Bailey discusses NDNA at Rotary

At the Rotary meeting, Steve Listopad introduced Roger Bailey, executive director of the North Dakota Newspaper Association. Bailey gave an overview of who NDNA represents and its educational foundation.

Bailey said NDNA has three major roles it provides its members and the community which are: coordinating advertising for the newspaper throughout the state; helping to provide news education, website planning and writing seminars; and service to the public through open meetings. He said North Dakota has one of the best and strongest open law guidelines of any of the 50 states.

“North Dakota people want to know what is happening with their city and county government and also their schools. Open meetings give the citizens that opportunity to hear and participate with their elected officials,” Bailey said.

Citizens are asked every four years to vote for which newspaper they wish to print their minutes for the city, county and school board. Eighty-five percent voted for their school minutes to be printed and 88 percent wanted their city and county minutes printed. The national average is 83 percent. He congratulated the people of North Dakota. Bailey discussed the relationship with NDNA and Jamestown College which began more than seven years ago. Jamestown College was chosen because of its strong journalism program and its innovation to put print media, television and Internet news into its classroom, teaching students how to write and produce news for the different ways people get their news. The North Dakota Newspaper Association Education Foundation is presenting Jamestown College a $10,000 check to help the college continuing its program. Listopad invited Masaki Ova, editor in chief of the JC’s newspaper, “The Collegian,” who shared on the 100-year anniversary of the college newspaper. Beth Ryan, the web editor, shared on how they will be coordinating stories for print, television and web media. Their goal is to have consistent and coordinated news at all level of media. The college is very excited of this continuing partnership, they said.

Quincy Backen provided the welcome, Blaine Bergstedt the table prayer, Larry Hoffman and Gina Dahl led the group in music and Gail Martin collected numerous “Happy Dollars” for Rotary projects. Backen thanked members who helped sell movie tickets at the Jumpin’ Jack Frost Day. Carrie Orn reminded members to keep April 18 open for the Wine Tasting Brew Ha Ha evening. Guests were Jeff Liechty, Searle Swedlund, the new director for Buffalo City Tourism, Josh Vraa, store manager for Coburn’s, Allan Burke, owner/ editor of the Linton newspaper and president of the NDNA Education Foundation, Ova and Ryan.

Today’s program is a group of students from the Jamestown High School Music Department. Lyman Keim will give the invocation, Casey Stoudt will lead the group in music and Blaine Bergstedt will be sergeant at arms.

Tags: community, clubs