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.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Monday, August 15, 2011
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?
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.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
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 21st 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.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
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 29th – 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
Monday, July 18, 2011
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.”
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
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 IlstrupThe 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
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