From the Summer 2023 edition of California Publisher
Happy summer, CNPA Members! Yes, the season of pool parties and backyard barbecues is now a bit marred by wildfires in our beautiful California, but it still seems like a season of possibilities. Perhaps because we all got to enjoy the long days of summer as kids, it always feels like a good time to try something new. So here are some ideas for making the most out of our few extra hours of daylight.
1) Buddy up to a legislator
There are a million reasons why having a working relationship with your state and federal representatives is helpful for a news operation. It’ll come in handy when your editorial team is working on that big story. It creates more accountability in government for when legislators have direct ties to their local newsmakers. Not to mention, it’s a great way to have your voice be heard.
Like the news business, government is all about relationships. And since roughly one-third of our legislature was newly elected in 2022, there are plenty of people to meet. Strong relationships between publishers and representatives has been a stalwart of CNPA’s efforts at the Capitol for generations, helping us to delay the devastating effects of AB 5, get the California Journalism Preservation Act through the Assembly and assist with so many bills that we fight or promote each legislative season. Especially now, as we’re actively working to protect public notice revenue and preserve the Brown Act, we can use as many connections as possible in Sacramento.
2) Promote the California Journalism Preservation Act
As you’ve read in these pages before, AB 886 – penned by Assm. Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) – would be a game changer by finally holding Big Tech responsible after decades of profiting from our newsrooms. Our ever-so-sharp team here at CNPA helped get the bill through the Assembly, but the Battle for the Senate is just beginning. Like all things, awareness is key, and we need your help. Pen an editorial: You can find information and resources at cnpa.com. cnpa.com/legal/publisher-
3) Sharpen up on skills
You likely know CNPA regularly offers webinars on a range of topics to help publishers and editors gain new tools for the toolbox. Recent examples include the use of drones in news gathering and whether outsourcing page design could help your bottom line. With our busy schedules, it’s not always possible to attend the webinars live (although, when possible, you should: Being able to ask questions and interact with other participants enhances the experience). But you can access the webinars whenever you have time at cnpa.com, to make sure you stay on the cutting edge this summer.
CNPA Chairperson Emily Charrier is editor and publisher of Sonoma Media Investments’ Sonoma Index-Tribune and publisher of the Petaluma Argus-Courier.
