eChaser: February 2011 / p3

GFW PRSA member Dave Hogan, APR, a journalism and mass communication instructor at Abilene Christian University, recently had a bylined article published in PR News. The story discussed results of the recent student competition sponsored by the Texas Public Relations Association. Hogan serves on TPRA’s board of directors and coordinated the competition. Baylor University and ACU are among the schools that won awards.

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PRESIDENT’S COLUMN

Carol Murray, APR, Greater Fort Worth PRSA

Ever since the 2011 Super Bowl was awarded to Cowboys Stadium back in May 2007, we’ve heard little else. It seems every organization south of the Red River has been working to make sure the Metroplex shines in its role as super host. The energy and resources that have gone into this effort, and the collaborative manner in which our cities and businesses have worked together, has been amazing.

Even more impressive is the work being done by the public relations professionals from these organizations. As the representative for one of Fort Worth’s public attractions, I’ve had the honor to be involved in some of these planning meetings with a veritable Who’s Who in PR. Representatives from all of the major cities, law and fire departments, health organizations, chambers and visitors’ bureaus, airports and public transportation providers, museums and tourism partners, public improvement districts, code enforcement offices, even neighborhood associations — they’ve all been at the table. The result is a massive body of work, including a detailed communications plan, a comprehensive list of contacts, media and event directories, story suggestions, key messages, web pages and apps, and, perhaps the most helpful, a handy business card with emergency phone numbers. To say this group is prepared is an understatement.

Kudos to the hundreds of PRSA members and communications professionals involved in this endeavor. I have no doubt our region will look great on the world stage, regardless of the game’s outcome.

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PRESIDENT’S COLUMN

Laura Hanna, IABC Fort Worth

There’s a lot more to February than Valentine’s Day. It is the month when IABC Fort Worth kicks into high gear, starting with preparations for the annual Bronze Quill awards, the only professional competition in Tarrant County for communicators. Board member Tim Tune is heading this year’s BQ venture, taking over for Betsy Deck, who did a beyond-superb job for several years.

The award ceremony will be in June, but it’s not too early to begin thinking about entries. This is your big chance to receive well-deserved recognition for the outstanding work you do.

Out at Texas Wesleyan University, momentum is building with our student chapter. The students are eager to participate in upcoming projects, including this year’s scholarship competition. Selection criteria are being finalized, under the guidance of immediate past president Cheryl Hart. The students also benefit from working with mentors, in group or one-on-one settings. Consider how you can help a budding communications superstar get started.

On to lunch. For February, Drew Myers, the director of business development for JODesign, will discuss “Pointless Storytelling,” or how to tell your stories in an engaging manner. Make reservations at iabcfortworth.com for this can’t-miss program.

Things are happening at IABC Fort Worth. We are the perfect place to share your passion for your profession. Why not join today?

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OVER & OUT

John Dycus, Fort Worth SPJ

U.S. print and broadcast journalists between the ages of 21 and 37 have until March 1 to apply for a two-month professional exchange program in Germany. Successful applicants will spend August and September living, working and reporting for their home and host news organizations from across the Atlantic. Ten U.S. journalists are each granted a $3,800 living stipend while they are abroad, with an additional $1,200 for domestic airfare to Washington and international airfare to Germany. Visit the Arthur F. Burns Fellowship website or e- burns@icfj.org. ...

Deadline is March 1 to apply to be a fellow of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. The recipient will write, edit and design for RCFP publications and its website, and will audit a college-level course on the First Amendment and media law. Applicants must have at least three years experience as a reporter, editor and designer for print or online publications and a strong interest in free press issues. Info here. ...

Studio SPJ, a new members-only series of half-hour internet radio programs hosted by SPJ national secretary-treasurer John Ensslin, features authors and newsmakers and comes with a companion blog, Liner Notes. The show’s first episode featured author Dave Phillips on his new book, “Lethal Warriors: When the New Band of Brothers Came Home.” Go here and here. ...

Public Radio International, the Center for Public Integrity and Global Integrity are collaborating on a high-profile project to rate each state’s risk for corruption. The effort represents the first in-depth, data-driven account of government transparency and anti-corruption mechanisms in all 50 states, using on-the-ground reporting, data analysis and citizen engagement. The project is hiring reporters on a $5,000 stipend and will require part-time work between April and December. Info here.

Headlines that caught my eye. Helen Thomas, her life and times: SPJ board of directors retires the Helen Thomas Lifetime Achievement Award. • Ex-SPJ president Tatum blasts SPJ. • Scheer decries “road-rage destruction” of Thomas. • She’s back. • from Fort Worth SPJ’s Paul LaRocque: “In case you have not followed the comments, here’s the SPJ blog in which executive director Joe Skeel explains and others comment. I imagine the topic will be discussed at the next national convention. Some are seeking to rescind the board action and reinstate the award.” ... Average global land and sea surface temperatures are the hottest since analysis began in January 1854. ... 123 U.S. lawmakers intend to block EPA from updating Clean Air Act. ... Advertising returns (except newspapers). ... Survival blueprint for newspapers. ... What happens to print journalists after they lose their jobs? ... Media Daily: Anti-neutrality bill would strip FCC’s power over Internet. ... Texas reporters take gun class for Capitol “express lane” privilege. ... Jon Stewart: America’s leading journalist? ... The Texas Tribune: East Texans’ bad health and bad habits promote a Stroke Belt. ... The demise of “Lean Dean” Singleton and the rise of private equity. ... The best in long-form journlism. ... Net neutrality: the latest. ... Newspaper sites generate big traffic in Q4. ... Brodsky: Obama tech plans at risk from FCC and GOP Congress. ... Potty-trained pigs could save Taiwan tons of water each day.

Closing words: “Life is easy to chronicle, but bewildering to practice.” — novelist and essayist E.M. Forster, who also said, “Death destroys a man, but the idea of death saves him.”