Bailin at abailin@hmapr.com and they’ll help you out.

Phoenix SPJ Announces Details for Annual Mixer

It is that time of year again where we gather to celebrate all things j-related, and also to (briefly) elect our board officers for the 2011-12 term. And as usual, we have no “challenged” seats, so it’s safe to say the elections will take less than a minute…but the revelry will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 21 at SunUp Brewing Co., 322 E. Camelback Road in Phoenix.

The chapter will splurge on some appetizers, but you are responsible for your own beverages. The festivities will be in the Brewer’s Den, which is the building on the other side of the outdoor patio area.

The slate of this year’s officers is below. So please come and congratulate them for another year of service to our Valley of the Sun board, enjoy some grub on us, discuss what’s happening in Valley media, offer up some program suggestions, or just brainstorm wacky headline ideas featuring the word “Weiner.” Guests are welcome. RSVPs appreciated (so we know how many appetizers to order) to teri@phoenixspj.org.

2011-12 Slate of Board Officer Candidates:

  • President: Teri Carnicelli, editor, North Central News
  • Vice President–Broadcast: Kelly Madison, KJZZ
  • Vice President-Print: Perri Collins, ANA
  • Recording Secretary: Debra Krol, Heard Museum
  • Communications Secretary: Tiffany Di Giacinto, SmarterTools
  • Treasurer: Paul Buser, editor, the Arizona Business Lawyer

 

Phoenix SPJ Seeks Board Members

A message from Phoenix SPJ Immediate Past President Mark Scarp:

In the 17 years I have served on the Valley of the Sun SPJ chapter board, I’ve seen many changes in both our national Society and our local chapter. Locally one of the biggest changes is the changing composition of our chapter board. People naturally come and go for a variety of reasons after their board service has ended. But as American journalism in the past two years has suffered greatly–and virtually none among us has been spared some form of suffering–so has the need to be there for the future of our profession. Journalism needs SPJ’s guiding principles and the eager hands and minds of its members more than ever.

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Journalism Jumpstart Workshop Series

The face of journalism is evolving faster than in any other time in history – are you prepared? Join Phoenix SPJ and the Rocky Mountain chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) in a series of six workshops designed to reinvent you and your career direction.

The workshops are free to SPJ and NATAS members, $10 to people who RSVP in advance and $15 at the door (cash only). Or you can purchase all six for $50 (or if you join either group in person at any one of the workshops you can get in all remaining workshops for free). Light desserts and beverages will also be provided courtesy of Media Watch AZ.

Workshop #4: Work from Home: Making a Living in the Freelance World

  • Date: Wednesday, October 20, 2010
  • Time: 7 to 9 p.m.
  • Location: Phoenix Fire Headquarters, 150 S. 12th St. in Phoenix
  • Details: Determine whether full-time freelance is the move for you and receive tips on how to start your own freelance business. The panelists will also offer crucial information about how to keep your business thriving and your editors happy.
  • Panelists: Elizabeth Exline, freelance writer with experience in public relations, custom publishing, management, marketing and online writing in addition to traditional print media; Marlene Montanez, freelance writer and blogger as well as freelance editor of West Valley Health & Living Magazine; and Kathleen Armentrout, editorial director of Gannett Magazine Group, which includes Your Health and Moms Like Me, as well as experienced custom and special interest publication pro.

Workshop #5: Tips and Training for Web and Broadcast Reporting

  • Date: Wednesday, November 3, 2010
  • Time: 7 to 9 p.m.
  • Location: Metro Studios, 9831 S. 51st St., Suite D-133, in Phoenix
  • Details: This seminar will provide live instruction to journalists on how to present to the camera for both web and broadcast reporting. Topic points to include the difference between live, recorded and web vs broadcast reporting. Kevin will provided instruction on package formats, file sizes that work best for web uploading and distribution.
  • Panelists: Kathy Kerschner spent 15 years in the media trenches asking the tough questions—now she’s teaching you how to answer them. In her workshops and seminars, Kathy likes to have fun, but she’s serious about helping you become a better communicator. Cary Pfeffer is founder and principal of ClearComm Consulting and 30-year broadcaster, reporter and newscaster. Kevin Jacobsen is the senior videographer and editor with Metro Studios and has 12 years experience.

Workshop #6: New Ethics for the New World of Media

  • Date: Tuesday, November 16, 2010
  • Time: 7 to 9 p.m.
  • Location: Metro Studios, 9831 S. 51st St., Suite D-133, in Phoenix
  • Details: Can we still apply professional ethical principles to the constant posting of news and information online? Is it sufficient to simply say, “Post it now; if it’s wrong, we’ll just update it”? News is moving faster and getting edited less than ever. Since credibility is the journalist’s only real selling point, learn how to be ethical, accurate and credible in this digital age.
  • Panelists: Two adjunct professors of journalism ethics at the Arizona State University Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, Richard Ruelas, feature writer for the Arizona Republic and former news columnist and Mark Scarp, formerly of the East Valley Tribune and currently membership coordinator for the Society of American Business Editors and Writers.

To RSVP for one or more seminar, please contact Alison Bailin Batz at abailin@hmapr.com. Seats are limited!

Journalism Jumpstart Workshop Series Sponsored by Media Watch AZ

Journalism Jumpstart Workshop Series Sponsored by Media Watch AZ

Clark retires for DNS; farewell event July 8

Lloyd Clark, founding secretary of the Valley of the Sun chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, is retiring from a long career as a columnist for the Daily News-Sun.

Clark will be signing copies of a book compilation of his columns at a special celebration in his honor, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Thursday, July 8, at the offices of the Daily News-Sun, 10102 Santa Fe Drive, in Sun City. It is located just north of Grand Avenue and West of 99th Ave. [See map.]

Refreshments will be served. The event is open to all. For more information, email pbruns@yourwestvalley.com or call 623-876-2572.