All posts by executivedirector

Reporter Wanted

The Times Record, located in the college town of Brunswick in beautiful Mid Coast Maine, is seeking a talented, community-minded reporter to join our news team. Professional experience and familiarity with AP style is preferable, but we are willing to work with the right person. Candidates should be self-starters, work well under a daily deadline, and be up for the challenge of covering features, schools, local government and business/economic development. The right candidate will quickly forge a trust between themselves and the community, and demonstrate a passion for community journalism. Please send a cover letter, resume, and three clips to jswinconeck@timesrecord.com. No phone calls please. We plan to fill this position quickly! The Times Record is an equal opportunity

MPA Better Newspaper Contest Update

Be a winner!
Be a winner!

Materials for the 2015 MPA Better Newspaper Contest were sent out to all member news organizations on Friday, April 24, 2015; contest entries are due  on June 5, 2015. Winners will be announced at The MPA Fall Conference and Awards Banquet on Saturday, October 17, 2015  at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bangor. Questions about the Contest can be directed to Contest Chair Troy Bennett at tbennett@bangordailynews.com, 207-200-NEWS or MPA Executive Director Diane Norton at mainepressmail@gmail.com, 207-691-0131. ENTER DIGITAL SUBMISSIONS HERE READ DIGITAL SUBMISSION GUIDELINES HERE

Bash for Bill Fundraiser Party on May 13 at the Press Hotel

Portland Press Herald (PPH) and Maine Sunday Telegram (MST) staff are hosting a fundraiser party in the former Press Herald building to help defray medical costs for PPH/MST columnist Bill Nemitz as he undergoes cancer treatment. Enjoy live music (Steve Greenlee’s band, ‘Sons of Quint’), hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Bid on auction items including Red Sox tickets (with parking included) and a weekend at Sugarloaf.

The event will be held Wednesday, May 13, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m, at the Press Hotel in Portland, across from Portland City Hall

Tickets: $35 per person (if purchased prior to May 1); $40 per person after May 1 (available at the event). To purchase tickets in advance, send a check made out to Bill Nemitz Fund, c/o Ken Jones, Portland Press Herald, One City Center, Portland, ME 04101.

FULL TIME VISUAL JOURNALIST – IMMEDIATE OPENING – SUN-JOURNAL – Lewiston, Maine

The Sun Journal seeks an experienced visual journalist.
In addition to advanced technical skills,  you must have a passion for photography, multimedia, reporting and writing. Your portfolio must demonstrate your skills, experience and interests.
The Sun Journal is transitioning to digital engagement with our readers. You must show that you have embraced and excelled in social media platforms. We require a visual journalist who recognizes the pulse of the communities we cover and demonstrates an ability to cultivate sources. You must be flexible and able to respond to breaking news, prioritize, and be self motivating.
High school sports and functions are a staple of our daily coverage, as well as local government, arts, culture, business and the unique individuals who reside in our area.
The successful candidate will join two other veteran journalists.
The small staff works as a cohesive unit that feeds off each other’s energy, motivation, and passion.
Please send a link to your website or blog, resume and cover letter to email below, or mail a non-returnable portfolio to the address below.

Sun Journal
c/o Russ Dillingham
104 Park Street
Lewiston, ME 04240
rdillingham@sunjournal.com

Upcoming Event: Crisis Communication: Staying Cool When Things Heat Up

PORTLAND, Maine (April 9, 2015) — The Maine Public Relations Council (MPRC) has announced it will be broadcasting its next professional development live between two locations in Maine.

On April 17, attendees will be able to learn everything about communicating under fire, from developing an emergency communications plan to handling the media and coordinating crisis responses.

Speakers include Chet Lunner, Homeland Security consultant, former editor, one of the original designers of the TSA and leading communication expert; as well as, Marnie MacLean, award-winning reporter, tornado chaser and New England news junky. The presentation will take place at the Husson University in Westbrook and be broadcasted real-time to the New England School of Communication in Bangor, with the ability to ask the speakers questions.

What: Crisis Communication: Staying Cool When Things Heat Up
Where: Husson University, 3 County Road, Westbrook
New England School of Communications, 1 College Circle, Bangor
When: April 17, 2015
Time: Networking and breakfast from 8am to 8:30am, program from 8:30am to 10am
Cost: MPRC Members: $20, Non-members: $35, Students: $10.
Networking and breakfast will be provided at both locations.

“Being able to provide sessions to public relations practitioners across the state has always been a priority for our organization,” said Kelly Barden, MPRC President. “We hope to be able to broadcast future sessions in Bangor, Portland and throughout the state.”

Professional development sessions and workshops are held on the third Friday of each month. For more information on this event and to register, visit www.meprcouncil.org.

About the Maine Public Relations Council
Now in its 39th year, with over 250 members statewide Maine Public Relations Council is a professional association of Maine public relations practitioners. MPRC is dedicated to the professional development of its members and a greater awareness of the role of public relations in the world today. It is a member of the Universal Accreditation Board. More information is available at www.meprcouncil.org.

MPA Better Newspaper Contest timeline

It’s that time of year again!
The Maine Press Association Better Newspaper Contest will begin soon and packets are being prepared for all paid-up members.
Here is the timeline for this year’s event for your planning purposes.
Friday, April 24: Contest entry materials released to members
Monday, June 15 Contest entries due from members
Friday, June 26: Contest entries sent to judges
Friday, July 1o: “Of the Year” nominations due from members
Friday, July 31: Contest decisions due from judges
Saturday, Oct. 17: MPA Fall Conference and Awards Banquet