Huck Boyd Symposium papers selected for NNA convention

September 15, 2011

The 17th annual “Newspapers and Community-Building Symposium, co-sponsored by the Huck Boyd National Center for Community Media and the National Newspaper Association, will be Sept. 22-25 during the NNA’s annual convention in Albuquerque, NM.

“The symposium is a good opportunity for newspaper editors and publishers and journalism educators to share ideas and research relevant to community newspapers,” Gloria Freeland, director of the Huck Boyd Center, said. “It’s interesting to see the variety of research and case studies presented at the annual event.”

The following is a list of presenters:

Session 1: Adopting technology -11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Sept. 23

Developing a social media strategy for the community press, John Schmeltzer, University of Oklahoma, Norman.

Building connections with younger readers: how 18- to 24-year-olds connect with local news through Facebook, Twitter and mobile devices, Jennifer Greer and Yan Yan; University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa.

The study of user-generated content in Michigan’s community newspapers, Lori F. Brost; Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant.

Session 2: Addressing challenges- 2:15-3:15 p.m., Sept. 23

When the weekly leaves town: the impact of one newsroom’s relocation on sense of community, Lindsey Wotanis, Marywood University, Scranton, PA.

Fixing goofs in community newspapers: without corrections, do we lose readers, credibility, Les Anderson, Wichita State University; Wichita, KS.

Circulation patterns of community newspapers in Central Appalachia, Al Cross, University of Kentucky, and Bill Bissett, Marshall University.Session 3: Adapting coverage- 3:30-4:30 p.m., Sept. 23

The police came calling (police beat coverage by students), Gary Rice; California State University, Fresno.

Enabling information in a tough economy, Marshel D. Rossow; Minnesota State University-Mankato.

Religion coverage of a community newspaper, Michael Ray Smith; Campbell University.