2010 AP Stylebook Defines Social Media Terms

In their 2010 Stylebook released Tuesday, the Associated Press has given meaning and further definition to words related to social and new media.  This includes the official change from “Web site” to “website” and 41 other new definitions, rules and use cases that journalists should now follow.

Some other interesting changes include the separation of “smart phone” into two words, hyphenating “e-reader,” and the addition of many of the acronyms used in texting and instant messaging.  Other terms include “trending,” “retweet” and “unfriend.”

The AP’s 2010 Stylebook, including the new guidelines for social media, is available on the AP’s website.  Let’s hope the CP’s Stylebook includes something similar.

BCYCNA members recognized at 2010 Better Newspapers Competition

Earlier this week the winners of the 2010 Better Newspapers Competition were announced. We couldn’t help but notice the several BCYCNA members who were selected as finalists and winners. At the BCYCNA office we wanted to congratulate our members for the hard work that helped them receive this recognition. Well done on each of your accomplishments!

The Better Newspapers Competition recognizes the best in editorial, photography, advertising, promotional and overall excellence in community newspaper publishing. This year, 255 newspapers submitted 2,551 entries encompassing 31 community newspaper categories. Eighty-one peer judges reviewed the submissions. Blue ribbons were also awarded by judges in the General Excellence classes to newspapers deserving honourable mention.

To view the complete list of winners and Blue Ribbon recipients, visit the Better Newspapers Competition website.

For more excitement within the world of community newspapers, keep reading our blog for more updates of the 2010 Ma Murray Awards set to take place on April 10 at the River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond, BC.

Torch relay brightens Canada’s Olympic spirit

The Olympic Torch has made its way back to British Columbia on the final leg of its 106-day journey across our beautiful nation. Along the way many proud Canadians had the opportunity to carry the flame or witness it pass through their communities, as documented by many community newspapers highlighting the Olympic spirit and positive experiences associated with this once-in-a-lifetime event.

On Thursday, February 11 the Torch will arrive in Vancouver for bell lap of the relay with many notable Canadians such as astronaut Julie Payette, singer/songwriter Jann Arden, singer/songwriter Michael Bublé, hockey-dad Walter Gretzky and former BC Lions kicker Luis Passaglia, carrying this Olympic symbol through the host city.

Although Vancouver, West Vancouver, Richmond and Whistler host venues for the winter sports, this will truly be Canada’s Games. We wanted to highlight a few of the memorable torch relay stories featured in the BCYCNA member newspapers. As these stories show, the Olympic spirit across BC and Yukon was certainly on display – it all leading up to February 12 where the world will witness the Torch Lighting Ceremony opening the 2010 Winter Olympics.

For an interactive map of the Torch relay click HERE.

74 per cent of adults read their community newspaper

On January 11, 2010 the Canadian Community Newspaper Database Corporation (ComBase) announced the results of its 2008-2009 study, with readership data for 218 markets across Canada.

Overall, community newspaper readership remains strong, with 74 per cent of Canadians reading their community newspaper. Readership is particularly strong among desirable target groups:

• 76 per cent of women
• 78 per cent of baby boomers
• 77 per cent of adults with children
• 74 per cent of university-educated adults
• 76 per cent of homeowners
• 78 per cent of affluent Canadians (i.e., household income >$75K)

According to the 2008-2009 study, adults 18 and over in Canada have read any of the last four issues in their communities.

Two hundred thirty-five newspapers participated in ComBase 2008-2009, which includes media consumption data for community newspapers, daily newspapers, ethnocultural and other newspapers, radio, television and Internet.

Results for individual markets have been distributed to participating newspapers. ComBase is in the process of releasing the complete database to media planners who use information systems software. National and regional highlights, as well as a list of markets and media, are available on the ComBase website at www.combase.ca. Data requests may also be submitted via email to research@combase.ca.

Video Coverage of Ink & Beyond Available Online

Missed a presentation at Ink & Beyond 2009, Canada’s premier newspaper event? Or missed the conference altogether? Visit the Ink & Beyond website at www.inkandbeyond.ca to watch short video interviews with conference presenters such as Susan Karol, executive director of the Suburban Newspapers of America Foundation, Theo Blanco of Sweden’s UNT Media Group and MSNBC columnist Michael Rogers. The videos are courtesy of Ink & Beyond sponsor the Canadian Press.