First cuts at the Sun-Times
Seven non-union journalists are already gone from the newspaper, which has announced plans to cut 32 journalists’ jobs. A buyout offer for Newspaper Guild members over the age of 55 expired Friday. A different buyout for Guild members under the age of 55 expires today. A Sun-Times News Group board meeting is set for Jan. 29, so expect more news in the next day or so. Here’s who has left so far:

Dan Miller, Business Editor
Lloyd Sachs, Editorial Board
Michelle Stevens, Editorial Board
Michael Gillis, Editorial Board
Russ Bath, Part-Time News Editor
Marcia Frellick, Sunday News Editor
Avis Weathersbee, Metro Editor

Also gone from Sun-Times News Group, as reported in the Tribune by Phil Rosenthal, are Star Editor/Publisher Frank Shuftan and Southtown Editor/Publisher Michael Waters.

“It wasn’t a complete surprise when it happened,” said former editorial board member Lloyd Sachs, a frequent attendee at the Workshop’s Making Media Connections conferences over the years who doubled as a jazz critic for the paper. “We knew somebody on the editorial board was going to go, we just weren’t sure who and how many. I was there for nearly 24 years [and] it’s a very odd feeling to suddenly have my routine altered but this is the reality of this business now.”

Anyone who thinks there’s a possibility this is the beginning of the end of the Sun-times, is way off base, said Tammy Chase, the spokesperson for Sun-Times Media Group. “We’re doing these things to stay viable. These are tough times but we’re soldiering through it.”

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Join BBC World Service presidential discussion 

10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, Navy Pier

Chicago Public Radio (WBEZ 91.5 FM) invites you to be a member of the studio audience for a live, international broadcast co-hosted by the BBC World Service. This hour-long community discussion of the issues in the 2008 presidential election will be hosted by the BBC’s Claire Bolderson and Chicago Public Radio’s Richard Steele, and will feature a panel of local experts and listeners from around the world discussing what’s at stake in the race for president. Event concludes with a lunchtime reception following the broadcast. Submit your name at http://www.chicagopublicradio.org/BBC_Form.aspx to participate or contact Breeze Richardson, brichardson@chicagopublicradio.org or at 312-948-4653.

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Better Media Relations in 2008!

If one of your resolutions for the new year is to do better media relations (which it should be) – then we can help you! In addition to our communications workshops, give yourself the map & compass to Chicago area media: Getting on the Air Online and Into Print! Order the book & CD to maximize your potential for successful media campaigns. Make the most impact in 2008!

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Full!
For the third straight year, our core Professional Media Relations course has sold out. If you or your organization needs communications strategy/all-around communication skills training, consider attending SPIN Project’s Media Boot Camp slated for June 11, 2008 as part of Making Media Connections. (Details TBA). Meanwhile, slots are still open in these workshops (and more, all listed at our Web site): http://www.newstips.org/

Knock-Out Fundraisers & Special Events
Wednesday, Feb. 6, 9 a.m. to noon, Trainer Lennie Rose, Cost: $95
Create high-concept special events that drive interest, increase your supporter or client-base, and bring people in the door. Register

Online Communications
Thursday, March 6, 9 a.m. to noon, Trainer Christine Cupaiuolo, Cost: $95
Strategy and technology merge in this interactive session designed to help you craft an online communications plan and strengthen your organizations presence in the cyber-world. Hands on in the classroom and 10-workstation computer lab at Lumity, 29 East Madison Street, Suite 1005. Lunch provided. Register

Power Pitching: The Phone Call Worth A Thousand Words
Friday, March 14, 9 a.m. to noon, Trainer Suzan Erem, Cost: $95
Master the power of pitching to reporters with communications expert Suzan Erem. Register

Journalists to be announced, student to win cash

Watch for the Workshop to announce its Studs Terkel Community Media Award honorees—journalists who cover Chicago’s communities in exemplary ways that honor the tradition Studs Terkel has created and personifies. We’re also accepting applications from Columbia College Chicago Film, Journalism, Radio, and TV students for their most Terkelian piece of student journalism; a winner will receive recognition and $1,500 at our benefit on Wednesday, April 9, with lead sponsorship from the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation. Learn more at http://www.newstips.org/interior.php?section=Calendar&main_id=816

People to Pitch

Natalie Moore , Chicago Public Radio
“I’m interested in impact,” says Natalie Moore, reporter for Chicago Public Radio’s neighborhood bureau in Englewood. “Not so much events, but issues.”

Natalie writes hard news and features covering the South Side. Her pieces air on Chicago Public Radio during “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered” and on “Eight-Forty-Eight.” She has covered housing and gentrification and would like to do more stories on race issues.

Natalie also broadcasts community forums from her neighborhood bureau. Forum speakers include neighborhood parents, students and residents and serve as a way to connect all community members.

The bureaus began as an effort to increase coverage in underreported areas.  They are located in Northwest Indiana, Humboldt Park and Englewood. Reach Natalie at nmoore@chicagopublicradio.org or at 312-893-2918.

Find more "People to Pitch" in our 2008 Getting on Air, Online and Into Print media guide. Get it here

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Newstips Blog
by Curtis Black, newstips editor

Gambling on a Capital Budget
Last week’s transit bailout leaves unaddressed the state's long-deferred capital budget; the Task Force to Oppose Gambling in Chicago is suggesting it's time to look again at alternatives to an expansion of gambling to finance it. Read more.

Call for lower credit card rates
With post-holiday bills arriving, Illinois PIRG reports that over half of credit card customers who called their companies to ask for a rate break had their interest rates lowered by a third or more. Read more.

Subscribe to the new Newstips v2.0 Blog
Visit the Newstips blog and tell us what you think.

Do you have a newstip? Contact Curtis Black.
curtis@newstips.org | phone: 312-344-6400 | fax: 312-344-6404

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Community Media & You  

"Empty Plates: What does it take to feed Chicago's hungry?"
Bob Dolgan from the Greater Chicago Food Depository and Gary Garland from the Lakeview Food Pantry discuss their struggle to feed the city's hungry and larger issues they want addressed. Airs 8 p.m. Saturdays, Jan. 26 and Feb. 9.

"Harold: Honoring a Legacy"
Salim Muwakkil, senior editor of In These Times and author of "Harold!" remembers the late Mayor Harold Washington and his legacy in Chicago and among its other Black leaders. Airs 8 p.m. Saturdays, Feb. 2 and 16.

Other Events Around Town

LunaFest
Friday, Jan. 25, 6 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. screening, DePaul University, 2250 N. Sheffield, Rm. 120
Females United for Action will present nine diverse films by and about women. Costs $5 in advance, $6 at the door. Sneak peek at http://www.lunafest.org/the. Purchase tickets at dpulunaleader@gmail.com.

Publicity Club of Chicago’s PR Education Series
Tuesdays: Jan. 29, Feb. 5, 12 and 19, 6 to 7:30 p.m., DePaul University, 1 E. Jackson
Offering a different PR course each night, topics range from crisis communication, promotions, online strategies and media relations. Prices vary. Register online at http://www.publicity.org/registrationeducation.htm or call 773-463-5570.

Center for Tax and Budget Accountability Symposium
Tuesday, Jan. 29, 8:15 a.m. to noon, Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W. Jackson

Symposium with Illinois treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, comptroller Dan W. Hynes and others will highlight Illinois' chronic annual budget shortfalls, and what is being done (or not done) to address this issue. Costs $40. Register here.

Media Matters: The ’08 Race
Tuesday, Jan. 29 6 to 7:30 p.m., DePaul University, Lewis Hall, 25 E. Jackson Rm. 241
Hear veteran reporter Walter Jacobson and other journalists address important marketing and media issues surrounding the presidential election on the eve of the Illinois primary. Event is free.

Industrial Areas Foundation Organizer Recruitment Workshop
Feb. 23 and 24 in Washington, DC
Two-day workshop for students, recent grads or mid-career professionals interested in learning about Saul Alinsky style organizing, career and internship opportunities. Contact Tom Lenz, Lead Organizer, at tomlenz@uic.edu or at
847-266-9803. Metro IAF pays for room and board costs, participants pay for travel.

New On The Web

Indecision 2008
Rate what issues are most important to you, take a brief survey and find out which presidential candidate supports your ideas at www.glassbooth.org. The answer may surprise you. Website also gives tips on how to register and stay informed.

“If It Catches my Eye”

A report on how to get teens more interested in current events was recently published by the Media Management Center at Northwestern University and is available at www.mediamanagementcenter.org/research/teeninternetstudy.pdf.

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Communications Jobs

Indian Trails Library
Public Relations Manager

This position is responsible for planning and implementing the library’s publicity and promotional campaigns, developing an on-going relationship with the local media, promoting library programs and preparing press releases. This is a full time position. Candidate should be able to communicate well with the press and legislators.  Please submit resume, 3 professional references, and 3 writing samples to Matt Rock, Public Communications Manager, mrock@indiantrailslibrary.org, or get more details at http://www.indiantrailslibrary.org/library/jobs.html

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