Frequently asked questions
about PSNE
Q. What are PSNE’s
goals?
A. Our bylaws state: The purpose of the Pennsylvania Society
of Newspaper Editors shall be to encourage the full and free dissemination of information
of public interest without fear or favor, to strive to improve the standards of
professional activity, to promote acquaintance among its members, to develop a stronger
professional esprit de corps, to exchange ideas for the more effective application
of professional labors, and to work collectively for the solution of common problems,
in harmony with the precepts of the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association and
the American Society of Newspaper Editors.
Q. What are the
minimum expectations for a board member?
A. Board members are expected to attend four meetings
per year. Meetings typically are held in September, January, March/April
(in conjunction with America East) and May (in conjunction with the Pennsylvania
Press Conference).
Q. I want to roll
up my sleeves and make a difference. How do I get started?
A. The heart of PSNE’s work takes place in committees.
The board president typically appoints committees and their chairs before the September
meeting and provides ideas of projects for the year. The committee chair, working
with his/her committee, can add projects to the agenda. In addition, projects might
come to the committee’s attention during the year. Of course, many meaningful and
fun tasks are available outside of committee. Board members can judge contests,
moderate convention panels, testify before the Legislature, represent PSNE on Pennsylvania
Newspaper Association boards - there is really no limit.
Q. How do committees
work?
A. Committee chairs should choose an apprentice or co-chair,
who would be the potential committee chair the next year. Committee chairs can serve
more than one term; it’s at the discretion of the president. The president may appoint
committee members or delegate that task to committee chairs. Board members may head
more than one committee.
Q. If I have a
colleague at my newspaper or know someone at another newspaper who wants to get
involved, can I invite him or her?
A. Yes, non-board members who are PSNE members can serve
on committees. In fact, this is encouraged as a membership builder and to identify
future board members.
Q. How do I get
on the officer track, if that becomes a goal?
A. No magic formula exists to do so. One rule of thumb
is that the more active you are in serving on or chairing important committees or
handling key projects, the more likely you’ll be in catching the nominating committee’s
attention. In other words, PSNE’s leadership typically looks to "move up" those
most active, interested and involved in helping the society meet its goals.
Q. How are the
officers organized?
A. Our bylaws call for four officers: president, first
vice president, second vice president, secretary/treasurer. In addition, immediate
past presidents serve as ex officio board members for two years following their
presidency.
Q. What is PSNE’s
relationship with the
Pennsylvania
Newspaper Association?
A. PSNE operates independently of PNA, but PNA employees
provide vital staff support to PSNE. Connections between the two organizations,
which have been strong for many years, continue to develop. Committee chairs and
members are increasingly serving on counterpart PNA committees. Many PNA committees
undertake projects that overlap with PSNE projects and
vice versa. One developing function of PSNE committee
chairs is to appoint a liaison to work with appropriate PNA committees.
Q. What is the
relationship between PSNE and the
Pennsylvania
Associated Press Managing Editors?
A. The two groups have separate boards, but the relationship
between the two groups continues to grow. PAPME’s has a specialized goal: to work
with the state AP to improve its news report. In 1999, PAPME became responsible
for a day of programming at the Pennsylvania Press Conference. PAPME’s membership
consists of the state’s daily newspapers. PSNE’s membership consists of editors
from both dailies and weeklies.
Q. Practically
speaking, what’s my first step?
A. First, if you’re not a member of PSNE, become a member.
Then tell the PSNE’s president about your goals for improving
newspapering in
Pennsylvania
. Let him or her know your interests. The president will factor in this information
when making committee assignments. Come to each meeting prepared to participate.
One observation is that the most successful board members come ready to report on
substantial progress on at least one project or their integral involvement in at
least one PSNE event since the last meeting.