eChaser: June 2001


	Society of Professional Journalists, Fort Worth Professional Chapter Public Relations Society of America, Greater Fort Worth Chapter International Association of Business Communicators, Fort Worth Chapter eChaser archive [graphics format] June 2001 MEETINGS Next at IABC ... KXAS's Murray to Highlight Bronze Quill Luncheon NBC5 sports director Scott Murray will be the guest speaker at the annual IABC/Fort Worth Bronze Quill Awards presentation June 12. The area's top communicators will be presented awards at the luncheon. Entries will be on display. * Time & date: 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 12 * Place: Petroleum Club, Carter-Burgess Plaza, 777 Main St., 39th floor; garage is at Seventh and Commerce streets (get ticket stamped for discount) * Cost: $25 members, $30 nonmembers, $20 students * Sponsors: Texas-New Mexico Power Co., Markem Printing, Freese and Nichols, Alcon Laboratories * RSVP by noon June 8: Dan Frost at (817) 735-6157 or mailto:frostdg@c-b.com ----- Next at PRSA ... Exploring New Opportunities in PSAs Public service announcements are a key asset in the public relations practitioner's toolbox when it comes to promoting charity events, nonprofit programs and other minimally budgeted projects. Arnold Velez of Eller Media, the largest outdoor advertising company in Texas, will explain at the June PRSA meeting how his firm is taking a new tack in helping clients gain greater visibility with PSAs. Velez, Eller's director of public relations and real estate, also will be ready to answer questions about outdoor advertising in general. In addition, other media in the market area will be asked to provide materials about their PSA guidelines, with insight into how they make their PSA approval decisions. * Time & date: 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 13 * Place: Ridglea Country Club, 3700 Bernie Anderson Blvd., just off Camp Bowie Boulevard near Bryant Irvin * Cost: $20 members, $23 nonmembers, $18 students; parking free * RSVP by noon June 11: Elizabeth Eslick at mailto:elizabeth@stuartbacon.com ----- Next at SPJ ... An Evening With Marty Haag For 26 years, Marty Haag led the news efforts of WFAA-TV in Dallas and made Belo Broadcasting one of the most respected television news organizations in the country. In May, he was the sole individual this year to be awarded the prestigious Peabody Award -- an accomplishment shared with the likes of Edward R. Murrow, Paul Harvey, Walter Cronkite, Charles Kuralt and Don Hewitt. On June 18, Haag will join Fort Worth SPJ for an informal question-answer session on his wild and wonderful ride in the news business. He'll reflect on ethical standards in journalism, on memorable stories and on just about anything else that comes up. Bring plenty of questions because, as any good journalist, Haag says he likes an inquisitive bunch. * Date: Monday, June 18 * Time: mingling 5:30 p.m., dinner 6:15, program at 7 * Place: Water Street Seafood, 1540 S. University Drive * Cost: $13 members, $17 nonmembers, $5 students * Menu: choice of mesquite-grilled chicken breast, fried catfish, brandy mushroom trout or shrimp-k-bob, all served with a salad, vegetable and seasoned rice; grilled chicken caesar salad or Gulf shrimp salad; fresh-baked bread and tea, soft drink or coffee; cash bar * RSVP: (817) 877-1171 or mailto:doti1@aol.com ======================================= STRAIGHT STUFF Paula Madison, president and general manager of Los Angeles TV station NBC4, will keynote the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Communicators' 20th Anniversary Scholarship Gala on Saturday, June 2, at the Adam's Mark Hotel in Dallas. For tickets, go to http://dfwabc.org/banquetflier.htm. ... The Network of Hispanic Communicators meets at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 9, at The Stokes Group, 5642 Dyer St. in Dallas. If lost, call Manuel Vasquez, (214) 796-3090. ... SPJ national update: 2 wins, 1 loss, 1 hail fellow, well met. SPJ is praising a U.S. Supreme Court decision supporting one of the most important First Amendment matters before the court this term. The court ruled, 6-3, on May 21 that the media may report certain newsworthy information, even if there's reason to believe that someone else obtained it illegally. The justices said that as long as journalists themselves do nothing illegal, the public's interest in obtaining information outweighs the privacy interests of parties from whom information is intercepted. ... More cheers for Indiana Gov. Frank O'Bannon's veto of an unprecedented bill to revoke Hoosier residents' access to government records. Indiana House Bill 1083 would exempt state lawmakers from Indiana's public records law. The bill would allow legislators to block -- at will -- all letters, e-mails and other forms of communication from public view and make their own rules for what information the public sees. Indiana lawmakers now must decide if they will attempt to override the veto with simple majority votes in each chamber of the Legislature. ... In Cleveland, Mayor Michael R. White barred Plain Dealer politics reporter Mark Naymik and photographer David Andersen from a news conference May 23. "Childish," SPJ national president Ray Marcano called it, and also possibly illegal, "because you can't bar a reporter from an event in a public place," in this case a school cafeteria. ... Back home in Indiana, the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation has given $5,000 to the Charles Jackson Fellowship, which encourages the retention of people of color in the news industry. The fellowship honors a former Oakland Tribune editor-at-large. ----- PRSA, Students Win Big With Pro-Am Day Organizers are proclaiming this year's Pro-Am Day a tremendous success, as students from TCU, UTA and Baylor participated in a full day of events, from attending professional development sessions in the morning and shadowing professionals in the afternoon, to attending the monthly chapter meeting and hearing Cindy Lawson, director of university relations at Texas A&M, share her experiences from the '99 bonfire crisis. "I heard positive feedback from all of the students and am glad they were able to get helpful information from the professionals," said Carroll Cole, student liaison chair. "I hope the professionals realize how much they helped make this day successful." Special thanks, Cole said, go to the professional development panelists -- Hope Caldwell, Heather Senter and Laura Squires on "Tools You Need to Land That First Job" and Suzie Dement, David Harrell and Amy McDonald conducting a session for new pros. ----- Scholarship Winners Hear Life Lesson: It's Not What You Win or Lose, It's How You Play the Game by Frank Perkins Knight Ridder Batten Medal winner Tim Madigan of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram restated the basics of journalism rewards -- and along the way, the basics of life -- to around 50 scholarship winners, their parents, friends and SPJ members May 2 at the annual Texas Gridiron Scholarship Awards dinner at Shady Oaks Country Club. When Madigan, 43, entered journalism after being graduated from the University of North Dakota at Grand Forks, he was out to make a name for himself. "I was not going to be at small papers long. The New York Times was just around the corner," he recalled. "I was convinced that the number of journalism and writing awards on your shelf determined your importance. "Now, I know that money, fame and recognition are fool's gold; they are overrated. But passion for journalism is not. You must passionately love what you do and for what you can contribute to those around you." Madigan, who has won 10 state and national writing and reporting awards since joining the Star-Telegram in 1984, said a writer must feel connected to his audience. "That is what this profession is all about, and when you love what you do, it is wonderfully liberating. Journalism isn't rocket science, so please live, laugh and have passion for doing your work for the joy of it." He has been published in Reader's Digest and written a book on the Branch Davidians, but Madigan would rather be known for other things. "I think of myself these days as my son's hockey coach, as a husband and a father who sometimes finds time to write a book." Scholarship chairman Max Faulkner introduced the scholarship winners: Vanessa Juarez (UT Austin), Donna Darovich Scholarship; Elizabeth Allman Day (UNT), Staley and Beverly McBrayer Scholarship; Joanna Tom (UT Austin), Jerry Flemmons Scholarship; Beth Gullett (University of Houston), Joe Holstead Scholarship; Will Potter (UT Austin), Jack Tinsley Scholarship; James Robert Phillips (Arlington High School), Lina Davis Scholarship; and Marina Martinez and Pat Gillespie (UTA), Molly Moore and Melissa DeLoach (TCU), Amanda Smith (from Northeast Texas Community College to Texas A&M-Commerce), Megan Middleton (UNT), Kimberly Gay (Texas Woman's University) and Jesus Arenas Jr. (Texas Tech), all Texas Gridiron Scholarships. ======================================== PEOPLE & PLACES Baby daze! Hugh Davis, brand-new son of Bob (Star-T editorial page designer) and Lisa (features columnist) Davis, arrived April 29 at 11:47 p.m., weighing 7 pounds 12 ounces. ... S-T Moscow bureau chief Davey Joe Montgomery is a grandpa. Daughter Mandy Briggs gave birth May 17 to Cassie Michelle, who Dave says was "8 pounds and somethin'.'' Mandy and husband R.J. live in Denton. Kudos & Contracts ... GFW PRSA chief and charter member Mary Dulle, corporate communications director at Alcon Laboratories, received the chapter's first Unsung Hero Award, which is now named in her honor and will be given annually to recognize contributions beyond the call of duty. "Mary's really tireless in everything she steps up to do," said chapter past president Paul Sturiale. "That's really the heart of the award." The award was presented during a dinner last month at Ridglea Country Club celebrating the chapter's 15th anniversary. ... Texas Tech University has selected Stuart Bacon CEO Jim Stuart to serve on its blue-ribbon Mass Communications Advisory Committee. ... The TCU Daily Skiff and Image Magazine won Texas Intercollegiate Press Association sweepstakes in April. The student staffs took 26 first- and second-place awards. Image also was chosen best overall magazine. Down I-30, the UTA Shorthorn is one of eight national college newspapers and the only one in Texas to receive the Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Crown this competition season. The Shorthorn has received the honor two of the past three years. ... The Star-Telegram snagged seven first places, seven second places and seven honorable mentions in the state Associated Press Managing Editors contest, and it shared best in show sweepstakes with The Dallas Morning News for investigative work by Miles Moffeit and Yamil Berard. The winners list included, first place, Karen Brooks, Mitch Schnurman, Carolyn Mary Bauman, Ian McVea, Tim Sager and Mary Doclar McKee; second place, Paula Caballero, Matt Frazier, Sarah Lunday, Gene Zipperlen, Sarah Huffstetler, David Kent, Dave Seymour, Richie Whitt, David Lieber and Jen Friedberg; and honorable mention, Robert Tharp, Liz Stevens, Gil LeBreton and Bob Cox. ... Still at the Star-Telegram, Jim Reeves, Cody Bailey and Vince Langford all took firsts in the AP Sports Editors Southwest Region competition. ... Moffeit, Berard, Mike Norman, Monica Mendoza, Jennifer Autrey and Stewart House, working individually and in concert, received Texas School Bell Awards from the Texas State Teachers Association. ... Cathy Frisinger and Karen Brooks took first places at the Association of Women Journalists' Vivian Castleberry Awards. ----- PR at Its Best: Everyone Went Home Happy On April 8, Ben and Mary Frugé attended Bill Cosby's 3 p.m. performance at Bass Performance Hall. Ben was celebrating his 75th birthday, and his son John had given his parents tickets for the show. John wanted to make the day really special for his father, and since Ben and Mary have been Cosby fans for years, he hoped to get them a handshake with the comedian. John called Stuart Bacon, the advertising/PR agency that handles publicity for the LifeGift Organ Donation Center. Mary received a heart transplant 10 years ago, and she and Ben have volunteered tirelessly for LifeGift ever since. Thanks to the folks at Stuart Bacon and to Kathryn Casey at the Bass, a meeting was arranged backstage after the show. Ben and Mary not only shook Cosby's hand and chatted with him about organ donation and their active lives, but he also invited them to pose with him for pictures. John said it was a birthday his parents will never forget. ======================================== GET A JOB Adviser needed for UTA Shorthorn. Required: bachelor's degree in journalism, communications or equivalent; two years professional experience, preferably at a daily paper; strong computer writing, editing, production, online and design skills; conflict resolution, management and training skills; knowledge of press law. Send letter, resume and work samples by June 8 to student publications director Lloyd Goodman, Box 19038, Arlington 76019. ... From SPJ member Cari Hyden: "An organization that needs a spark plug who researches, creates and implements turnkey marketing campaigns should talk to Bobby Balusek. Formerly a manager at Mapsco, he has a graduate degree in radio/TV/film and is competent and confident in speaking to the media. He's a whiz at financial management, meeting corporate goals and increasing profits." Contact Balusek at (817) 784-1790 or mailto:lbalusek13@aol.com. ... Event manager needed in Houston to coordinate events targeted to acculturated Hispanics. Promotions experience preferred; background in spirits or beer a plus. Six-month contract. E-mail or call: mailto:angelac@davidandgoliath.com, (469) 227-3141. ... The 2002-03 Fulbright scholar programs (http://cies.org) in Asia offer teaching positions for specialists in mass communications and in print, broadcast and digital journalism. Programs with a particular interest include China, Hong Kong (Hong Kong Baptist University), Japan and Indonesia. The Vietnam program seeks a specialist in information and communications policies; the Japan program will generate a series of articles, a television show or a package of radio stories on the country. Applicants must be U.S. citizens (permanent residents ineligible) and have a Ph.D. plus a minimum of five years teaching/professional experience. Reach David Adams at (202) 686-4021 or mailto:dadams@cies.iie.org for details on China, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Indonesia, and Jean McPeek at mailto:jmcpeek@cies.iie.org about opportunities in Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines. ======================================== NEW MEMBERS, WELCOME PRSA ... Kevin Williams, community outreach specialist at Consumer Credit Counseling Services ... Wes Corzine, communications coordinator at Camp Fire Boys and Girls ... David Porter, PR director at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary ... Nancy Farrar, president of her own PR firm ... Nicole King, communications coordinator at the Tarrant County Medical Society ... John Hoffman, assistant VP for public relations at AmeriCredit ... at Pier 1 Imports: Merianne Kimmel, senior PR manager; Andrea Deale, publications coordinator; and Mitch Whitten, corporate communications director ... at Radio Shack: Jill Lain, media relations manager, and Carol Scharlin, media relations coordinator SPJ ... a belated welcome to San Angelo native and 20-year Star-Telegram veteran Shirley Jinkins, who joined in March; a graduate of Angelo State, she writes for the paper's Hometown Star section ... recent UTA grad Ryan Bishop, account rep at Stuart Bacon Advertising-Public Relations after an internship at GCI Read Poland in Dallas; an Arlington native, he and Kelli Bliss will wed April 6 and honeymoon in Hawaii ======================================== COMINGS & GOINGS Additions ... Clemson and U. of Colorado at Boulder grad Cameron Hardman, formerly with Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Cassels-Caywood-Love Dimensional Branding, now a senior account executive at Stuart Bacon Promotions ... at the S-T: ex-Orlando Sentinel NASCAR and Tampa Bay Bucs writer Charean Williams, from national NFL writer to deputy sports editor coordinating Stars/NHL, Cowboys/NFL and college coverage; an '86 Texas A&M grad, she covered the Aggies for The Bryan-College Station Eagle for six years Exits ... at the S-T: page designer Les Jacobs, moving to Rotterdam, Holland, to work in his uncle's computer training company. "Mostly, I'll just be trying to eat and live and testing myself to see if I can make it on my own in another country," he says. "Basically, it's a 'start off clean and see where the wind takes me' kind of thing." ... copy editor Mike Dougherty, moving to Cabot, Ark., to edit the Cabot Star-Herald and Lonoke Democrat weeklies ... business senior design editor Michael Tribble, now designing page one at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution ... UTA Shorthorn grad Ken Lawdermilk, formerly an on-call photographer, now a senior guide with Adventure Experiences Inc. in Almont, Colo. ======================================== ALL BOUND UP Alex Burton If you're a journalist given to shopping for your own grub, make it a habit to pick up the national tabloids at the check-out stand. Before you sniff your contempt for such "journalism," consider your future. God knows, whoever wrote those stories is being paid a lot more than you are. Just read "I Watched a Wild Hog Eat My Baby" by Bill Sloan, and you will learn that the state of American journalism from The New York Times to network TV news to Geraldo has been set by the tabs. Know that author Sloan worked well and long for the Dallas Times Herald in those days when there was competition in the Dallas news market. An editor and features writer, he was approached by the tabloids to defect for TRIPLE the pay. He went. He hired more than a few local newsmen to work for/with him: Bill Hendricks, John Moulder, Ben Stevens and Tommy Ayers, to name but a few. They had a high old time of it, according to the book. Sometimes, only sometimes, they simply made up stories and air-brushed stock photos to fit. My favorite of the headlines that metamorphosed from the beer rings at a local tavern:Oatmeal plant explodes; Omaha covered in icky goo For doubters of the profound effect of the tabs on mainstream journalism, let me leave you with this. Read very carefully page 209 of "I Watched a Wild Hog Eat My Baby." Published by Prometheus Books. ======================================== A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT Mary Dulle, GFW PRSA So who says PR folks can't keep a secret? It was a total surprise when the board and chapter honored me May 9. Those present can verify that I was speechless. That's a rare occurrence, folks! But I am honored, humbled and very grateful to my friends and colleagues. Thank you for giving me an opportunity to do things that are helpful and that I enjoy doing. I truly believe the Fort Worth PRSA chapter has some of the best professionals and nicest people you'll find in any chapter in any city. Our national board is beginning the nomination process, and we want our area to be fully represented. If you are an accredited member and have served as an assembly delegate for at least one meeting, please think about placing your name in nomination for a board position. To learn what the commitment entails and how to volunteer, contact nominating committee chair Sam Waltz at mailto:samwaltz@prsa.org. And thank you, Nancy O'Malley at Stuart Bacon, for the touching story about Bill Cosby and the Ben Frugé family. Surely there are more heartwarming tales out there -- why not share them with us through the E-Chaser? You may remain anonymous if you wish, but we'd like to laud you or someone you know for the quiet good work that daily enriches our lives. Send stories or ideas, about yourself or your colleagues, to Joan Scott (mailto:jscottpr@aol.com) or John Dycus (mailto:jdycus@attbi.com). ----- OVER & OUT John Dycus, Fort Worth SPJ Yep, that's a new books column right after "Comings & Goings." Thanks, Alex Burton, for getting things rolling. Next time you read a book, review it for the E-Chaser. Rewards in heaven, plus your name below the heading. ... When Wise County Messenger editor Skip Nichols put out a call for volunteers to judge the New Mexico Press Association yearly contest, Fort Worth chapter members Bill Benge, Mike Blackman, Brenda Davis, Ann Gilliland, Deanna Howard, Cari Hyden, Frank Perkins and Teri Wright stepped up to help. Then the entries arrived late, mandating a one-week turnaround, so efficiency dictated a quick burn-the-midnight-oil assessment from Skip, Messenger publisher Roy Eaton, the king of Decatur, and the WCM staff. "I received a great response [for judges], which speaks volumes about SPJ," Skip writes. "I will respond to all who contacted me with thanks and an apology." Hey, Skip, we'll tell them, too. And no apology necessary. ... Style note from Mike Peterson of The Post-Star in Glens Falls, N.Y. (as noted in BONG Bull): "Senior Bush administration officials" refers to senior officials in the current Bush administration. "Senior-Bush administration officials" would refer to officials in the administration of the Senior Bush. More BB shots: Dubya won? No way, bud (a topical palindrome).

Public service announcements are a key asset in the public relations practitioner's toolbox when it comes to promoting charity events, nonprofit programs and other minimally budgeted projects. Arnold Velez of Eller Media, the largest outdoor advertising company in Texas, will explain at the June PRSA meeting how his firm is taking a new tack in helping clients gain greater visibility with PSAs.

* Time & date: 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 13

* Place: Ridglea Country Club, 3700 Bernie Anderson Blvd., just off Camp Bowie Boulevard near Bryant Irvin

* Cost: $20 members, $23 nonmembers, $18 students; parking free

* RSVP by noon June 11: Elizabeth Eslick at mailto:elizabeth@stuartbacon.com

An Evening With Marty Haag

For 26 years, Marty Haag led the news efforts of WFAA-TV in Dallas and made Belo Broadcasting one of the most respected television news organizations in the country. In May, he was the sole individual this year to be awarded the prestigious Peabody Award -- an accomplishment shared with the likes of Edward R. Murrow, Paul Harvey, Walter Cronkite, Charles Kuralt and Don Hewitt.

On June 18, Haag will join Fort Worth SPJ for an informal question-answer session on his wild and wonderful ride in the news business. He'll reflect on ethical standards in journalism, on memorable stories and on just about anything else that comes up. Bring plenty of questions because, as any good journalist, Haag says he likes an inquisitive bunch.

* Date: Monday, June 18

* Time: mingling 5:30 p.m., dinner 6:15, program at 7

* Place: Water Street Seafood, 1540 S. University Drive

* Cost: $13 members, $17 nonmembers, $5 students

* Menu: choice of mesquite-grilled chicken breast, fried catfish, brandy mushroom trout or shrimp-k-bob, all served with a salad, vegetable and seasoned rice; grilled chicken caesar salad or Gulf shrimp salad; fresh-baked bread and tea, soft drink or coffee; cash bar

* RSVP: (817) 877-1171 or mailto:doti1@aol.com

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Paula Madison, president and general manager of Los Angeles TV station NBC4, will keynote the Dallas-Fort Worth Association of Black Communicators' 20th Anniversary Scholarship Gala on Saturday, June 2, at the Adam's Mark Hotel in Dallas. For tickets, go to http://dfwabc.org/banquetflier.htm. ... The Network of Hispanic Communicators meets at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 9, at The Stokes Group, 5642 Dyer St. in Dallas. If lost, call Manuel Vasquez, (214) 796-3090. ...

SPJ national update: 2 wins, 1 loss, 1 hail fellow, well met. SPJ is praising a U.S. Supreme Court decision supporting one of the most important First Amendment matters before the court this term. The court ruled, 6-3, on May 21 that the media may report certain newsworthy information, even if there's reason to believe that someone else obtained it illegally. The justices said that as long as journalists themselves do nothing illegal, the public's interest in obtaining information outweighs the privacy interests of parties from whom information is intercepted. ... More cheers for Indiana Gov. Frank O'Bannon's veto of an unprecedented bill to revoke Hoosier residents' access to government records. Indiana House Bill 1083 would exempt state lawmakers from Indiana's public records law. The bill would allow legislators to block -- at will -- all letters, e-mails and other forms of communication from public view and make their own rules for what information the public sees. Indiana lawmakers now must decide if they will attempt to override the veto with simple majority votes in each chamber of the Legislature. ... In Cleveland, Mayor Michael R. White barred Plain Dealer politics reporter Mark Naymik and photographer David Andersen from a news conference May 23. "Childish," SPJ national president Ray Marcano called it, and also possibly illegal, "because you can't bar a reporter from an event in a public place," in this case a school cafeteria. ... Back home in Indiana, the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation has given $5,000 to the Charles Jackson Fellowship, which encourages the retention of people of color in the news industry. The fellowship honors a former Oakland Tribune editor-at-large.

PRSA, Students Win Big With Pro-Am Day

Organizers are proclaiming this year's Pro-Am Day a tremendous success, as students from TCU, UTA and Baylor participated in a full day of events, from attending professional development sessions in the morning and shadowing professionals in the afternoon, to attending the monthly chapter meeting and hearing Cindy Lawson, director of university relations at Texas A&M, share her experiences from the '99 bonfire crisis.

Scholarship Winners Hear Life Lesson: It's Not What

You Win or Lose, It's How You Play the Game

When Madigan, 43, entered journalism after being graduated from the University of North Dakota at Grand Forks, he was out to make a name for himself. "I was not going to be at small papers long. The New York Times was just around the corner," he recalled. "I was convinced that the number of journalism and writing awards on your shelf determined your importance.

Madigan, who has won 10 state and national writing and reporting awards since joining the Star-Telegram in 1984, said a writer must feel connected to his audience. "That is what this profession is all about, and when you love what you do, it is wonderfully liberating. Journalism isn't rocket science, so please live, laugh and have passion for doing your work for the joy of it."

Scholarship chairman Max Faulkner introduced the scholarship winners: Vanessa Juarez (UT Austin), Donna Darovich Scholarship; Elizabeth Allman Day (UNT), Staley and Beverly McBrayer Scholarship; Joanna Tom (UT Austin), Jerry Flemmons Scholarship; Beth Gullett (University of Houston), Joe Holstead Scholarship; Will Potter (UT Austin), Jack Tinsley Scholarship; James Robert Phillips (Arlington High School), Lina Davis Scholarship; and Marina Martinez and Pat Gillespie (UTA), Molly Moore and Melissa DeLoach (TCU), Amanda Smith (from Northeast Texas Community College to Texas A&M-Commerce), Megan Middleton (UNT), Kimberly Gay (Texas Woman's University) and Jesus Arenas Jr. (Texas Tech), all Texas Gridiron Scholarships.

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Baby daze! Hugh Davis, brand-new son of Bob (Star-T editorial page designer) and Lisa (features columnist) Davis, arrived April 29 at 11:47 p.m., weighing 7 pounds 12 ounces. ... S-T Moscow bureau chief Davey Joe Montgomery is a grandpa. Daughter Mandy Briggs gave birth May 17 to Cassie Michelle, who Dave says was "8 pounds and somethin'.'' Mandy and husband R.J. live in Denton.

Kudos & Contracts ... GFW PRSA chief and charter member Mary Dulle, corporate communications director at Alcon Laboratories, received the chapter's first Unsung Hero Award, which is now named in her honor and will be given annually to recognize contributions beyond the call of duty. "Mary's really tireless in everything she steps up to do," said chapter past president Paul Sturiale. "That's really the heart of the award." The award was presented during a dinner last month at Ridglea Country Club celebrating the chapter's 15th anniversary. ... Texas Tech University has selected Stuart Bacon CEO Jim Stuart to serve on its blue-ribbon Mass Communications Advisory Committee. ... The TCU Daily Skiff and Image Magazine won Texas Intercollegiate Press Association sweepstakes in April. The student staffs took 26 first- and second-place awards. Image also was chosen best overall magazine. Down I-30, the UTA Shorthorn is one of eight national college newspapers and the only one in Texas to receive the Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Crown this competition season. The Shorthorn has received the honor two of the past three years. ...

The Star-Telegram snagged seven first places, seven second places and seven honorable mentions in the state Associated Press Managing Editors contest, and it shared best in show sweepstakes with The Dallas Morning News for investigative work by Miles Moffeit and Yamil Berard. The winners list included, first place, Karen Brooks, Mitch Schnurman, Carolyn Mary Bauman, Ian McVea, Tim Sager and Mary Doclar McKee; second place, Paula Caballero, Matt Frazier, Sarah Lunday, Gene Zipperlen, Sarah Huffstetler, David Kent, Dave Seymour, Richie Whitt, David Lieber and Jen Friedberg; and honorable mention, Robert Tharp, Liz Stevens, Gil LeBreton and Bob Cox. ... Still at the Star-Telegram, Jim Reeves, Cody Bailey and Vince Langford all took firsts in the AP Sports Editors Southwest Region competition. ... Moffeit, Berard, Mike Norman, Monica Mendoza, Jennifer Autrey and Stewart House, working individually and in concert, received Texas School Bell Awards from the Texas State Teachers Association. ... Cathy Frisinger and Karen Brooks took first places at the Association of Women Journalists' Vivian Castleberry Awards.

PR at Its Best: Everyone Went Home Happy

On April 8, Ben and Mary Frugé attended Bill Cosby's 3 p.m. performance at Bass Performance Hall. Ben was celebrating his 75th birthday, and his son John had given his parents tickets for the show. John wanted to make the day really special for his father, and since Ben and Mary have been Cosby fans for years, he hoped to get them a handshake with the comedian.

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Adviser needed for UTA Shorthorn. Required: bachelor's degree in journalism, communications or equivalent; two years professional experience, preferably at a daily paper; strong computer writing, editing, production, online and design skills; conflict resolution, management and training skills; knowledge of press law. Send letter, resume and work samples by June 8 to student publications director Lloyd Goodman, Box 19038, Arlington 76019. ... From SPJ member Cari Hyden: "An organization that needs a spark plug who researches, creates and implements turnkey marketing campaigns should talk to Bobby Balusek. Formerly a manager at Mapsco, he has a graduate degree in radio/TV/film and is competent and confident in speaking to the media. He's a whiz at financial management, meeting corporate goals and increasing profits." Contact Balusek at (817) 784-1790 or mailto:lbalusek13@aol.com. ... Event manager needed in Houston to coordinate events targeted to acculturated Hispanics. Promotions experience preferred; background in spirits or beer a plus. Six-month contract. E-mail or call: mailto:angelac@davidandgoliath.com, (469) 227-3141. ...

The 2002-03 Fulbright scholar programs (http://cies.org) in Asia offer teaching positions for specialists in mass communications and in print, broadcast and digital journalism. Programs with a particular interest include China, Hong Kong (Hong Kong Baptist University), Japan and Indonesia. The Vietnam program seeks a specialist in information and communications policies; the Japan program will generate a series of articles, a television show or a package of radio stories on the country. Applicants must be U.S. citizens (permanent residents ineligible) and have a Ph.D. plus a minimum of five years teaching/professional experience. Reach David Adams at (202) 686-4021 or mailto:dadams@cies.iie.org for details on China, Vietnam, Hong Kong and Indonesia, and Jean McPeek at mailto:jmcpeek@cies.iie.org about opportunities in Korea, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines.

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NEW MEMBERS, WELCOME

PRSA ... Kevin Williams, community outreach specialist at Consumer Credit Counseling Services ... Wes Corzine, communications coordinator at Camp Fire Boys and Girls ... David Porter, PR director at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary ... Nancy Farrar, president of her own PR firm ... Nicole King, communications coordinator at the Tarrant County Medical Society ... John Hoffman, assistant VP for public relations at AmeriCredit ... at Pier 1 Imports: Merianne Kimmel, senior PR manager; Andrea Deale, publications coordinator; and Mitch Whitten, corporate communications director ... at Radio Shack: Jill Lain, media relations manager, and Carol Scharlin, media relations coordinator

SPJ ... a belated welcome to San Angelo native and 20-year Star-Telegram veteran Shirley Jinkins, who joined in March; a graduate of Angelo State, she writes for the paper's Hometown Star section ... recent UTA grad Ryan Bishop, account rep at Stuart Bacon Advertising-Public Relations after an internship at GCI Read Poland in Dallas; an Arlington native, he and Kelli Bliss will wed April 6 and honeymoon in Hawaii

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Additions ... Clemson and U. of Colorado at Boulder grad Cameron Hardman, formerly with Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Cassels-Caywood-Love Dimensional Branding, now a senior account executive at Stuart Bacon

Promotions ... at the S-T: ex-Orlando Sentinel NASCAR and Tampa Bay Bucs writer Charean Williams, from national NFL writer to deputy sports editor coordinating Stars/NHL, Cowboys/NFL and college coverage; an '86 Texas A&M grad, she covered the Aggies for The Bryan-College Station Eagle for six years

Exits ... at the S-T: page designer Les Jacobs, moving to Rotterdam, Holland, to work in his uncle's computer training company. "Mostly, I'll just be trying to eat and live and testing myself to see if I can make it on my own in another country," he says. "Basically, it's a 'start off clean and see where the wind takes me' kind of thing." ... copy editor Mike Dougherty, moving to Cabot, Ark., to edit the Cabot Star-Herald and Lonoke Democrat weeklies ... business senior design editor Michael Tribble, now designing page one at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution ... UTA Shorthorn grad Ken Lawdermilk, formerly an on-call photographer, now a senior guide with Adventure Experiences Inc. in Almont, Colo.

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If you're a journalist given to shopping for your own grub, make it a habit to pick up the national tabloids at the check-out stand. Before you sniff your contempt for such "journalism," consider your future. God knows, whoever wrote those stories is being paid a lot more than you are. Just read "I Watched a Wild Hog Eat My Baby" by Bill Sloan, and you will learn that the state of American journalism from The New York Times to network TV news to Geraldo has been set by the tabs.

Know that author Sloan worked well and long for the Dallas Times Herald in those days when there was competition in the Dallas news market. An editor and features writer, he was approached by the tabloids to defect for TRIPLE the pay. He went. He hired more than a few local newsmen to work for/with him: Bill Hendricks, John Moulder, Ben Stevens and Tommy Ayers, to name but a few. They had a high old time of it, according to the book. Sometimes, only sometimes, they simply made up stories and air-brushed stock photos to fit. My favorite of the headlines that metamorphosed from the beer rings at a local tavern:Oatmeal plant explodes; Omaha covered in icky goo

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A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Mary Dulle, GFW PRSA

So who says PR folks can't keep a secret? It was a total surprise when the board and chapter honored me May 9. Those present can verify that I was speechless. That's a rare occurrence, folks! But I am honored, humbled and very grateful to my friends and colleagues. Thank you for giving me an opportunity to do things that are helpful and that I enjoy doing. I truly believe the Fort Worth PRSA chapter has some of the best professionals and nicest people you'll find in any chapter in any city.

Our national board is beginning the nomination process, and we want our area to be fully represented. If you are an accredited member and have served as an assembly delegate for at least one meeting, please think about placing your name in nomination for a board position. To learn what the commitment entails and how to volunteer, contact nominating committee chair Sam Waltz at mailto:samwaltz@prsa.org.

And thank you, Nancy O'Malley at Stuart Bacon, for the touching story about Bill Cosby and the Ben Frugé family. Surely there are more heartwarming tales out there -- why not share them with us through the E-Chaser? You may remain anonymous if you wish, but we'd like to laud you or someone you know for the quiet good work that daily enriches our lives. Send stories or ideas, about yourself or your colleagues, to Joan Scott (mailto:jscottpr@aol.com) or John Dycus (mailto:jdycus@attbi.com).

John Dycus, Fort Worth SPJ

Yep, that's a new books column right after "Comings & Goings." Thanks, Alex Burton, for getting things rolling. Next time you read a book, review it for the E-Chaser. Rewards in heaven, plus your name below the heading. ... When Wise County Messenger editor Skip Nichols put out a call for volunteers to judge the New Mexico Press Association yearly contest, Fort Worth chapter members Bill Benge, Mike Blackman, Brenda Davis, Ann Gilliland, Deanna Howard, Cari Hyden, Frank Perkins and Teri Wright stepped up to help. Then the entries arrived late, mandating a one-week turnaround, so efficiency dictated a quick burn-the-midnight-oil assessment from Skip, Messenger publisher Roy Eaton, the king of Decatur, and the WCM staff. "I received a great response [for judges], which speaks volumes about SPJ," Skip writes. "I will respond to all who contacted me with thanks and an apology." Hey, Skip, we'll tell them, too. And no apology necessary. ...

Style note from Mike Peterson of The Post-Star in Glens Falls, N.Y. (as noted in BONG Bull): "Senior Bush administration officials" refers to senior officials in the current Bush administration. "Senior-Bush administration officials" would refer to officials in the administration of the Senior Bush. More BB shots: Dubya won? No way, bud (a topical palindrome).