Cedars, February 2020

February 2020 6 CAMPUS Cedars Serves at Annual Newspaper Convention Student newspaper wins top state award; attendees learn and share about industry trends by Josh Stevens O n Feb. 6, the Ohio News Media As- sociation recognized the best Ohio weekly newspapers and collegiate newspapers with the Hooper Newspapers of the Year and Frank E. Deaner Awards. Cedars, which served as the student news bureau, took home the prize for best student newspaper at the Division B level for schools under 10,000 in enrollment. Stories from Cedars placed first and second in in-depth reporting and third in Arts and Entertainment. Cedars placed sec- ond in design, third in photojournalism, third in headline writing, second in best multimedia package and third in best web- site to accumulate enough points to win the Deaner Award for the eighth straight year The newspaper of the year awards were pre- sented at the luncheon session. According to the Ohio News Media As- sociation’s website, the 2020 ONMA con- vention was going to be the “best in years,” with great sessions and great ideas through- out the two-day conference. “I love the ONMA Convention,” said Jason Sanford, manager of communication and content for the conference, “because you get to speak to the amazing people who create Ohio’s newspapers.” The ONMA was established in 1933, when two groups of publishers, the Buckeye Press Association and the Associated Ohio Dailies, banded together to share trade in- formation and sell advertising. Over the years, ONMA has grown to represent much of Ohio’s daily newspapers and other pub- lications. The motto for this year’s convention was “Keeping the Vision 20/20,” which corresponds with the newspaper industry’s ability to thrive and grow in the new decade. Owners, managers and reporters listened to presentations about maintaining a good staff and avoiding fake news. The convention then conducted a se- ries of sessions regarding certain aspects of the news media. Highlights included the “Dayton Strong” panel, which discussed how to cover a tragedy like the Dayton mass shooting, and the “Ohio Politics 2020” dis- cussion, featuring Larry Obhof, president of the Ohio Senate, and David Pepper, the Democratic Party chair. Thursday’s opening luncheon session also heard from one of the ONMA’s spon- sors, the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), where Stephen White talked about new initiatives the science and learning facil- ity is undertaking. Throughout the weekend, Cedarville journalism students and members of Cedars provided coverage for the event as the student news bureau. They wrote several articles and produced a digital publication that was emailed to ONMA members. “It was a great opportunity to interact with others in a similar position as myself while being given the chance to create a news bulletin for them,” said Cedars pho- tography editor and design director Carrie Bergan. The convention also provided network- ing opportunities for students and those al- ready in the journalism field. Students from Wright State University, Ohio University and other Ohio colleges attended a break- out session where they could meet with po- tential future employers, be mentored and learn. Other networking opportunities were provided to those attending the conven- tion. Tables lined the hallways at the hotel and finger foods were provided at the end of the first day, as members of the ONMA publications chatted about media, news and everything in between. An after-hours con- vention was also held at BRU Burger just a short drive away. A portrait photographer was present on Thursday to take profes- sional headshots. Contests and raffles gave away prizes. “Some of these newspapers are big, some small, but all are invested in rep- resenting and being a part of their local communities,” Sanford said. “That focus on community comes through in what our member papers do each and every day, and our convention really showcases this fact.” Josh Stevens is a senior journalism ma- jor and an Arts & Entertainment writer for Cedars. He enjoys communicating via Spongebob quotes and listening to music your grandparents probably enjoy. Photo by Carrie Bergan Cedars won the Frank E. Deaner award for the eighth year in a row. Cedars was represented by Joshua Stevens (holding plaque), Michael Cleverley (center) and faculty adviser Jeff Gilbert.