Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas update: The U.S. Supreme Court on March 25 refused to hear an appeal challenging the Texas Open Meetings Act, keeping intact the law that bans government officials from talking business in informal settings. Officials from 15 cities in Texas challenged the law in 2009, saying they supported open government but that the law banned such behavior as simply talking to a colleague about a matter on a city meeting agenda. The 1967 law prohibits a quorum of members of a governmental body from deliberating in secret; violations are punishable by up to six months in jail and a $500 fine. A U.S. district judge ruled against the cities in 2011, prompting an appeal to the New Orleans-based 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. A three-judge panel of the federal appeals court unanimously ruled last year that the law promotes the disclosure of speech and does not restrict it. FOIFT board member Joe Larsen said the plaintiffs’ arguments “turned the First Amendment on its head, claiming officeholders’ freedom of speech was an argument to shut the public out of deliberations of their governmental bodies instead of recognizing that the First Amendment requires reasonable access.”

=======================================================

PEOPLE & PLACES

The UTA Shorthorn is one of  six college newspapers nationwide to receive the Gold Crown, the Columbia Scholastic Press Association’s highest award, in the new “Hybrid Publication” (print and online) category. The award was announced during the Spring National College Media Convention in New York City. Shorthorn editor Natalie Webster and features editor Shelly Williams represented the paper at the convention.
 
=======================================================

GET A JOB

A major IT company needs writers who can interview subject matter experts in Chinese and Japanese languages, then write case studies and client success stories in English based on the interviews. This has the potential to be a long-term relationship with multiple projects. Contact Virginia Brooks, virginia@brooksandassociatespr.com, 214-299-8512. ...

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in Little Rock, the 25th-largest daily newspaper in the U.S., seeks an entry-level night news copy editor with a bachelor’s degree in journalism or related field and at least one year at a daily paper. Send résumé, job references and examples of headlines and editing to news editor Sandra Tyler, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock 72203, styler@arkansasonline.com. ...

Demand Media Studios needs copy editors to edit articles for its network of popular sites on everything from business, careers and culture to fitness, garden and health to style, tech and travel. Two years of editorial experience required, plus a copy editing test and a subject matter test. Info here. ...

The Dallas Business Journal is hiring reporters. Knowledge of business is a plus, along with using social media to source and promote content. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required. Send cover letter, three clips and résumé to applydallas@bizjournals.com. Include the text of your cover letter as the body of your e-mail and attach the résumé. ...

The Associated Press seeks a politics and government reporter for its Washington, D.C., location. Qualifications: two or more years covering politics at a state level, national politics or Washington and government; a demonstrated understanding of the nexus between campaigning and governing; a familiarity with Congress, the White House and the relationship between the two. Apply here. ...  

The Midland Reporter-Telegram seeks a versatile features reporter, possibly an entry-level candidate. Ability to work on web projects and speak Spanish are pluses. Send clips and résumé to features editor Megan Buck, mbuck@mrt.com, 201 E. Illinois Ave., Midland, Texas, 79701. ...

Politico seeks an experienced journalist to edit and help direct coverage of technology policy. Send cover letter, résumé and contact information for three references to employment@politico.com, subject line: Deputy Tech Editor.

=======================================================

NEW AND RETURNING MEMBERS

SPJ ... Elizabeth Simnacher, Elizabeth Simnacher Co.

=======================================================

PRESIDENT’S COLUMN
Chris Smith, Greater Fort Worth PRSA

The Worthy Awards gained great momentum in just their second year, as committee chair and board director Margaret Ritsch, APR, shared the news post-deadline about the number of entries impressively surpassing established goals.

“It’s already clear that the Worthy Awards have become a very competitive contest,” she said. “Clearly, the market was ripe for a new awards program for public relations professionals in North Texas.” Success may also be partially attributed to the 2011 folding of the Texas Public Relations Association, which also held an annual awards competition.

In any case, you won’t want to miss the presentation of these awards honoring Fort Worth’s most inspiring, influential and innovative communicators. Plan to attend our Worthy Awards Gala, April 25 at the Fort Worth Club. Tickets are going fast, so visit the website now to register.

In other news, do you know what APR stands for? The Associated Press abbreviation for April? Annual percentage rate? Accreditation in Public Relations? American Poetry Review? Actually, it’s all of the above, but for public relations practitioners the third answer is the most relevant.

APR hails as a mark of distinction for public relations professionals who demonstrate broad knowledge, strategic perspective and sound personal judgment. Veterans say you become more marketable and earn higher pay with an APR. See if it’s so April 10 when we shine a light on the benefits of earning the prestigious credential. This month’s program will feature APR Committee co-chairs Sandra Brodnicki, APR, and Linda Jacobson, APR, plus others who have earned the APR or are going through the process.
 
Come hear what all the fuss is about and prepare to be enlightened. As always, right?

-----

OVER & OUT
John Dycus, Fort Worth SPJ

Fine job, Rebecca Aguilar, on the interview/profile/video with Dallas Morning News Mexico bureau chief Alfredo Corchado, discussing his book, “Midnight in Mexico: A Reporter’s Journey Through a Country’s Descent into Darkness,” at the March SPJ meeting. ...

Can it be 10 years already? The chapter’s 10th annual First Amendment Awards and Scholarship Dinner, a magical night of just a little pomp and much circumstance, will be Friday, April 19, at Cacharel in Arlington. Go here to tell us you’re coming and here for a reminder why you should. ...

Several scholarships are available for members who want to attend Excellence in Journalism 2013 (EIJ13). SPJ will select up to five Terry Harper Memorial Scholarship winners, six Diversity Leadership Fellows and one student recipient of the Robert D.G. Lewis First Amendment Award. Each scholarship covers conference registration and some travel, in addition to perqs that vary by award. Application deadline is April 29. Direct questions to Lauren Rochester at awards@spj.org.
 

Closing words: “To play it safe is not to play.” — film director Robert Altman

Closing words II, the GOP on science, “leadership” in quotes division: “The best thing about the Earth is if you poke holes in it oil and gas come out.” — Rep. Steve Stockman, R-Texas’ 36th District



Get the 2013 Media Directory
the LaRocque Family catalog ...
news/views
CBS News    CBS 11    WFAA-TV    CNN

the industry / tools of the trade

organizations

antidote

send additions for the list to:
Screen Shot 2012-12-10 at 11.23.54 AM.png
Screen Shot 2012-12-10 at 11.23.54 AM.png
Screen Shot 2012-12-10 at 11.23.07 AM.png
Screen Shot 2012-12-10 at 11.22.51 AM.png