The International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors and the
Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues at the University of Kentucky are seeking proposals "for papers that provide insight and guidance on general issues and/or everyday problems that confront community newspapers and their newsrooms ... particularly those with small staffs and circulations under 10,000," according to a joint release from ISWNE and IRJCI.
One paper will be selected for presentation at the 2017 ISWNE conference is Indianapolis in July 2027. Proposals will be peer-reviewed by faculty "with expertise in community journalism," and final selection will be made by a panel of working and retired community journalists who will evaluate the proposals based on their "potential value to newsrooms." While all proposals are welcome, those from graduate students, with international focus and/or that reflect an international perspective on community newspapers are especially encouraged.
Examples of successful proposals could include: legal, political or ethical issues; print/digital integration models; and surveys about staff retention. Papers about Sunshine Law violations or how to train young journalists about how to avoid them, or how to reach new audiences are also highly encouraged.
All proposals should be emailed to ivy.brashear@uky.edu by Nov. 20, and authors will be notified by Dec. 4 about accepted proposals. The winning author will receive a complimentary ISWNE conference registration and $250 toward travel. The conference is July 21-25, 2027 in Indianapolis.
For more information about proposal guidelines, deadlines and other details, visit the ISWNE site, here.
