WCAX-TV announces partnership with Seven Days, Kids VT

Two Vermont-owned media companies have formed a partnership to share award-winning local content, according to a Jan. 16 announcement on the Vermont Business Magazine website. Last fall, WCAX-TV, based in South Burlington, began working with the state’s largest newsweekly, Burlington-based Seven Days. 

Each Wednesday and Friday, Seven Days’ reporters and critics appear on WCAX’s 5:30 news show, “The :30,” to talk with hosts Kristin Carlson and Mike McCune about local news, arts and entertainment. Recent topics have included the Burlington mayor’s race, Vermont’s growing electronic music scene and Seven Days food critic Alice Levitt’s 2011 pick for best new restaurant of the year. 

Every Thursday on “The :30,” WCAX airs an abbreviated version of the latest episode of “Stuck in Vermont,” a web video series hosted by Seven Days multimedia producer Eva Sollberger. 

Twice a month, staffers from Kids VT, Seven Days’ free monthly parenting publication, appear on the morning news to discuss events and issues of interest to Vermont families. 

In exchange, WCAX provides a weather forecast for Seven Days’ “Daily 7” email newsletter, which delivers the top seven Vermont stories each weekday afternoon. The station also contributes an extended forecast for Seven Days’ “Notes on the Weekend,” a Thursday-afternoon email that helps subscribers plan weekend fun. 

“We are delighted with this local partnership,” said WCAX-TV news director Anson Tebbetts.  “The response already has been outstanding from our audience.” 

“It’s a natural fit,” says Seven Days publisher and co-owner Paula Routly. “Seven Days provides in-depth local content, and we’re excited to expand our reach. We feel fortunate to work with a locally owned media company that we trust and respect.” 

Family-owned WCAX was the first television station to broadcast local programming, and has been operating for 55 years. Its news team has won multiple New England Emmy and Edward R. Murrow awards. Seven Days, founded in 1995 by Pamela Polston and Paula Routly, has garnered numerous awards from the Association of Alternative Newsmedia and been named the state’s best non-daily newspaper by the Vermont Press Association for the past seven years in a row.

Middlesex Monthly now publishing online-only

The Middlesex Monthly, one of a dwindling number of true single-community newspapers, is transitioning from print to online-only. The paper's publishers are asking their online contacts to "deliver" the paper to interested readers.

Vermontpressconnections received the following note this morning from Neely Washington, publisher of the 22-year old newspaper.

Please find attached January issue of the  NEW ON-LINE ONLY Middlesex Newspaper at:

www.middlesexnewspaper.org


Just a friendly reminder that the paper is not being printed and delivered around town like it had been for the past 22 years,  and, therefore I am asking for your  help in 'delivering' the on-line issue to as many of your friends and colleagues as you you'd like.

This month's issue includes many important (for the record) articles, upcoming meetings and events, photographs, Rumney Memorial School and Middlesex Town news, State House events, informative advertisements, and
much more. 

Sincerely,

Neely

Addison Independent buys Mountain Times

The Addison Independent has acquired the Mountain Times.

The weekly paper for Killington and surrounding towns,was owned and published for many years by Royal Barnard. Addison Independent Publisher Angelo Lynn said today the acquisition took place October 1. The Times' circulation area is the southernmost of a "family" of western Vermont newspapers owned by the brothers Angelo and/or Emerson Lynn. 

The new publisher is Polly Lynn, daughter of Angelo. Her sister, Elsie, publishes the Essex Reporter and the Colchester Sun. The Lynn brothers themselves are sons of a newspaper publisher, making theirs a three-generation family of publishers.

Former VPR prez named to lead Maine public radio, TV

FROM VERMONTBIZ NEWS - Nov. 30, 2011

 

The former president of Vermont Public Radio has been hired to lead the Maine Public Broadcasting Network. The Board of Directors of the MPBN announced Tuesday that it had chosen Mark Vogelzang as its new President and CEO. Vogelzang will be in charge of both public radio and television. In Vermont, public television is a separate entity.

Vogelzang, 56, is a veteran of public broadcasting, having served most recently as station manager at WBFO-FM, Buffalo's NPR member station, where he helped facilitate a merger to be completed in 2012 between WBFO and WNED in western New York.

Vogelzang was also president of Vermont Public Radio (VPR) for 16 years, from 1993 to 2009, where he helped the organization complete a $10 million endowment campaign and created two regional networks - one that carries news, information and cultural programming and another devoted to classical music and the arts. He was elected to NPR's Board of Directors for seven years (2001-2008), and served as the Executive Director (Interim) of the NPR Foundation for most of 2009, overseeing the foundation's entire fundraising operation.

Like its Maine counterpart at MPBN, VPR is a statewide network in a largely rural state with a relatively small population, and the similarities in the challenges faced by each played a key role in his selection, according to MPBN Board Chair Henry "Hank" Schmelzer.

"Mark's long tenure as the leader of a statewide public media network in northern New England with a roughly equal number of stations, individual donors and corporate supporters," said Schmelzer, "combined with his deep knowledge of non-profit fundraising, makes him the ideal candidate to lead MPBN into the future."

When he takes over as the head of MPBN in January, Vogelzang will replace Jim Dowe, who has been MPBN's President and CEO since April 2006 and who last spring announced his plans to retire at the end of this year.

Prior to leading VPR, Vogelzang worked as Program Director and Radio Manager at WHYY in Philadelphia, helping Terry Gross with the national launch of "Fresh Air" and assisting colleagues with national television productions, and led a major format change in Philadelphia public radio in the early 90's.

Vogelzang received his BA degree from Dordt College in Iowa, where he also began his public radio career at the campus radio station. He and his wife Rhonda have 5 adult children and 5 grandchildren. 

Jim Cantore of the Weather Channel teaches at Lyndon State

Almost 30 years ago, when I was a reporter for the St. Albans Messenger, I discovered that curious readers wanted explanations for strange weather phenomena. Once I called Stuart Hall of WCAX to explain that double corona around the sun. He was very cordial and helpful, and I think the story was well read because everyone in St. Albans had seen the strange phenomena that morning and wondered what had caused it. And when the paper hit the streets that afternoon - voila! And by the way - the answer was "atmospheric ice crystals."

The following press release from Lyndon State College, one of the nation's finer training grounds for media people covering the weather, was printed on Vermont Digger this morning.

LYNDON CTR., VT.: The Weather Channel’s on-air personality and self-described ‘Weather Geek’ Jim Cantore (LSC Class of ’86) visited Lyndon State for his annual workshop “TV Weathercasting Techniques” on November 12. This is the eighth year Cantore has given the class. The full day class offers senior broadcast meteorology students the opportunity to be mentored, coached, and critiqued by Cantore.

Cantore was again joined by meteorologist Kerrin Jeromin (Class of ’08). Jeromin is the meteorologist for Fox 44 Local News This Morning and ABC22 This Morning in Burlington, Vermont.

The day began with a presentation about the general state of broadcast meteorology, strategies for breaking into the business, and trends from within the field including the push towards “hyperlocal.” Cantore stressed the importance of being both passionate and compassionate in your line of work. Both Cantore and Jeromin discussed the process of finding that first broadcast job and tips on becoming successful. The class visited via Skype with Lou Michaels of Talent Dynamics.

Michaels talked to the students about producing a solid resume tape. She also discussed developing a viewer-friendly personality and the importance of on-air appearance. Michaels spoke of the role of social media and helped with advice about the job search.

The afternoon session concentrated on one-on-one studio work. Cantore watched tapes of each student’s earlier broadcast work and offered individual critiques and guidance. The student then had time to work in front of the chroma-key wall (green screen) where weather maps are projected. These sessions were taped and allowed Cantore and the students a final individual session. While Cantore was in studio, Jeromin watched show tapeswith the other students and shared advice on improving on-air performance.

The class didn’t end there. Both Cantore and Jeromin subsequently send each student a written assessment. The pair will watch more broadcasts in the spring and submit analysis on the students’ progress.

---

Andy Potter, George Commo, John King, and Rudy Vallee named to HOF

From the Vermont Business Magazine website:

A news reporter, a sportscaster, a station executive and a legendary crooner have been named to the Vermont Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Radio and TV news reporter Andy Potter, sportscaster George Commo and Vermont Public Television President and CEO John King will be inducted during the annual VAB Awards Banquet November 19 in Burlington. Radio and movie star Rudy Vallee will be inducted posthumously.

Vallee was born in 1901 in Island Pond. A teenage bandleader, he drew attention with the band he started at Yale University, “Rudy Vallee and the Connecticut Yankees.” In 1929, Vallee began hosting “The Fleischmann’s Yeast Hour” on NBC, later “The Royal Gelatin Hour.” The show was one of the two most popular programs in the country for the next ten years (the other being “Amos ’n’ Andy”). His program was the first to present acts such as Burns and Allen, Milton Berle, Kate Smith, the Mills Brothers and Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy. His radio, stage and film career was lengthy. He worked into the early 1980’s, when he occasionally served as the opening act for the Village People. Vallee passed away in 1986. His wife, Eleanor Vallee, said she was thrilled with the VAB honor. “I’m so pleased and appreciative of this honor for my late husband, my ‘vagabond lover,’” she said from her home in Los Angeles. “Vagabond Lover” was the name of Vallee’s first film, in 1929. Eleanor Vallee, a prolific actress and model in her own right, is planning on attending the VAB Hall of Fame ceremony.

The recently-retired Andy Potter is a legend among news reporters in Vermont. He started his radio career while attending Middlebury College in the mid-1960’s. After serving in Vietnam, he returned to Vermont, where he brought his reporting skills to a variety of radio stations, including WJOY, WDOT and WKDR among others. He carved a second career on TV, where he was a longtime senior reporter for WCAX in Burlington.

George Commo is a nine-time winner of the Vermont Sportscaster of the Year award and is also a member of the Vermont Press Association Hall of Fame. George has been a radio and TV sportscaster since the early 1970’s and was the longtime voice of UVM Hockey and Vermont minor league baseball. Since 1998, he has been covering Norwich University Hockey for WDEV. Among his fans and peers, George is considered one of the greatest hockey play-by-play sportscasters to ever climb behind a microphone.
John King joined VPT in 1987 and has served as President and CEO since 1998. He also serves on the PBS Board of Directors and has served as Chairman of the Vermont Television Broadcasters Co-location Association. He is credited with helping to form a strong bond between public and private broadcasting in Vermont.

WDEV Radio in Waterbury has been named the “Broadcaster of the Year” for 2011. The station did an extraordinary job of keeping the public informed during and after Tropical Storm Irene. Their around-the-clock coverage of the disaster is credited with saving lives and keeping people informed.

John Likakis, Executive Director of WBTN-AM in Bennington is also being recognized for outstanding coverage of Tropical Storm Irene. Likakis is one of two winners of the VAB’s Distinguished Service Award. Likakis and station volunteers at WBTN provided critical information to their community before, during and after the storm. For days, they were the only link between local emergency officials and stranded citizens.
The other Distinguished Service Award will be presented to Ginny McGehee of WJOY radio in Burlington. Ginny is the longest-serving female radio personality in Vermont history, having started at WJOY in 1983. Her radio family wouldn’t think of starting the day without her good humor and upbeat attitude. She’s served her community in other ways as a board member of Champlain Valley Crimestoppers and the Vermont and New Hampshire Valley chapter of the American Red Cross.

The Alan Noyes Community Service Award is going to WJJR-FM in Rutland for their amazing annual Gift-of-Life blood drive. WJJR personalities Terry Jaye and Nanci Gordon helped collect 1,400 pints of blood in one day last December, breaking a New England record set in Boston. The annual drive has been a focal point of community involvement in Rutland. The regional and national record has since been eclipsed by Manchester, New Hampshire. This year’s drive is scheduled for December 20.

Two other Community Service Awards will be presented to WOKO-FM and ABC22/FOX44-TV. WOKO radio in Burlington has been conducting their “Big Change Round-up for Kids” for seven years. Last year, the station raised an astounding $206,000 for the Vermont Children’s Hospital at Fletcher Allen. The annual campaign culminates in a four-day radiothon.

ABC22/FOX44 is being honored for organizing a telethon for June 8 that raised more than $45,000 for the local Red Cross. The stations took action when reporter Natalie Paterson came back from covering damage from Vermont’s spring floods and asked General Manager Vic Vetters what the stations could do to help their neighbors. The telethon helped replenish the local Red Cross coffers at a critical time.

Funeral services for John Curran, AP reporter, 54, to be held Thursday, 11 am

Just a week after posting news of the untimely death of a well-respected member of the Vermont media, Susan Jarzyna of the Hardwick Gazette, vermontpressconnections sadly reports yet another passing of a journalist in the prime of life. John Curran, head of the Vermont bureau of the Associated Press, died Saturday afternoon at Central Vermont Medical Center after suffering a heart attack while mowing the lawn at his Colonial Drive, Montpelier home. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, and a funeral mass will be held Thursday morning (see Burlington Free Press obit below for details).

Sunday afternoon, I was talking with a prominent attorney who has represented several high-profile, unpopular causes. He praised John as a "fair" reporter, meaning of course "fair and balanced" in the true sense. Speaking as someone who has worked both as a reporter and with my former colleagues in a "flack" capacity, this is a goal to which all aspire and some achieve better than others. Based on my dealings with John as a communications professional for various not-for-profits, I agree wholeheartedly with my lawyer friend. I gladly pay John one of the highest compliments that can be paid to any reporter: "If he/she had a bias, I never knew what it was."

At his press conference Tuesday, September 20, Gov. Peter Shumlin praised Curran as "an extraordinary journalist and friend." On behalf of those who knew him he expressed "extraordinary grief and loss" and said that our hearts go out to his wife Trisha, and children Julie, Mary and Patrick. "Our love and prayers are with Trish and his family at this tough time," he said.

Before the press conference began, one of his peers noted - without referring to John in particular - that the life of the newspaper reporter is not always conducive to healthly lifestyle choices. There are long hours, lots of pressure and endless deadlines, lots of travel, too much fast food, and an over-reliance on caffeine and an underreliance on sleep (AKA "the poor man's medicine"). It would be well for all news professionals "of a certain age" to self-evaluate and not put off that annual checkup.

JOHN FRANCIS CURRAN MONTPELIER - John Francis Curran, 54, of Colonial Drive in Montpelier, died unexpectedly on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011, in Central Vermont Medical Center. He was born on Sept. 16, 1957, the son of S. Robert and Mary (Sullivan) Curran in New York City, N.Y. On Aug. 19, 1989, he married Patricia Flynn in Southbridge, Mass. He worked as a Journalist for the Montpelier Bureau of the Associated Press. Survivors include his wife, Patricia "Tricia" Curran of Montpelier; children, Julie Curran, Mary Curran and Patrick Curran of Montpelier; and brothers, S. Robert Curran, Jr., of West Islip, N.Y. and Mark Curran of New York City, N.Y. He was predeceased by his parents. Calling hours will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011, at the Guare and Sons Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2011, at St. Augustine's Church in Montpelier. Those wishing to express condolences may do so online at www.guareandsons.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road-Berlin, Barre, VT 05641 or to St. Augustine's Church, 16 Barre Street, Montpelier, VT 05602.

Free Press cans Monday business section, debuts "innovate" Thursday; Lt. Governor sells advertising

It's Twofer Monday at vermontpressconnections. First, the Burlington Free Press ran a Page One, Above the Fold, Right Hand Column story today on the demise of Business Monday and the creation of a new Thursday business section, "innovate". (See story from BFP website below.) Good to see that the Free Press has acknowledge vermontpressconnections as a trendsetter by assigning a lowercase, one-word name to its newest project. (Just kidding, everyone.)

Second, at long last the advertising salesmen are getting recognition!  Lt. Gov. Phil Scott, who even looks a little like Mike Rowe of the Discovery Channel's "Dirty Jobs", announced today that tomorrow morning he will be selling advertising for the Addison Eagle as part of his Vermont Everyday Jobs program. As a former foot soldier in these particular trenches, here's what I want to know - what's his commission, and does he get to sell the plum accounts or is the paper giving him the grouchy old misers that no-one else wants?

* * * * * *
Free Press launches "innovate" Thursday

For the first time in memory, the Monday edition of the Bur­lington Free Press is without a Business Monday section.

That section has been a Free Press sta­ple, one valued by readers for its coverage of local companies. I’m pleased to an­nounce today that in the spirit of reinven­tion and delivering excellent products, the Free Press is re­creating its approach to business coverage.

The new section will be moving to Thurs­days as part of our ef­fort to enhance daily content with passion sections as we’ve done with our Green Mountain, ARTSbtv and Savorvore sections.

The new section will be known as innovate and launches this Thurs­day.

You can expect to see deep cov­erage and bold presentation as we focus on creativity in the work place, Vermont style. While we’ll continue to carry some of the existing favorite features of Busi­ness Monday, you will also find topical stories that get at our love of finding out “how to.” With that, we’ll feature profiles of Vermont businesses, and essays by local business people on topics that touch on the theme of innovation.

Look to your new innovate sec­tion every Thursday for an unfil­tered voice from those who make their living doing business in Ver­mont.

- Jim Fogler is President and Publisher of the Burlington Free Press.

At the Rutland Herald, the Medium is the Massage

Every editor and reporter knows what it means to massage a story. At the Rutland Herald, though, they take the M-word literally. See the August 11 post from Darren Marcy at the daily's Vermont Today website:

Massage time

Today is a big day. A huge day. It's massage day at the Rutland Herald.

The company generously provides 20-minute massages for employees once a month.

It may not sound like much, but I look forward to my 20 minutes of horizontal heaven for 29 1/2 days every month.

Today's magic fingers time is 1:40 p.m.

So, if you hear a huge sigh at about 1:42 p.m. today in downtown Rutland, you'll know what is going on.

Longtime WDEV radio man retires, WPTZ weatherman starts BBQ restaurant

Jack Donovan will retire on August 31 after 39 years at WDEV, according to an article in the World newspaper.

Donovan has been a major on-air personality, and for 15 years has also served as program director. He was inducted into the Vermont Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2010. Listeners have enjoyed the on-air, tongue-in-cheek adversarial relationship between him and station owner Ken Squier.

"His consistent daily effort six days a week over all those years is extraordinary," Station Manager Eric Michaels said. "The warmth and friendliness of Jack's on-air presentation is an ideal that few announcers achieve." A longtime resident of Plainfield, he and his wife Diane have three children, Heather, Patricia and James.



After more than a decade at the station, Jim Moore will be leaving WPTZ/WNNE-TV, according to an online posting August 11.
.

"It has been an honor delivering the morning weather reports at WPTZ/WNNE for the past 11 years," said Moore. He will be leaving the television business to start a new BBQ restaurant in Plattsburgh, NY. It's been Jim's life-long dream to run his own business.

 

"Jim's been a rock for our morning team over the years," said News Director Sinan Sadar. "His enthusiasm has been a great asset in front of as well as behind the camera. He will be missed."

 

Jim's last day is Friday August,12. WPTZ will announce a new morning meteorologist, shortly.

Is Fair Online Search In Sight?

The controversy continues as search engine fairness, or the possible lack of it by Google, becomes an issue in the online search realm. The FTC has begun an investigation of Google and their recent practices and the US Senate is now following suit.

As Google’s goal of providing consumers with a “free” service turns into a $30 billion organization, many are left questioning Google’s intentions, as “Google can use its control over search to take all of their customers away regardless of how well these other companies do their own jobs,” says Eric Clemons, Professor at The Wharton School.

To read more about why there is reason for investigating Google, click here: http://www.fairsearch.org/search-manipulation/wharton-professor-clemons-google-certainly-worthy-of-investigation

This September, The Senate Committee on the Judiciary’s Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights (incl. Sen. Patrick Leahy) will hold a hearing on Wednesday, September 21^st entitled “The Power of Google: Serving Consumers or Threatening Competition?”

To read more and learn about the details, click here: http://www.fairsearch.org/uncategorized/senate-antitrust-subcommittee-announces-sept-21-hearing-the-power-of-google-serving-consumers-or-threatening-competition

I look forward to learning the outcome of this hearing.

It is interesting that there are three major Vermont public figures at least tangentially involved: AG William Sorrell, Sen. Patrick Leahy, and former gubernatorial candidate and Google executive Matt Dunne. Also, who wins and who loses may seriously affect many web-based Vermont businesses and media, as increasingly search capability is part of their business strategy.

COMING & GOING - Governor's Press Secretary off to law school; another second generation addition to statehouse press corps

Yesterday, vermontpressconnections met Eli Sherman, the son of Bob Sherman, former Vermont journalist and currently a partner with KSE Partners, a Montpelier lobbying firm. An intern reporter for Vermont Digger, he was covering Gov. Peter Shumlin's press conference. They may have been there, but we didn't see any reporters from WCAX - if so that may explain why there's an ad in the paper for a general assignment reporter at the South Burlington TV station.

This morning, we received a note from former WCAX reporter and current gubernatorial press secretary Bianca Slota:

Dear colleagues, friends, members of the media, and more:

As many of you already know, I am leaving my position in the Governor’s Office to start a new adventure in law school. Tomorrow – Friday July 29^th – will be my final day at work.

Sue Allen will handle all press-related matters from here on out. You can reach her at susan.allen@state.vt.us  And Ari Wengroff will be taking over my social media and web responsibilities. You can reach her at ariel.wengroff@state.vt.us  You can reach them both by phone at 802-828-3333.

While it has been brief, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in this position. Being on the “inside” gives you a whole new perspective on things and I have learned so much. Plus, I get to work with amazing people every day.

I will be in Vermont through the weekend but will pack up my things early next week and head to Connecticut. I don’t know if I’ll return to Vermont to live and work but I will certainly come back to play! If you wish to keep in touch my personal email is biancaslota@gmail.com

So long for now,

Bianca

Digger scores six-figure grant from Knight Foundation for investigative reporter

Vermontpressconnections has been busy, but we haven't gone away! The following release from Vermont Digger got our attention -


MIDDLEBURY, VT – The Vermont Community Foundation recently received a three-year, $104,000 grant to build the capacity of public policy journalism in Vermont. The Foundation will partner with VTDigger.org, a nonprofit news website that provides in-depth coverage of statewide issues affecting Vermonters. The funding will allow VTDigger.org to hire a full-time investigative reporter to cover health care and energy issues in Vermont. It will also allow Founder and Editor in Chief Anne Galloway the chance to extend her energies beyond reporting.


“VTDigger.org has grown from a very low budget, all-volunteer operation to a funded news organization with paid staffers in just two years,” says Galloway. “This generous grant will enable us to deepen our coverage of key issues that affect the daily lives of Vermonters and make it possible for us to focus on building the long-term sustainability of VTDigger.org.”

The grant was awarded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation as a part of its Knight Community Information Challenge. The challenge is a five-year, $24 million initiative that helps community and place-based foundations support news and information projects that inform and engage residents. The Vermont Community Foundation is one of only 19 foundations throughout the country that was selected to receive a grant this round, and will match Knight’s grant dollar-for-dollar with contributions from their funds and larger supporting organizations.

“Strong democracy depends on strong journalism and informed debate,” said President & CEO of the Vermont Community Foundation Stuart Comstock-Gay. “Vermont stands out as a state with very high levels of citizen engagement, but we still need good information. We’re thrilled that the Knight Foundation has identified our proposal as worthy of funding.”

VTDigger.org first launched in 2009 when a group of concerned citizens and journalists, led by Galloway, came together to create a platform for fact-driven reporting and open debate on key issues impacting Vermonters. Now with 50,000 readers a month, VTDigger.org publishes daily stories on Vermont politics and public policy matters and serves as a critical resource for lawmakers and community leaders tracking down information on key issues.

When asked what sets VTDigger.org apart from other news sources, Galloway says: “Our total focus is on politics and public policy and we tend to write frequently and relentlessly about a given topic. Traditional papers tend to cover the end game of lawmaking, not the process.”

Galloway cites their extensive coverage around health care, broadband infrastructure, and campaign finance reform as particular points of pride for the nascent organization. This summer, VTDigger.org also launched Tipster – a virtual, public newsroom with the functionality of a social networking site like Facebook.

Designed to facilitate interaction among readers and journalists, Tipster users can suggest questions and post tips and source materials for reporters. “Official sources tend to drive the information in the news,” says Galloway. “Tipster is about bringing a more grassroots voice to the surface.”

In November 2010, VTDigger.org combined operations with The Vermont Journalism Trust (VJT), an organization dedicated to the funding of investigative reporting that provides scrutiny to under-covered issues and helps Vermonters make civic policy decisions based on informational integrity. “VTDigger.org is the ideal platform on which to build out Vermont Journalism Trust’s commitment to expanding quality journalism in all media,” said VJT Founding Director Doug Clifton at the time of the merger.

“The Vermont Community Foundation and others like it are part of a growing number of community and place-based foundations working to ensure residents have the information they need to make important decisions about their communities,” said Trabian Shorters, Knight Foundation’s vice president for engaging communities. “Ultimately, our democracy will only thrive if we have informed and engaged communities.”

About The Vermont Community Foundation

The Vermont Community Foundation was founded in 1986 with a mission to grow philanthropy in the state and ensure that donors and nonprofits have the resources they need to be effective. Since then, almost 600 individuals, families, businesses, organizations, and private foundations have established funds with us. Our family of funds award more than $10 million a year in grants. For more information about the Foundation, visit www.vermontcf.org or call 802-388-3355.

About VTDigger.org

VTDigger.org is a statewide news website dedicated to coverage of Vermont politics, consumer affairs, business and public policy. Created in 2009, VTDigger.org publishes original news reporting, video, audio and photos, in addition to raw information in the form of press releases and government documents whenever possible. New content is published six days a week, Monday through Saturday.

About The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation supports transformational ideas that promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities, and foster the arts. We believe that democracy thrives when people and communities are informed and engaged. For more information, visit www.knightfoundation.org.

Contact:

Christopher Kaufman Ilstrup
The Vermont Community Foundation
(802) 388-3355, ext. 295
cilstrup@vermontcf.org
Anne Galloway
VTDigger.org
(802) 441-1016
agalloway@vtdigger.org
Marc Fest
The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
(305) 908-2677
fest@knightfoundation.org

Google search algorithm controversy has Vermont players, ramifications

I am vaguely aware that an algorithm is an important part of trigonometry, the high school course I dropped a week into the semester, thus ending my unimpressive career as a math scholar. And I am just tech-savvy enough to know that search engines use algorithms to answer “googles.”

Yesterday I listened to a discussion led by FairSearch.org, an organization of small-to-middling internet based companies committed to, well, fair searches on the internet. It seems there is a controversy stirring about search engine fairness or the possible lack of it by Google, the big boy on the block. Somewhat to my surprise there are three major Vermont public figures involved, or at least connected. Who wins and who loses may seriously affect many web-based Vermont businesses and media.

Fairsearch is concerned about Google’s new search algorithm. In short, this algorithm responds to your search with an answer that is very likely to send you immediately to a website owned by a Google partner, very possibly another internet giant. For example: let’s say you are goofing off at your Manhattan office desk and ask your computer search engine to find “Bed and Breakfast in Cambridge, Vermont.” Does the search engine rush to tell you about a B&B opened recently on Main Street by a friend of mine? Maybe, but it is more likely to send you to a big national or international website that just happens to be a Google partner. The algorithm is making you work harder to find the Little Guy’s website. You can still “get there from here.” It just takes longer.

According to Fairsearch, this is all about big corporate power and control. On the face it, this is bad business for small Vermont businesses – the same folks who buy community newspaper advertising. As their marketing partners, Vermont newspaper publishers want to encourage policies that highlight them. In the old-fashioned newspaper terms that I understand, Google has given a few select advertisers a constant, preferred position on the Front Page. By comparison, smaller internet-dependent businesses are relegated to the gutter. On the left hand side. On page 10.  

According to Fairsearch, a committee chaired by Sen. Patrick Leahy is investigating the situation. Attorney General William Sorrell will chair a panel discussion of this (and other) issues in Chicago next week. At the very least, these meetings should yield information. So, too, might some reportorial Q & A with Matte Dunne, a former Windsor County state senator and candidate for governor who works as a marketing executive for Google. During his campaign, he talked about being on the cutting edge of internet communications. His perspective might be helpful and interesting.

The Wall Street Journal has a story on this; if you have access, “Sites Rotool for Google Effect” is at:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703806304576236983790385202.html. Or, you can reach Vermont's Fairsearch team at 802-223-9160.

Vermont Digger to debut interactive feature June 8

Vermont Digger has a new interactive feature called Tipster, set to begin June 8. The following notice was received today from Editor Anne Galloway:

Tipster is designed to give you an opportunity to communicate directly with reporters and place news information in an open, virtual newsroom where reporters, readers and other PR professionals congregate online.

As a spokesperson, you can post press releases, statements, advisories, tidbits and media placements under a special call-out to readers called PR posts. You can also post events listings.

Like Facebook, on Tipster you can friend members (or not).

You can post events listings, and upload images, links and PDFs as needed.

Nonmembers can view the forum, groups, postings and events, but cannot access complete postings or participate in forums. Profiles of members are inaccessible to nonmembers.

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WCAX wins New England Emmy

the following was received Tuesday, May 17 from WCAX News Director Anson Tebbetts -

WCAX-TV News Wins Boston New England Emmy

This weekend, WCAX-TV News was awarded a New England Emmy for its series “Mission Afghanistan.” Reporter and Evening News Anchor Darren Perron and photographer Lance MacKenzie accepted the award at the 34th annual Emmy Awards Ceremony on Saturday in Boston. 
Last summer, Perron and MacKenzie followed members of the Vermont National Guard in Afghanistan, showcasing the mission of the Green Mountain Boys. The deployment to Afghanistan of more than 1500 soldiers was the largest mission for the Vermont National Guard since World War II. “This deployment had an enormous impact on Vermont; it was a sacrifice for our soldiers and for their families,” said Perron.
Mackenzie called it “an honor to receive the award,” saying he was “proud to be  Vermonter.”
“WCAX-TV News will continue telling the stories of the soldiers and their families” said News Director Anson Tebbetts. “While the mission may be finished in Afghanistan, there are many stories to tell about these veterans and their families as they transition back into the workplace and home, “said Tebbetts.
The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences is the premier and most recognized non-profit group dedicated to the advancement of excellence in television. 
WCAX-TV is the CBS affiliate in Burlington, VT and is owned and operated by Mt. Mansfield Television, Inc.

True North Reports' TV debut

  

True North Reports not only has a website and a statehouse press bureau - it's in television now, on Burlington's Channel 17. The following notice was announced earlier this week:

 

For those of you who missed our first appearance on Burlington CCTV's Channel 17 Live @ 5:25, you can (soon) view it online HERE. Or, it will re-air on Channel 17 at the following times:

 

Friday May 20, 1:00 PM
Friday May 27, 1:00 PM
Friday June 3, 1:00 PM

Vermont Digger named to Columbia J Review E-News Database

The following post by Vermont Digger editor Anne Galloway was printed under "Editor's Notebook" of the revamped news website:

VTDigger.org was added to the Columbia Journalism Review’s News Frontier Database last week. The searchable database was launched earlier this year with 50 short profiles of digital news outlets across the country. CJR’s objective is to develop the “most comprehensive” resource of its kind.

The list gives readers a sense of the scope and the character of the new media ecosystem evolving across the United States. It includes famous national news websites like Politico and The Huffington Post, and well-established regional online publications, such as MinnPost and voiceofsandiego.org.

What do all of these sites have in common, according to the CJR authors? “Ambitious journalism (and philanthropy, and capitalism).”

VTDigger.org fit CJR’s four criteria: We are devoted to original reporting and content; we have one or more (in fact two) full-time employees; we are a standalone online news operation (we’re not an arm of a “legacy” media outfit); and we are pursuing funding through advertising, grants and donations.

We are humbled and honored to be included in CJR’s database.

VTD has made several other notable lists recently.

We are grateful to Seven Days Newspaper for putting VTD second from the top of the “Just Say Know” Sunshine Week lineup on March 16. This is one of our proudest accomplishments. Last fall, Charles Lewis, the executive editor of the Investigative Reporting Workshop and a former producer for 60 Minutes, included VTD in a list of websites he highlighted as part of the growing national online media ecosystem. The roster includes 60 news websites in more than two dozen states. We are delighted to be counted among the pioneers.

Conservative College Students Enter the Talk Radio Arena

Seen on True North Reports......

April 14, 2011

by Robert Maynard
Our nation’s colleges and universities have long been seen as one of the country’s bastions of liberalism. In addition, nowhere is liberalism any stronger than it is here in Vermont. These two facts would make a Vermont college an unlikely breeding ground for conservative talk radio programs. Nether the less, a couple of students from Saint Michael’s College have taken on the role of a conservative David to Vermont liberalism’s Goliath:

The Vermont Avenger Show is the newest addition to the Green Mountain State’s world of conservative talk radio. “The Vermont Avenger” is Dan J. Bower alongside Mike O’Neill.

This is how they describe the purpose of their endeavor:

The duo seek to provide a conservative perspective on American politics, culture, faith and any other topic that they see fit.

As conservatives they value the ideas in the Pledge of Allegiance, “Liberty and Justice for ALL.” Anyone is fair game on the Vermont Avenger! As most would expect, the campus and nation wide left will be under attack, but they won’t hesitate to call out those who make a mockery of the conservative movement on the far right.

The Vermont Avenger Show is dedicated to exposing the left wing culture of corruption in Vermont and America and to taking down the far right fringe.

The Constitution is our guide, God is our Light. Liberty or Death.

So, who are these conservative Davids?

Dan J. Bower is a conservative activist and sophomore student at St. Michael’s College. He is a Tea Party conservative and a true believer in the Constitution. He is a Political Science major and occasional columnist. He is the former host of Fail & Live Long, which also aired on WWPV. He is the president of the SMC Conservatives.

Mike O’Neill is a conservative and religious freedom activist and sophomore at St. Michael’s College. He is a mainstream American conservative and fellow believer in the Constitution. He is a political science and religious studies major. He is the co-president of the SMC Conservatives.

Here are some specifics about their show:

The Vermont Avenger Show airs on WWPV 88.7 The Mike FM on Fridays at 10 PM through 2 AM. Streaming online is also available.

Email:  vermontavengershow@gmail.com

Website:  http://www.wwpv.org

GQ profiles WCAX

When I checked out the April 11 copy of GQ at Barnes & Noble, I thought, "Cosmo for men." Endless pages of ads showing impossibly handsome young men doing cool things wearing cooler clothes. Feature stories on uber-males Derek Jeter, Charlie Sheen, and Keagan Harsha.

For real. Well - the story wasn't all about WCAX reporter Keagan Harsha, but he has a prominent role in the toney man mag's profile of Vermont's biggest TV news station. Last spring GQ sent a woman named Raha Naddaf to learn what it's like to be a smalltown TV news reporter. Enroute to doing the voice-over for the Ice Out at Joe's Pond - which she cluelessly describes as the most trivial, out-of-the-way, who-cares kind of story - she stops in at the South Burlington office, which she describes as having "pumpkin-colored carpet," yellowing walls, and no-nonsense furniture unchanged since 1976. Harsha she describes as "square jawed, firm handshake, booming voice" but a Real Person who has nightmares about going live and not knowing what to say.

Naddaf meets Darren Perron ("whose name rhymes) and Anson Tebbetts, whose personal relationship with about half of Danville stuns her. She has never considered the possibility that a reporter might actually live amongst the viewers.

I won't give away the shocking ending, except to say that it makes WCAX look pretty good. The early reviews from former and current CAX'ers are pretty good. Speaking at a freezing outdoor press conference in Middlesex Wednesday, former reporter and Gov. Peter Shumlin's press secretary Bianca Slota said she liked it ("although they didn't write much about me") and Kristin Carlson said she and other staff got a good laugh out of Raddaf's descriptions of some of the station staff. Everyone seemed to appreciate Raddaf's conclusion: this TV news stuff is harder than it looks.