august 2012 colorado editor

colorado Inside: Meet SYNC2’s accounting manager. PAGE 3

Official publication of the Colorado Press Association / coloradopressassociation.com / Vol. LXXXIII, No. 8 August 2012

editorCOURAGEOUS, STRONG,

WE ARE

WE ARE

WE JOIN TOGETHER TO HONOR

COLORADO DAYWEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1

& RESILIENT. TRAGEDY WILL NOT DEFINE US.

WE HOLD STRONG TRADITION & VALUES.

— OUR AIR IS CRISP & FRESH. —

OUR LAKES, RIVERS &

POWDERARE DEEP. JUST LIKE OURSENSE OF COMMUNITY.

WE ALTITUDE.

WE ARE NEIGHBORS,FRIENDS & FAMILY.

WE ARE THE FACE OF STEWARDSHIP,

FORWARD-THINKING & PROGRESS.

OUR LANDS ARE

VIBRANT,PRISTINE,

& BEAUTIFUL.WONDROUS

Artwork Created by Mike Pierce, The Pagosa Springs SUN

Strength of Colorado, a

contest sponsored by Colorado Press Association, invited CPA member newspapers to submit inspiring, thoughtful creative in conjunction with Colorado Day on August 1, 2012. Submissions were judged by CPA staff members. The winning submission, designed by Mike Pierce of the Pagosa Springs SUN, was provided to CPA member newspapers for publication in their print products. See the rest of the Colorado Day entries on Pages 4-5.

Colorado strong

The 2012 Colorado Better Newspa-per Contest call for entries is only a few weeks away, and this year’s contest is bigger, better and bug-free.

“Last year was our first year experi-menting with the online contest mod-ule. Largely, it was a success, but there were many areas for improvement,” said Samantha Johnston, executive director of the Colorado Press Association. “We appreciate the patience and cooperation of our members last year, and because of their feedback and willingness to try something new, we’re bringing back an online contest this year that will be bet-ter in almost every way.”

The Colorado Press Association con-test committee completed the tedious task of reviewing all contest categories for relevancy and appropriateness. This year’s contest participants will notice some new categories, some categories that will be analyzed after this year to determine whether they will be deleted next year, and a new and improved set of contest rules rewritten by some of the state’s best editors.

“It was time to review our entire contest. We made changes where we thought it was appropriate and we im-

proved processes where it made sense,” said Mark Drudge, CPA board member and chair of the contest committee. “We want to encourage increased participa-tion and a true competitive spirit, so we reviewed every aspect of the contest to ensure level playing fields and clear contest rules. And we removed some of the barriers to true competition.”

Two major changes to this year’s contest include the addition of another weekly circulation category to more fairly align like-sized newspapers and the addition of a monthly and collegiate contest.

Colorado Press Service has a new name. A new look. And some new products in the portfolio. What has tra-ditionally been recognized as the print and newspaper website advertising arm of the Colorado Press Association is now doing business as a true print and digital media buying agency.

Rebranded to encompass print and digital media audience solutions, Colo-rado Press Service is doing business as SYNC2 Media.

“Our goal is to increase the revenue for our member newspapers by offering a more robust product portfolio that will reach our customers’ audience, wherev-er they are,” said CPA executive director Samantha Johnston. “When a client asks us if we can do something, we want to say ‘yes,’ instead of allowing an inter-mediary company to steal dollars that newspapers should own.”

While print and premium digital banners on newspaper websites con-tinue to be a top priority for SYNC2 Media, audience extension tools allow SYNC2 Media to capture more revenue for member newspapers.

“Our advertising customers are spending dollars in the digital space. Just not with us. Every bit of market research tells us so,” Johnston said. “Re-gardless of whether digital makes up a small or large piece of our revenue pie, if we aren’t offering multimedia buying ca-pability, we’re perceived as less relevant.”

The new name and logo were de-signed with shelf life and mutlimedia platforms in mind. In addition, the color palette was assembled in a quest for new life and energy.

“We wanted to embody some of the adjectives that best describe our new service – creative, active, energetic, trustworthy, successful and powerful,” said VP of Sales & Marketing, Eliza-beth Bernberg. “We wanted our logo to

Colorado weekly newspapers per-formed well in the National Newspa-per Association’s 2012 Better News-paper Contest and Better Newspaper Advertising Contest.

Cortez Journal, Jackson County Star, The Villager, The Holyoke En-terprise and The Pagosa Springs SUN were all recognized for outstanding work.

NNA Contest Chair Jeff Farren, publisher of the Kendall County Re-cord in Yorkville, IL, announced and congratulated the contest winners

in an award not i f icat ion e-mail. The “Winners re-flect the high quality of publications repres ente d by the associa-tion,” Farren said.

There were 1,954 entries in the Better N e w s p a p e r Contest and 395 entries in the Better

Newspaper Advertising Contest for a total of 2,349 entries. A total of 525 awards were won by 135 member newspapers in 36 states.

California had the most combined BNC/BNAC wins with 78, followed by New Mexico with 53, and Texas and Wyoming tied with 42 each.

“Colorado has some of the best newspapers in the country, and it’s nice to see great work rewarded on a national level,” said CPA Executive Director Samantha Johnston. “Three of the five newspapers recognized in the contest are also represented on my board of directors. That says a lot about the quality of the newspa-per companies helping to shape the direction of the Colorado newspaper industry.”

Winners will be recognized at the award reception held Saturday, Oct. 6, during NNA’s 126th Annual Con-vention & Trade Show in Charleston, South Carolina.

Better Newspaper Contest

2nd place, Cortez Journal, Best Feature Series, Daily & Non‐daily Di-vision, circulation 6,000 or more, Fare-well comrade; A professional guard; Pride and pain; Finding a trade; Military service and a diploma, Dale

With lessons learned, online contest back in ’12

Five state papers win NNA awards

SYNC2 poised to help papers grow revenue

CONTEST on page 7

SYNC2 on page 7

Colordao papers honoredCortez Journal

Jackson County Star

The Villager

The Holyoke Enterprise

The Pagosa Springs SUN

NNA on page 7

Need contest materials?

If you want to receive a copy of the contest materials, please call Lisa Woodworth at 303-571-5117 or [email protected] to add your name to our postal or email list.

mailto:[email protected]


2 colorado editor August 2012

colorado editorISSN #162-0010

USPS # 0122-940

Vol. LXXXIII, Issue 8August 2012

Colorado Editor is the official publication of the Colorado Press

Association and is published monthly at 1336 Glenarm Place.Denver, CO 80204-2115

p: 303-571-5117f: 303-571-1803

coloradopressassociation.com

Subscription rate:$10 per year, $1 single copy

StaffSamantha Johnston

Publisher/Executive [email protected]

Brian ClarkDesign Editor

Board of DirectorsOFFICERS

PresidentBrenda Brandt

The Holyoke Enterprise [email protected]

Vice PresidentBryce Jacobson

Craig Daily Press [email protected]

TreasurerTerri House

The Pagosa Springs SUN [email protected]

SecretaryKeith Cerny

Alamosa Valley Courier [email protected]

DIRECTORSMark Drudge

Cortez Journal [email protected]

Bart Smith The Greeley Tribune

[email protected]

Jane Rawlings The Pueblo Chieftain [email protected]

Laurena Mayne Davis The Daily Sentinel

[email protected]

David McClain Sterling Journal-Advocate

[email protected]

Paula Murphy Trinidad Times Independent

[email protected]

Curtis HubbardThe Denver Post

[email protected]

Periodical postage paid atDenver, CO 80202.

POSTMASTER:Send address changes to

Colorado Editor1336 Glenarm Place

Denver, CO 80204-2115

Corporate conferences are oft labeled one of the great American boondog-gles – an opportunity for executives to drink, play golf, dine in great cities and otherwise socialize with their peers under the veil of training.

I just returned from the Newspaper Association Managers annual confer-ence in San Francisco. We drank. We dined in a great city. We socialized.

But we also spent 24 solid hours in more than 12 ses-sions debating, discussing, sharing best practices, hearing from the experts and strategizing about how to approach critical industry issues. From preserving public notices and increasing annual foundation giving

to digital monetization and new revenue streams, the conversations were urgent and serious.

The newspaper indus-try isn’t getting any less complex. Product portfolios are diversifying, resources are getting thinner, audi-ences are developing in ways we never imagined, social media is forcing us to do more, better and faster, content consumption is growing and communities are more dependent upon

our tangible deliverables.We’ve got work to do. I had the opportunity to share

with 42 other state press associa-tion directors the progressive digital programs we offer at Colorado Press Association – the only state

association with an in-house digital advertising agency. I had the great fortune to listen to directors from Arizona, Wisconsin, Illinois and Florida share best practices and their success with online legal pub-lication platforms, state advertis-ing networks and digitization of archiving.

We all had a tremendous amount of knowledge to share with one an-other. And we all gained a tremen-dous amount of knowledge from others at the table.

We had a lively and sometimes contentious debate about associa-tion memberships. Where do online publications fit in to the mix? If a daily print publication stops print-ing daily, but offers fresh online content daily, are they still a daily? Should dues be based on gross rev-enues, advertising rates or both? Or

neither? And what about companies like Patch?

And that was just one session.Reflecting on this meeting, I

realized that I am one of only 42 people in the United States who do the work that I do. It’s a small group of dedicated, passionate journalists with a vested interest in the longev-ity and vibrancy and monetary suc-cess of the news media industry.

The work that Colorado Press Association does on behalf of our member newspapers has never been more critical. I am proud to repre-sent some exceptional newspapers, dedicated industry professionals and the great state of Colorado.

We have work to do. I remain committed to overcoming the chal-lenges in front of us and continuing to represent Colorado media as strong, progressive leaders.

Committed to leading the charge

(970) 824-7484thelocalprintshop.com

operated by the

Business cardsLetterheadEnvelopesPostcardsSales � iersCirculation formsRate cardsPromotional brochuresPresentation foldersSpecial publicationsInvoicesCarbonless forms

You need it. We can print it.

Visit us online to view our product line

and request a quote.Craig Daily Press

P.O. Box 5 • Craig, Co 81626 – 466 Yampa Ave., Craig, CO 81625970-824-7031 • fax 970-824-6810

www.craigdailypress.com

PLEASE PLACE YOUR AD BELOW

1. Telephone:(_____)_____-________

2. Name:_______________________

3. Address 1:____________________

4. Address 2:____________________

5. City:_________________________

6. State:_____ 7. Zip:____________

Total words________________

8. Daily__________Weekly_________

Craig Daily Press_____________

Saturday Morning Press________

Northwest Co. Pkg.___________

9. Start date:______/______/_______

10. End date:______ /______ /______

11. Flat Charge $ ________________

1.

5.

9.

13.

17.

21.

25.

29.

33.

37.

41.

45.

2.

6.

10.

14.

18.

22.

26.

30.

34.

38.

42.

46.

4.

8.

12.

16.

20.

24.

28.

32.

36.

40.

44.

48.

3.

7.

11.

15.

19.

23.

27.

31.

35.

39.

43.

47.

CATEGORY______________________

we’ll BRING it TO you

You don’t need to worry about getting around early enough to find a paper. Subscribe to the and we’ll bring the paper to you so you never miss out on the local news!STOP IN TODAY (466 YAMPA AVE) OR CALL AMY AT 824-2600

www.craigdailypress.com


3. Address 1:____________________

4. Address 2:____________________

Total words________________

8. Daily__________Weekly_________



Northwest Co. Pkg.___________

9. Start date:______/______/_______


8. Daily__________Weekly_________



Craig Daily PressP.O. Box 5Craig, CO 81626

Gotta have the paper!

C R A I G D A I L Y P R E S S

JOSHUA ROBERTS

TF

970.875.1791970.824.6810

[email protected]

EDITOR

466 YAMPACRAIG, COLORADO 81625



Special Services• Advertising design and copywriting available at no

additional charge. Photographs taken at no extra charge. (Must be scheduled one week prior to publication.)

• Proofs and tearsheets provided on request.Terms of Payment• Net due 30 days from statement date, 1.5% per

month (18% annum) will be charged on all past due accounts.

• New advertisers who wish to establish an account must submit a credit application with acceptable credit references.

• Advertising from accounts more than 30 days past due cannot be accepted unless cash payment is made.

• Ads that require payment in advance include those from advertisers who have not established credit privileges and advertisers who have been placed on a cash-only basis; political ads; and going-out-of-business, bankruptcy and transient ads (such as circus, carnival, etc.). These ads must be paid for by deadline.

• Advertisers billed at contract rate who fail to fulfill the contract terms will be billed at the appropriate earned rate retroactively. All contract discounts are cancelled on advertising more than 60 days past due.

• Applicant agrees to pay Steamboat Pilot & Today/Steamboat Today/Craig Daily Press for all expenses they may incur to enforce collection of any amount due for advertising placed at open or contract rates including reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs in connection therewith.

Legal Policies• The terms Steamboat Pilot & Today, Steamboat

Today, and Craig Daily Press hereafter referred to as the “company,” as used herein are meant to include the newspapers and their related publica-tions, their employees, owners, officers, agents, and contractors.

• The company reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertisement at any time.

• The company is not bound by any terms or con-ditions printed or otherwise appearing on order blanks, advertising forms or copy instructions

when in conflict with the terms and conditions on the company rate schedule.

• The Advertiser and/or advertising agency agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the company against any and all liability, loss, or expense arising from claims including but not limited to libel, unfair competition, unfair trade practices, infringements of trademarks, copyrights, trade names, patents, plagiarism, or proprietary rights or violation of rights of privacy resulting from the publication of the advertiser’s advertisement.

• The company shall not be liable for any failure to print, publish, or circulate all or part of any issue in which advertising accepted by the company is contained if the failure is due to circumstances beyond the control of the company.

• The company shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. In the event of errors that materially affect the value of the advertisement, if at fault, the company will be responsible only for the space in which the error occurred. Liability for other errors or omissions in connection with an advertisement is strictly limited to publication of the advertise-ment in any subsequent issue or the refund of any moneys paid for the advertisement. Any request for adjustment on billing that may be open to question must be made within the month following the month in which the pur-ported error occurred.

• Unfulfilled advertising contracts will be short-rated to appropriate earned level at end of contract term.

• We reserve the right to revise advertising rates at any time. In the event advertising rates increase during contract term, Company will provide 30 days written notice to Advertiser. Advertisers who do not accept new rates may elect to cancel adver-tising agreement without penalty, by providing notice in writing to Company at least 10 days prior to the effective date of the new rates.

• Advertising contracts will automatically renew for consecutive terms unless Advertiser notifies the Company in writing 10 days prior to contract expi-ration date.

466 Yampa AvenueCraig, CO 81625(970) 824-7031Fax (970) 824-6810www.craigdailypress.com

adverTiSing deadLineSCancellation deadline is the same as the order deadline. If an ad is cancelled after the deadline, there will be a charge equal to 50% of the cost of the space reservation.

Monday Ads Thursday, 4 p.m.

Wednesday Ads Monday, 4 p.m.

Friday Ads Wednesday, 4 p.m.

Saturday Ads Wednesday, 4 p.m.

Classified Ads One Day Prior, 3 p.m.

Inserts 8 days prior to insertion date

FYI

Advertisements greater than 13.5" deep will be billed at the full page depth of 14"

conTacT uS

FTP Site for ad delivery and retrieval

FTP address:ftp2.steamboatpilot.

com username: advertiser Password: up2steam!

2011 ADVERTISING RATES(Rates effective Jan. 1, 2011)

{ }Committed to a Community Partnership Since 1891 | Published Monday through Saturday.

All rates are per column inch

Open Rate

Weekly Frequency Rates 4 Weeks 13 Weeks 26 Weeks 52 WeeksSigned agreement required. Unfulfilled con-tracts will be short-rated to the appropriate earned level at the end of the contract term. Four inch minimum size. A minimum of two identical ads must run each week.

National Rate (Commissionable 15 percent to advertising agencies)

Pickup Rate Any ad that publishes at open rate in a Steamboat or Craig newspa-per — Craig Daily Press, Saturday Morning Press, Steamboat Today or Steamboat Pilot & Today — may be picked up for one or more additional days in any of those newspapers within seven days for $6.85 per inch. Annual Bulk Rates 129-388 inches 389-1249 inches 1250-3000 inches 3000+ inchesMust run contracted inches in twelve months. Signed contract agreement required. Unfulfilled contracts will be short-rated to appropriate earned level at end of contract term.

Community Service Organizations

Open Rate28 Consecutive days: 1x1.5 13 Weeks 26 Weeks 52 Weeks

Publicly Supported Legals First Insertion Subsequent InsertionsPrivately Supported Legals All Insertions

LEGAL PUBLICATION RATES

PRE-PRINTED ADVERTISING INSERTSRates are per thousand inserts

1-7 Tabloid PagesOpen Rate — $83 13 times — $7826 times — $7252 times — $67



Partial run and limited zoning available for 30% surcharge. Call for current circulation figures.

CDP $10.00 SMP $10.50

2 ads per week$7.25$6.52$6.07$5.73

$10.70

$6.85

$8.75$7.91$7.30$6.46

$6.30

$10.27$6.97

Contract Rate $9.03 $8.40 $7.78

$4.75$3.31

$10.27

Spot ColorFull Color

Spot ColorFull Color

Open$52$165

Open$3.78$12.94

4 weeks$38$120

4 weeks$2.74$9.38

13 weeks$34$108

13 weeks$2.46$8.44

26 weeks$32$100

26 weeks$2.29$7.85

52 weeks$30$95

52 weeks$2.17$7.41

COLOR RATES Large Space Color Rates (18-70 column inches)

Small Space Color Rates (1-17 column inches, per column inch)

Signed contract required. Unfulfi lled contracts will be short-rated to the appropriate earned level at the end of the contract term.

IN-COLUMN CLASSIFIED DISPLAY RATES

Our publications are the source of news in Moffat County. Our newspapers are read throughout Moffat

and Routt Counties and beyond. The Craig Daily Press is distributed Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Press

run is 3550. Saturday Morning Press press run is 9500.

ASK ABOUT ADVERTISINGIN OUR OTHER PRODUCTS:

REALTOR CLASSIFIED DISPLAY RATES

Open Rate28 Consecutive days: 1x1.5 13 Weeks 26 Weeks 52 Weeks

$10.27$6.97

Realtor Rate $6.72 $6.25 $5.90

26 weeks

$100

26 weeks$2.29$7.85

52 weeks$30$95

52 weeks$2.17$7.41

1-17 column inches, per column inch)

Signed contract required. Unfulfi lled contracts will be short-rated to the appropriate

run is 3550. Saturday Morning Press press run is 9500.

ASK ABOUT ADVERTISINGIN OUR OTHER PRODUCTS:

$10.27

Realtor Rate $6.72 $6.25 $5.90

1

Northwest Colorado:THE STATE’S PREMIER HUNTING DESTINATION

2011 EDITION | A COMPLETE HUNTING GUIDE FOR NORTHWEST COLORADO | $5.00

HUNTING FAMILIESPLUS:10 top survival skillsThe White River deer herdWeaponry upgrades…and more

Local Hunter Talks Bear Kill Controversy

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

1-877-509-3148

samanthajohnston

cpa executive director

By Al Cross, Director, Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues

Max Heath, retired vice president and executive editor of Landmark Community Newspapers Inc. and a self-described “postal nerd” for the newspaper industry, is among two recipients of the 2012 Al Smith Award for public service through community journalism by a Kentuckian. The award is given by the Bluegrass Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and the University of Kentucky’s Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, which was co-founded by Smith, an SPJ fellow who published weeklies in Kentucky and Tennessee.

Heath remains a postal consultant to

Landmark Publishing Group of America and the National Newspaper Association. He was honored mainly for es-tablishing and executing the editorial principles that have earned LCNI national recognition, but he told the crowd that in his postal work, “I really

feel like I’ve helped newspapers achieve their First Amendment rights to be distrib-uted.” Kentucky Press Association Executive Director David Thompson presented Heath more than 35 letters from leaders in the community newspaper industry thanking him for his work.

Heath honored for public service through community journalism Max Heath’s remarks

Thanks so much for this, Al . . . I’m always honored to be mentioned in the same sentence with Al Smith. You’re never sure whether you fully deserve such prestigious awards, but I’ve had pneumonia three times, and I didn’t deserve that either!

I wasn’t expecting any more awards in my semi-retired status, but will cherish this one be-cause I cherish the cause behind it, serving rural journalism across the region and the country, and the values of the Society of Professional Journalists, which helped guide the way for FOI and ethics during my executive editor days at Landmark.

I just want to acknowledge a few people…First, my family: My wife of nearly 43 years,

Ruth Ann, and our son, Jason. Both of them have sacrificed greatly due to my time spent, during my working career and since, as a workaholic newspaperman doing one thing or another.

My father, Harry Heath, first business manager of the Murray State News, came to Campbellsville in 1937 to work for a Chicago man, Jody Gozder, who had purchased The New-Journal. He was an alcoholic newspaper man, but not successful, as Al was, at beating that addic-tion. My late brother and I beat the alcoholic rap, thanks to a good mother, but not the workaholic counterpart. At least the latter does pays better, however.

Secondly, Landmark Community Newspa-pers. Working under the Batten family owner-ship since 1974 provided editorial autonomy that allowed me to thrive and seek to serve readers, and then help recruit good people and help them thrive. And former President Larry Coffey from 1980 until his retirement supported these values.

Benjy Hamm, my nominator, is an exemplary embodiment of the principles of integrity and fair treatment espoused by the late Frank Batten Sr. He has a discerning mind, impeccable judg-ment, and gives wise guidance to editors as well as recruiting good talent.

LCNI continues to inform the national postal work I do by providing a laboratory that shows me what’s going on. The super support of admi-ninstrative assistant Deannie Baxter, circulation director Kim Hogan, and President Mike Aber-nathy keeps me going.

Thirdly, Al Cross, long-time friend and grass-roots guy who has worked in both community and metro journalism. His political work for The C-J was at the top of the list for productivity, accuracy, and scoops. He’s in the right position now, and provided an added bonus of being a

HEATH on page 6

REMARKS on page 6

Heath

colorado editor 3August 2012

Reprinted from the July 18 edition of the The Wray Gazette.

Bud Wells, longtime automotive columnist for The Denver Post and a native of Wray, was recognized Aug. 18 at the Gunnison Car Show when he received the 2012 Lee Iacocca Award.

The award, honoring its namesake’s contribution to the automotive industry for 50 years, recognizes recipients for dedication to excellence in perpetuating an American automotive tradition. Since the award’s inception in 2006, the Antique Automobile Club of America named the Lee Iacocca Award “the most cov-eted award on the classic car circuit.”

Wells was born in Wray to Dale and Lenna Wells. His father, who operated Ford/Mercury and Chrysler/Plymouth dealerships in Wray, died in a car accident in 1946. Five years later, the family sold the business to the Palmrose family and moved to Sterling.

Wells was a 1955 graduate of Sterling High School and worked at the Sterling Journal-Advocate from 1956-1967, the last five years as editor, then spent many years with The Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News as well as pubications director for the history book di-vision of Curtis Publishing Co. and with Wells Auto Sales. Wells and his wife, Jan, reside in Greeley.

Wells reviewed more than 1,800 new cars and trucks for the Post and News.

Spend any time in a newsroom and numbers readily become a fact of everyday reporting. Reporters’ eyes can easily become glazed by the stream of statistics.

A city council raises sewer rates – 7 percent for homes, 12 percent for commercial proper-ties. A school board recommends passage of a school building refer-endum on the premise of nominal increases in property taxes, only $150 a year on a home valued at $250,000. A sheriff ‘s yearend report presents a mixed picture of public safety – a 10-percent decrease in burglar-ies and break-ins vs. a 15-percent jump in serious crimes. The examples are numerous.

Yet, unfortunately, too many newsrooms simply present the numbers with little or no effort to provide context. It’s a sure bet that if the numbers are a blur for reporters, they’ll have minimal meaning for readers, too.

For starters, numerical in-creases and decreases – in budget stories, for example – are best interpreted using a combination of numbers and percentages. Beyond that, however, reporters should look for opportunities to cite prac-tical examples. In other words, put a face behind the numbers. Doing so will make stories more interest-ing and substantive:

Here’s one list of ideas for ev-eryday statistics that cross editors’ desks:

Foreclosure notices: A variety of angles can be pursued, begin-ning with a comparison of the numbers from a year ago. Identify the available financial counsel-ing services. What avenues do financial institutions take to avoid foreclosing on property? Do rent-ers have legal recourse if their landlords go bankrupt?

Search for success stories: Are individuals willing to share how they worked through debt to regain financial stability?

Unemployment statistics: Analyze the raw unemployment figures. Is there a significant dif-ference between the public sector and private sector? Review the performance of other categories – for example, manufacturing, retail, hospitality and agricultural jobs. How do local figures correlate with regional, statewide and national patterns? Select a company or individual to profile as an example of one of the more noteworthy statistics.

Building activity: Analyze the number and value of residen-tial and commercial/industrial

permits, new construction vs. remodeling projects. Stories can be expanded by visiting with real estate agents and financial lend-ers. Do a sidebar on the vacancy rate of com-mercial buildings or the number of homes on the market.

Public safety reports: Annual reports filed by law enforcement depart-ments contain ample fodder for a variety of

stories. Chart the sites of serious injury/fatal accidents, and produce a map and story; it may well be a springboard for an editorial calling for the installation of traffic signals at specific intersections. Are certain neighborhoods susceptible to burglaries? Why? Interview the victims, and possibly suggest the creation of a neighborhood watch program.

Athlete profiles: For every sport, there are a dozen statistics. Periodically review the numbers, and select an athlete to represent an aspect of a team’s performance.

Election by the numbers: Have some fun with election by considering a variety of approaches to “campaigns by the numbers.” How many miles did candidates walk or put on their cars? How many pancake breakfasts did they attend? How much weight did they gain or lose? How many signs did they post? How many speeches did they deliver? How much of their personal money and vacation days did they expend? How many vol-unteers helped, and, of those, how many were relatives? These stories can be done fairly easily with a little planning by posing the story to candidates as early as possible. Then give them a list of items they can track in a diary.

This list is but a start to ex-ploring a variety of stories and sidebars. Convene a brainstorm-ing session to examine all areas of coverage, and the ideas will flow. The range and scope of stories will keep your reporters busy, and, most important, you’ll be provid-ing readers a service.

Jim Pumarlo writes, speaks and provides training on community newsroom success strategies. His newest book is “Journalism Primer: A Guide to Community News Cover-age.” He also is author of “Votes and Quotes: A Guide to Outstanding Election Coverage” and “Bad News and Good Judgment: A Guide to Reporting on Sensitive Issues in Small-Town Newspapers.”

He can be reached at www.pumarlo.com and welcomes comments and questions at [email protected].

What brought you to CPA/CPS? I came to CPS through Accountemps, a staffing agency that specializes in accounting/finance. When the economy crashed, the company where I had worked for more than 12 years as VP of Finance, closed its doors. At the time, I saw a great opportunity to take a year off of work before I found another company where I could finish my career. That turned out to be a huge mistake. Jobs became more scarce and I wasn’t able to find permanent full-time work. When I came to CPS, I was strongly consid-ering a temp job in the oil and gas industry in Boulder. I interviewed with Samantha Johnston and felt like the environment at CPA/CPS would offer the types of chal-lenges and projects that I thrive on. I made the decision to come to work at CPS and I have never looked back. The positive energy and excitement in this company runs rampant. I feel like CPS has become a part of my life and who I am.

What is your favorite part of your job at CPA/CPS? I love accounting. I remember when I was a child helping my parents keep records for their business on green ledger paper. Math was always my favorite subject in school. Walking through the CPS door is my favorite part of the day. Everyone is friendly and happy to see me. It doesn’t matter how tough my morning is, my attitude is always lifted when I get to work. The atmosphere in our office makes you want to be part of things. I have been empowered to perform my job in the manner I feel best serves the company. To be trusted to do your job and not be micromanaged is a great way to work. We truly are a team.

What do you love to do in your spare time when you are not working? My first love is riding my Harley Davidson, whether it is out for the day or for the week. It gives me a sense of freedom. There really is

something about the wind in your face and the oppor-tunity to meet other motorcycle riders from all walks of life. I enjoy skiing, boating, music, travel and a sunny day on the slopes. I was going to see Steve Miller last summer and my brother asked me, “Are you ever going to be too old to go to concerts?” My reply was “Not as long as I can hear.”

Any family information you wish to share (kids, pets, grandkids, spouses, etc.) I have a son, Matthew and a granddaughter, Brianna. I also have the pleasure of another granddaughter, Briana, who I have adopted as my own along with a few of my son’s friends who consider me their second mom. My 87-year-old mother, who has Alzheimer’s, lives with me.

What one thing do you think you do in your role that our members should know we do, or remind them we do, or illustrate for them how we helping them in ways that might not even see, etc. CPS processes payment to our newspapers the day we invoice the client. There is no waiting to receive pay-ment from our clients, before paying our newspapers. It’s a huge benefit of working with CPS. Instead of get-ting payment in 90-120 days, our newspapers are paid as soon as the ads run. This surely helps many papers in these difficult economic times with their cash flow.

What do you think about the future of the newspaper industry? There will always be print products. However, I believe that with modern technol-ogy and the ever-growing digital way of doing business, most people are using the internet, web and social me-dia to get current news and information. CPA/CPS is moving in this direction to be a leader in our industry by helping our members with training and technology trends.

Auto columnist wins Iacocca Award

Numbers, without interpretation, leave readers in dark

jimpumarlo

cpa profile

Kathy Van NewhouseColorado Press Association/SYNC2 Media Accounting Manager

http://www.pumarlo.com



FROM TRAGEDY, WE WILL RISEDesigned by Stephanie Corder

as surely as the sun

We Will Rise

we can only appreciate

the miracle of a sunrise if we have waited in the darkness

today is a new day colorado. we will be strong. we will be mighty.

we will overcome. we will rise.

ColoradoDayAugust 1standing strong for 136 years

Eight entries were received for the Strength of Colorado creative contest. The winning submission, designed by Mike Pierce of the Pagosa Springs SUN appears on the front page of this edition.

Special thanks to CPA board members who supported the Strength of Colorado design contest by providing funds to donate to a Colorado charity on behalf of the artist who contributed the winning submission - $375 will be donated to a Colorado charity of Mike Pierce’s choice.

The state stays strong

Submitted by Stephanie Corder, graphic designer, Steamboat Today

Submitted by Darci Tomky, The Holyoke Enterprise


This message brought to you by the Colorado Press Association. Our thoughts are with the people affected by the wildfi res and Aurora tragedy.

This message brought to you by the Colorado Press Association. Our thoughts are with the people affected by the wildfi res and Aurora tragedy.

OUT F TRAGEDY WE WILL

RISE

Unidos en ColoradoUnidos en Colorado

La Voz photo courtesy: Delano AustinLa Voz photo courtesy: Delano AustinLa Voz photo courtesy: Delano Austin

Photo courtesy: La Voz StaffPhoto courtesy: La Voz Staff

La Voz photo courtesy: Delano Austin La Voz photo courtesy: Delano AustinLa Voz photo by: Delano Austin

La Voz photo courtesy: Delano AustinPhoto courtesy: Poonthawil Koucherik

Colorado Day 2012

Photo courtesy: Tiffany Wood

Colorado Day August 1, 2012



Left: Submitted by Pauline Rivera, La Voz

Submitted by Deanne Burton, Cortez JournalSubmitted by Susan Richards, designer, Berthoud Weekly Surveyor


HEATH from Page 1

“Max Heath is a legend in the newspaper industry for his tire-less work fighting for the rights of newspaper companies to distribute its products,” said CPA Executive Director Samantha Johnston. “Max is a passionate advocate for our industry and his postal expertise is second to none, nationally and internationally”

Heath began his career in his hometown of Campbellsville, Ky.,

where he rose from teenage sports reporter to editor. He was also edi-tor of the Landmark paper in Tell City, Ind. “He is and always will be a country editor,” said Landmark executive Editor Benjy Hamm, who nominated him for the award. Heath said, “Country editor is still the highest title one can hold, for its community impact.”

Heath is in his 28th year as chair of the Postal Committee of the National Newspaper Association. He was named to the Postal Service

Mailer’s Technical Advisory

Committee (MTAC) in 1989 and is also on the national Periodical

Operations Advisory Committee

and the rule-making Periodicals Advisory Group.

REMARKS from Page 2

heavy hitter in NNA’s postal work as an impact witness on the effects of Postal Service proposals on rural markets. And he stays active on relevant postal issues. An Al figured in another key event. He offered The Anderson News an opportunity to join the C-J court effort to join in opening up a coroner’s inquest. That began a 21-year relationship working with Kim Greene and Jon Fleischaker of Dinsmore & Shohl on FOI representation.

And finally, Publishing Group of America, producer of slick newspaper supplements American Profile, weekly, and Relish and Spry, monthly. In retirement I needed a sponsor associated with newspa-pers. Jerry Lyles, a Kentuckian who was then the PGA sales manager, gave me a home and generous monthly stipend to pay for my work representing newspapers in DC. That has continued from late 2008, now under Steve Smith, Sr. VP Publisher Relations.

In my view, a country editor is the highest title one can hold–for its community impact–and where I was lucky to spend 35 years in one way or another. I have viewed my postal work, which overlapped my editorial work, and then extended into retirement, as helping news-papers achieve their First Amend-ment rights to timely and efficient distribution of news.

So thanks very much from this country editor, to all of you who were so nice to come here tonight, and to the Lexington SPJ Chapter and the Institute for Rural Journal-ism.

Some years ago, I met with a for-eign car dealer to learn about his ad-vertising. In the showroom, there was a beautiful red sports car – a new model that had just arrived that week. When I commented on the car, the dealer said, “Yeah, and we didn’t even find a Black Widow spider in this one.”

Say what? “When these cars are shipped from

Europe, they usually pick up spiders along the way,” he explained. “Just about every car we’ve gotten lately has had a spider under the hood. But our customers don’t have to worry about that. We always find ‘em when we clean up the cars.”

Aw shucks! For a minute there, I thought we had a great headline: “Free spider with ev-ery car.”

As discussed here before, relevancy is a key factor in the creation of effective advertising. Although that car dealer might have been jok-

ing, something tells me that “free spi-der” is not the right offer.

Let’s take a look at three types of offers. Being familiar with these choices will provide you with a good range of promotional tools for your advertisers.

1. Special Pricing. In many prod-uct categories, this is the most com-mon offer in today’s tight economy. In fact, many consumers will not make a favorable buying decision unless there is a discount.

It makes perfect sense: Media out-lets want advertisers, advertisers want

customers and customers want bargains. The most radical example is Groupon, where the average discount is an eye-popping 56 percent. And of course, direct mail packages – a more traditional newspaper competitor – consist primarily of discount coupons.

Newspaper advertisers can easily jump on

the special pricing train. Examples include multiple-purchase offers, trade-in programs, early bird incentives, rebates and coupons.

2. Giveaways. Everyone likes to get free stuff. Someone in my family recently extended a magazine subscription – long before its ex-piration date – because the publisher offered a free booklet for renewing now. The offer was right on target. The health-related booklet was a natural tie-in with the health-related maga-zine.

The key is relevance. When consumers see a giveaway as meaningful and desirable, there is likely to be a strong response rate.

Ideas include free product samples, free trial periods, bonus products, free demonstra-tions, no-cost installation, free delivery and free introductory consultations.

3. Special Events. Many people enjoy be-ing part of a special occasion, especially when it gives them a chance to share the experience

with like-minded consumers. Think of the high energy that Black Friday creates in the retail world. And consider the luncheons and semi-nars that are sponsored by financial advisors.

There are plenty of possibilities. For exam-ple, you could use “turn back the clock pricing” to celebrate a business anniversary. You could arrange a celebrity appearance, like bookstores frequently do with authors. Or you could plan an open house, a grand opening or a product roll-out party.

It’s all a matter of making the right offer. To the right audience. At the right time.

© Copyright 2012 by John Foust.All rights reserved.John Foust has conducted training programs for thousands of newspaper advertising professionals. Many ad departments are using his training videos to save time and get quick results from in-house training. E-mail for information: [email protected]

Along came a spider and . . .

johnfoust

Max Heath, right, receives the Al Smith Public Service Award from Al Smith. Al Cross, director of the Institute for Rural Journalism looks on.

Heath has defended papers’ distribution rights

Honored to work as a country editor

Max Heath is a legend in the newspaper industry for his tireless work fighting for the rights of newspaper companies to dis-tribute its products.”

Samantha Johnston, CPA Executive Director


The Holyoke Enterprise

Community Newspapercovering Phillips County in NE Colorado

Full-Service Commercial Printing970-854-2811•holyokeenterprise.com

NNA from Page 1

Dale Shrull. Judges’ Comments: “very sensitive. enjoy insight to honor guards”

3rd place, Cortez Journal, Best Photo Essay, Daily & Non‐daily Divi-sion, circulation 6,000‐11,999, Ropin’, wrestlin’ at the Ranch Rodeo, Sam Green. Judges’ Comments: “Great photos overall, but the impact suf-fered because of the lack of a domi-nant photo. A solid third‐place.”

Honorable Mention, Cortez Journal, Best Investigative or In‐Depth Story or Series, Non‐daily Division, circulation 3,000‐ 9,999, Veterans Day, Dale Shrull. Judges’ Comments: “This beautifully written and de-signed two‐part series by Dale Shrull reaches deep as it explores the mili-tary contributions Cortez area veter-ans have made for almost a century.”

CO Honorable Mention, The (Greenwood Village) Villager, Best Special News‐ Sports or Feature Sec-tion or Edition, Daily & Non‐daily Division, circulation 3,000‐9,999, GENTS: A look into the men’s side of fashion, what’s hot this summer, Scot-tie Taylor Iverson, Cynthia Meschke, Elizabeth Denton. Judges’ Com-ments: “A unique idea”

3rd place, The (Walden) Jackson County Star, Best Humorous Col-umn, Daily & Non‐daily Division, circulation less than 3,000, Declaring Culinary Independence, Jim Dustin. Judges’ Comments: “Good stuff with a nice payoff late in the piece.”

3rd place, The (Walden) Jackson County Star, Best Serious Column, Daily & Non‐daily Division, circula-tion less than 3,000, Plan A Movie Night With The Kids, Jim Dustin. Judges’ Comments: “When people are being destroyed all around us by the use of drugs, it is difficult to be si-lent, isn’t it? Thanks for telling people what they desperately need to hear. Even if they don’t go see the movie, you’ve made an impact on many lives with your column. Good job!”

Honorable Mention, TThe (Walden) Jackson County Star, Best Feature Story, Non‐daily Division, cir-culation less than 2,000, The Incarcer-ated Artist Of Jackson County, Jim Dustin. Judges’ Comments: “Unusual story told with energy and a nice hu-man touch.”

Honorable Mention, The (Walden) Jackson County Star, Best Humorous Column, Daily & Non‐dai-ly Division, circulation less than 3,000, The Court of Jim In Thong & Thstory, Jim Dustin. Judges’ Comments: “This was a great idea and pretty funny. Bet readers like to see it annually.”

NNA Better Newspaper Ad-vertising Contest

2nd Place, The Holyoke Enter-prise, Best Single Ad Idea‐ Black & White, Daily & Non‐daily Division, circulation less than 10,000, Holiday Extravaganza‐‐S&W Auto, Darci Tomky. Judges’ Comments: “Large ad tastefully done. Not over crowded. Lights and darks mixed nicely.”

Honorable Mention, The Holy-oke Enterprise, Best Single Ad Idea‐ Black & White, Daily & Non‐daily Division, circulation less than 10,000, From our Family to Yours‐‐Brandt Chiropractic, Darci Tomky. Judges’ Comments: “Nice use of photos. Well organized”

1st Place, The Pagosa Springs Sun, Best Sales Promotion Section or Edition, Non‐daily Division, circulation less than 10,000, Pagosa Springs Official Visitor Guide ‐ Summer, Terri House, Shari Pierce, Mike Pierce. Judges’ Comments: “A 140‐page full color, coated stock magazine that had to be months in the planning and execution. Far larger newspapers would be proud to have produced such a professional and successful special section.”

Honorable Mention, The Pagosa Springs Sun, Best Sales Promotion Section or Edition, Non‐daily Divi-sion, circulation less than 10,000, Pa-gosa Springs Relocation Guide, Terri House, Shari Pierce, Mike Pierce.

NNA honors Colorado papers

cpa marketplaceMOUNTAIN COMMUNITY WEEKLY FOR SALE

Small weekly in Colorado mountain community. Grosses about $120,000. Fixed costs about $50,000. Good opportunity for young couple starting out, or older “downsized” journalists. Easy news beats. Monopoly situation. All buildings and equip-ment included in sale price; you can walk in on Monday and put out a paper on Tuesday. Current owner will stick around to help with transition. Beautiful location, great for fishing, hunting and outdoor recreation. Excellent schools, low crime, no traffic. Price includes office building and residence. August price reduced to $220,000 from $270,000. Call 970-723-4404.

SYNC2 FROM PAGE 1

match our fresh and innovative and vibrant approach to revenue genera-tion in a new era.”

In addition to a concentrated focus on traditional newspaper products, SYNC2 Media also of-fers customized email blasts, digital network display ads, search engine marketing, tablet display, mobile

display, real estate and auto mar-ketplace products and customized social campaigns.

“We certainly aren’t the only company out there offering these services,” Johnston said. “But I can confidently say that we are the only company out there selling these ser-vices with a deep understanding of Colorado newspapers and a vested interest in a business model that

helps to secure a long-term future for the Colorado news industry. We know newspapers. We know Colo-rado.”

Fore more information about SYNC2 Media or its services, con-tact Elizabeth Bernberg at 303-571-5117 x 24 or email [email protected].

CPS is now SYNC2, with focus on print, digital

Online contest back, better and without bugsCONTEST from Page 1

“Our overall goal is to design a contest that is affordable, competi-tive and as inclusive as possible for our members,” Johnston said. “We hope our solutions are perfect, but if they aren’t, we hope they are a step in the right direction and that we’ll see more participation from our membership.”

Annual contest packets will be

mailed, emailed and posted on the CPA website beginning August 15. CPA members who do not receive a packet, or who are not on the mail-ing list and would like to receive a packet, should contact Lisa Wood-worth in the CPA office. Contest packets will include instructions for utilizing the online contest module as well as circulation categories, contest categories and a variety of additional contest resources.

Online entries will be accepted beginning September 4 utilizing the same online contest software launched last year. Details for how to enter will be included in the packets. The entry deadline is Tues-day, Oct. 16, 2012.

For more information, or to make sure you are a member and receive contest materials, contact Lisa Woodworth at 303-571-5117.

editor onlinecoloradopressassociation.com


Beckie Gail RawlingsAfter a brave and inspirational

struggle with cancer since 1987, Beckie Gail Rawlings fought her last battle on July 11, 2012. Beckie gained her wings shortly past noon in Pittsfield, Mass., with her family at her bedside; she was 58.

Born on May 18, 1954, in San An-tonio, Texas, Beckie later moved with her family to Albuquerque, N.M., where she attended Sandia High School while performing in the Continental Choir. Beckie later would study interior design and fashion merchandising at Bauder Fashion College. Post graduation, she further pursued her creative talents as an interior decorator with American Furniture in Albuquerque; while later she continued her career successes as a carpet and textile sales representative for both Milliken and Shaw industries. For those who knew her, there is little left to be said for a life that was absolutely lived to the fullest. Beckie dedicated her time as a loving wife and nurturing mother. She was a regular (and outspoken) pres-ence and her sons’ soccer and sporting events; remained in frequent touch with her extended family and friends; and spent her free time traveling, singing, shopping, antiquing, scuba diving, fly-fishing and boating. Beckie was, in every way, the definition of a loving, insatiable and resolute spirit. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother of four.

Beckie is survived by her husband, Stephen Rawlings (Lt. Co. Ret.); her sons, Lance and Wesley Rawlings and their wives, Jennifer and Katie; her beautiful granddaughters, Breanna, Savannah, Keenan and Camille; sisters, Vickie Pyland and Kellie Tolson; broth-ers, Bernie and Ely; and aunt and uncle Bobby and Sid Foil. Beckie’s local rela-tives include Uncle Bob and Aunt Sandy Rawlings; and cousin, Jane Rawlings, who spent many summers with her in Beulah.

At her family’s request, please donate to the Susan G. Koman for the Cure Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation. The funeral was Aug. 4, 2012 at Wild-wood Park in Little Rock, Ark.

Reprinted from the Sunday, July 22 edition of The Pueblo Chieftain

Richard O. Walberg1924-2012

Richard O. Walberg, a former editor for The Denver Post and D-Day veteran, died Friday, June 22. He was 88.

Walberg, long-time resident of Boul-der, died at Boulder County Hospice af-ter finally losing his battle with prostate cancer.

Walberg served with the U.S. Army as part of the June 6, 1944 Allied invasion of Europe in Normandy, France, during World War II. After the war, he attended both Colorado Collge and the University of Missouri, graduating from the latter with a journalism degree.

The Colorado Springs-born reporter moved to northern California to take a job with the Pittsburgh, Ca., Post-Dis-patch, where he met his wife, Sonya.

But as with many Colorado natives, Walberg started to grow homesick and returned to Colorado as a reporter for the Boulder Daily Camera. Years later, he moved to The Denver Post, where he retired as an editor in 1987.

“He was first and foremost a newspa-per man,” his daughter, Wendy Spratte, said. “He’d get up at 3:30 a.m. to catch the bus to Denver, where he would

spend the day editing, then come home around 5 p.m., only to sit in his chair and read and criticize the paper.”

But despite his commitment to his career, Walberg left plenty of time to travel and enjoy the outdoors with his family. “He was an involved father, who went on countless Boy Scout camping trips, and taught me how to throw a baseball,” his son, Randy, said.

His wife recalls the countless trips they took all over the world, which in-cluded hiking the Swiss Alps and biking in places like Hungary and China.

Walberg is also remembered for his sense of humor, which although often subtle, was definitely a part of who he was. His grandchildren will never forget the trip to Water World in which he had trouble staying on his inner tube while floating down the Lazy River. He kept flailing and splashing, such to the point that the lifeguard thought he was drowning and attempted to come to his unneeded rescue. “After the incident, he renamed it Raging River,” his grand-daughter, Kelly Spratte, said.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, three children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held July 25 at Fort Logan National Cemetery.

Reprinted from the Sunday, July 22 edition of The Denver Post

Earl Lee FowlerFebruary 15, 1936 – July 10, 2012

Earl L. “Lee” Fowler, 76, of Loveland, Colorado, passed away on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 in Pathways Hospice Care Center at McKee Hospital in Loveland following a brief illness.

He was born in Kearney, Nebraska, on February 15, 1936 to Lucile (Kee) Fowler. The family moved to Longmont, Colorado, in 1952 where Lee graduated from Longmont High School in 1954. He attended Arizona State University and received his bachelors degree in Anthropology. From 1958 to 1960, he served in the U.S. Army, part of which was in Korea after the war, and contin-ued in the Army Reserves from 1960 to 1964.

Lee married Mary Lou Storm in Phoenix, Arizona, on May 25, 1957. They moved to Colorado in 1972 and to Loveland in 1988. Lee was self-employed in the insurance business for many years before becoming the publisher of The Country Register of Colorado for 11 years and retiring in 2003.

Lee was a member of Mountain View Presbyterian Church in Loveland and was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His passing leaves a very large void.

He loved baseball, reading, and spending time with family and friends. He is survived by his wife Mary Lou Fowler of Loveland; son Eric (Karen) Fowler of Mead, daughter Sonja (Mark) Donelan of Loveland and son Jeffrey (Laurie) Fowler of Westminster; one brother, James A. Folwer of Temecula, California; and grandchildren Samantha, Alison, and Sean Donelson and Olivia and Jackson Fowler.

A memorial service was held July 18 at Mountain View Presbyterian Church in Loveland. Memorial contributions may be made to Mountain View Pres-byterian Church or the Salvation Army, for victims of the fire disaster, in care of Kibbey Fisburn Funeral Home.

Reprinted from the Sunday, July 15 edition of the Reporter-Herald

By Ann Butler Herald staff write

Writer, ruminator, editor and historian Charles W. “Charlie” Langdon died unexpectedly Thursday, July 12, 2012, at his Durango home. He was one month shy of his 78th birthday.

Charlie Langdon began his 35-year career with The Durango Herald as the sports editor in 1967, when the newsroom staff members still used man-ual typewriters.

Charlie Langdon was an avid skier most of his life as seen in this photo from 1967. He wrote the history of Purgatory Ski Area in 1989.

Langdon began his journalism career while serving in the Army. Stationed at the Presidio in San Francisco, he was assigned to cover the Winter

Olympics in 1960 in Squaw Valley, Calif.

He and his young family moved to Durango in 1966, when he took a job with the newly opened Purgatory Ski Area. He soon became the sports editor for The Durango Herald, and would eventually spend 35 of the next 45 years as a journalist. Sometimes, he was a reporter, and in his later years,

the arts and entertainment editor and a columnist whose musings, book reviews and movie recom-mendations became a popular entry in the Herald’s Sunday Opinion pages.

“Charlie was a good human being whose columns and stories were sensitive and insightful,” Durango Herald Publisher Richard Ballantine said. “He loved personalities and the arts, and he was always interesting.”

Langdon took a hiatus from the Herald in the 1970s, when he and his wife, Laura, owned a book-store. He later worked as a reference librarian with the Southwest Library System for almost a decade. Even when he wasn’t in the newsroom, he was thinking like a journalist.

“I first got to know him when I was the sports editor at the Herald while still in college,” said Jack-son Clark, owner of Toh-Atin Gallery, who worked at the paper in the early 1970s. “And there were a lot of sports I didn’t know much about – I knew absolutely nothing about hockey. He was the kind of guy who would call and say ‘You’ve got to get this hockey story in tomorrow.’”

Langdon’s more than 20 years as arts and entertainment editor changed the way the Herald covered the beat.

“He was the beginning of the Herald having a serious arts page,” Clark said. “He saw the arts as an important part of the community that contributed to its well-being.”

Books, words and learning were abiding pas-sions.

“Regular readers of this column perhaps know that my library is my most treasured material posses-sion,” he wrote in his column dated June 8, 1997. “A car is a car, and a hat is a hat, but a book is a treasure. I have read every book in my library at least once.”

In 1989, Ray Duncan, the owner of Purgatory, asked Langdon to write a history of the ski area for its 25th anniversary. Called Durango Ski: People and Seasons at Purgatory, a second edition was issued in 2007.

A writer all his life in a variety of forms, several of his one-act plays were performed at Fort Lewis

College and in Denver.Langdon published two volumes of poetry, The

Dandelion Vote and The Bearing Tree. Garrison Keillor, who produces and stars in “The Writer’s Almanac” on NPR read two poems from The Dandelion Vote on the program, including one, “The Edward C. Peterson Tree,” which Keillor also included in one of his anthologies.

“He wrote just like he talked,” Clark said. “He was very thoughtful, and he had this cadence. Sometimes, you’d run into him on the street and end up having a 30- or 40-minute conversation.”

Langdon’s gift of conversation stood him in good stead on his radio program about the arts, “Viewpoint,” which aired Saturday mornings for 14 years, from 1983 to 1997, on KIUP-AM (930).

“I was apprehensive,” he wrote when leaving KIUP, about the early days of the show. “I was a writer and almost exclusively a print journalist. I imposed upon my friend Paul Folwell to play the interviewee, while I tried to come up with sensible questions while gazing at strange dials, buttons and knobs. The rehearsal was, of course, a disaster. But I did learn one or two things about the recorder, and Paul was still my friend when the ordeal was over.”

During the program’s 14 years, Langdon interviewed nationally known figures such as Tony Hillerman, Louis L’Amour, Roger Ebert and Liam Neeson, but his favorite guests were people from the local arts scene.

Readers came to know how much he loved his wife, sons and nature through his columns, and they got to know the introspective Langdon, too.

“Like most people, my nature is an odd combi-nation of disparate parts,” he wrote for his column of Nov. 9, 1997. “I am wholeheartedly public and abso-lutely private. I’m a recluse with a public pose as well as a stay-at-home with wanderlust. Also, one small but omnipresent part of me stands forever detached, a dreaming dweller in silence whom I’m compelled to seek out now and then in some remote corner.”

Reprinted with permission from The Durango Herald.

obituaries

Charlie Langdon made the arts page ‘serious’

Charlie Langdon began his 35-year career with The Durango Herald as the sports editor in 1967, when the newsroom staff members still used manual typewriters.

Langdon

(Charlie Langdon) saw the arts as an important part of the community that contributed to its well-being.”

Jackson Clark, owner of Toh-Atin Gallery, on Durango Herald legend

http://www.durangoherald.com/staffperson/abut

august 2012 colorado editor

Documents

contest categories

colorado press association

contest committee

collegiate contest

entire contest

colorado press service

colorado strongthe

years contest participants