TBABJblog

Griot Drum Awards FAQ

2010-07-22T20:03:00.001-07:00

GET OUT THOSE MEDIA AWARD SUBMISSIONS!

The Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists (TBABJ) is accepting entries for the 2010 Griot Drum Awards, which honors the best coverage of people of color.

Winners will be announced in November at the 2010 Griot Drum Awards ceremony.

Who is eligible?
Any individual or news organization in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Citrus, Hernando, Manatee, Pasco, Polk or Sarasota counties can enter materials published, broadcast or presented between Jan. 1, 2009 and Dec. 31, 2009. The contest is open to journalists of all ethnicities. Entrants do not have to belong to TBABJ.

How can I enter my work?
All entries must be postmarked by August 2, 2010. Any entry postmarked after that date will be disqualified. Entries should be mailed to: Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists c/o Rodney Thrash, Griot Drum Awards Co-chair 710 Court Street, Clearwater, Fla., 33756 Faxed or e-mailed entries will not be accepted. See following post for information on entry categories.

Is there a fee?
The cost per entry is $25 for non-TBABJ members and $10 for members. Checks or money orders should be made out to the Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists and should be attached to each entry form. Checks covering more than one entry from an organization should be made out for the total amount, and a separate note should be attached detailing the exact entries covered by the fee. Cash will not be accepted.

What can I submit?
Entries must focus on subjects concerning people or communities of color and have been broadcast, presented or published within the Tampa Bay area. Individuals and news organizations may submit as many entries as desired. However, only one category is allowed per entry. Entering the same work in more than one category is permitted, for a fee. For example, the cost to enter an entry in two categories is $50 for non-members/$20 for members; three, $75/$30; and so on. Entries will not be returned.

How can I submit my work?
Newspaper. Entries with loose clippings, poster boards or ringed binders will be disqualified. Entries are best delivered on 8.5” x 11” sheets, either photocopied into this form (preferred) or cut up and taped down. Entries also may be mounted on pressboards. If submission is a series, it must be limited to no more than seven stories. PLEASE be sure to use the correct category number (See attached rules and categories).

Television. Entries can be submitted on VHS TAPES or standard DVDs only. A series should be entered on one tape and be limited to no more than five stories. Do not use color bars. A five-second slate is permitted. PLEASE be sure to use the correct category number.

Radio. Entries must be on a cassette tape or CD. PLEASE be sure to use the correct category number.

New Media. Entries must be submitted on CD, DVD, flash drive or by providing Internet links, with no more than one entry per storage unit. PLEASE be sure to use the correct category number.

Photo/Graphics. Entries may include original copies of work, in color. PLEASE be sure to use the correct category number. Incomplete entries will be disqualified. Judging and Winners Entries will be judged by National Association of Black Journalists chapters in other parts of the country, so the contest is open to chapter members and officers of TBABJ, except those serving on the awards committee. Broadcast entries will be judged based on content, production value and impact.

Print entries will be judged on content, readability and impact.
The top three entries in each category selected by judges will be recognized at the awards ceremony in November. The top winner will receive a plaque. Awards will be presented to individuals, groups or organizations.

Judges may elect to choose less than three entries in a category or none at all. More Questions? Call 813.610.1268, or e-mail me at rthrash@sptimes.com.

Best, Rodney Thrash
Co-chair, 2010 Griot Drum Awards
Staff writer, St. Petersburg Times

Griot Drum Awards Entry Form

2010-07-22T20:01:00.000-07:00

Griot Drum Awards Entry Form
(PRINT OUT ONE COPY PER ENTRY)
NAME___________________________________________________________ COMPANY/SCHOOL_______________________________________________ ADDRESS________________________________________________________
CITY/STATE/ZIP___________________________________________________ PHONE________________________________ EMAIL_________________________________

TITLE OF ENTRY__________________________________________________ CATEGORY_____________________________ CATEGORY NUMBER_____________________
NAME TO APPEAR ON AWARD______________________________________

FEES: (Circle One)
TBABJ MEMBER - $10 NON-MEMBER - $25
Checks should be made payable to Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists. Organizations or individuals submitting more than one entry may combine entry fees into one check.

SEND EACH ENTRY TO: Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists, c/o Rodney Thrash, Griot Drum Awards Coordinator, 710 Court Street, Clearwater, Fla., 33756.

For more information, call 813.610.1268. For additional copies of the entry form, go to: http://www.TBABJ.com.

*Entries must be postmarked and sent to TBABJ by August 2, 2010

Rules and Categories for the Griot Drum Awards

2010-07-22T19:51:00.000-07:00

The Griot Drum Awards – Rules and Categories
The Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists is calling for entries to its Griot Drum Awards – an awards ceremony designed to honor the best journalism on issues related to people of color in the Tampa Bay area.

Rules and Eligibility
Entries must have been published within the Tampa Bay area, including Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sarasota counties.

Submissions will be grouped by media and circulation numbers. Entries must have been published between January 1, 2009 and Dec. 31, 2009. Entries must be postmarked and sent to TBABJ by August 2, 2010. Only one category is allowed per entry. But numerous entries [each with its own entry fee] are permitted.

Each entry must be accompanied by an entry fee of $25 for non-chapter members and $10 for chapter members. Entries must involve issues or concerns related to people of color, especially African Americans. Entries will be judged by other National Association of Black Journalists chapters in other parts of the country, so the contest is open to chapter members and officers of TBABJ, except those serving on the awards committee.

The contest is open to journalists of all ethnicities. Entrants do not have to belong to TBABJ; awards will be presented to individuals, groups or organizations. Instructions for submitting in each category must be followed; each entry must have its own separate entry fee, though entrants can write a single check for all fees.

Judges have the right to choose not to present an award in any category. Finalists will be announced before the awards ceremony, but winners will not be announced until the awards ceremony. Entries will not be returned.

Judging: Entries will be judged by an affiliate chapter of the NABJ. Broadcast entries will be judged based on content, production value and impact. Print entries will be judged on content, readability and impact. Television Instructions: Entries can be submitted on VHS TAPES or standard DVDs only. A series should be entered on one tape and be limited to no more than five stories. Do not use color bars. A five-second slate is permitted. PLEASE be sure to use the correct category number. Category number is indicated directly in front of the category name.

TV-1 Spot news: Live and/or packaged coverage of a story on which the reporter had no more than a 24-hour deadline.
TV-2 Non-Deadline Reporting: News story or feature, non-deadline.
TV-3 Investigative/Series: Investigative story or series of no more than five non-deadline stories on a single subject.
TV-4 Investigative Reporting: In-depth, original reporting by an individual or team of reporters.
TV-5 Community/Public Affairs: Regularly scheduled program, which presents an issue of public interest.
TV-6 Documentary: In-depth coverage of a serious issue that cannot be thoroughly covered in a regularly scheduled newscast.
TV-7 Sports News: Analysis or commentary on a news event or issue.

Print [Circulation 100,000 or more)
Instructions: Entries with loose clippings, poster boards or ringed binders will be disqualified. Entries are best delivered on 8.5” x 11” sheets, either photocopied into this form (preferred) or cut up and taped down. Entries also may be mounted on pressboards. If submission is a series, it must be limited to no more than seven stories. PLEASE be sure to use the correct category number [See attached rules and categories].

Category number is indicated directly in front of the category name.
P-1 Deadline/Spot news Reporting: Breaking news story on which the reporter had no more than a 24-hour deadline.
P-2 Investigative Reporting: In-depth, original reporting by an individual or team of reporters.
P-3 Features: Any news feature, profile, review or analytical piece on a specific topic or issue, including arts and entertainment.
P-4 Community/Public Affairs: Story which presents an issue of public interest.
P-5 Sports News: Any news article or series devoted to a sports topic or issue.
P-6 Sports Feature: Any feature article or series devoted to a sports topic or issue.
P-7 Commentary: Any editorial, opinion column or commentary article, or cluster of related pieces on a specific topic or issue.
P-8 Criticism: Any arts criticism including analysis and reviews for fine arts, pop music, television movies and any other artistic areas.

Print [Circulation below 100,000]
Instructions: Same as print above 100,000.
PP-1 Deadline/Spot news Reporting: Breaking news story on which the reporter had no more than a 24-hour deadline.
PP-2 Investigative Reporting: In-depth, original reporting by an individual or team of reporters.
PP-3 Features: Any news feature, profile, review or analytical piece on a specific topic or issue, including arts and entertainment.
PP-4 Community/Public Affairs: Story which presents an issue of public interest. PP-5 Sports News: Any news article or series devoted to a sports topic or issue. PP-6 Sports Feature: Any feature article or series devoted to a sports topic or issue.
PP-7 Commentary: Any editorial, opinion column or commentary article, or cluster of related pieces on a specific topic or issue.
PP-8 Criticism: Any arts criticism including analysis and reviews for fine arts, pop music, television movies and any other artistic areas.

Radio Instructions: Entries must be on a cassette tape or CD. PLEASE be sure to use the correct category number. Category number is indicated directly in front of the category name.
R-1 Spot News Reporting: Live and/or packaged coverage of a news story on which the reporter has no more than a 24-hour deadline.
R-2 Features Reporting: Issue oriented story, that can also be a profile, human interest, slice-of-life or humorous story.
R-3 Documentary/News Series: In-depth coverage of a serious issue that cannot be thoroughly covered in a regularly scheduled newscast.
R-4 Investigative Reporting: In-depth, original reporting by an individual or team of reporters.
R-5 Public Affairs: Story which presents an issue of public interest.

Application for 2010 Griot Drum Scholarship

2010-07-20T20:33:00.000-07:00

TBABJ to distribute $5,000 to minority journalism students,
including a first-ever graduate student scholarship award.

POSTMARK DEADLINE FRIDAY, SEPT. 10, 2010

Greetings! It is with great pleasure that the Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists announces its 2010 Scholarship Contest.

TBABJ is excited this year to distribute $5,000 to deserving students of color, pursuing a college degree in journalism. Because of growing demand, TBABJ will give away its first scholarship to a graduate journalism student this year for $1,000. In addition, two undergraduate students will each receive a $1,000 scholarship and one undergraduate student will receive a $2,000 scholarship.

Our desire is to empower young journalists of color to join the ranks of the working press. Please encourage all high school seniors, undergraduate and graduate students of color (African American, Hispanic, Asian, etc.) to apply for this contest by SEPT. 10, 2010. Applications must be postmarked by this date to be considered.

Scholarship winners will be announced this year during TBABJ’s Griot Drum Awards ceremony, taking place in Tampa Nov. 18, at the Dr. Blaise F. Alfano Conference & Banquet Center, 11606 McKinley Drive. To learn more about Griot Drum, visit www.tbabj.com.

Students currently enrolled in college or graduating high school seniors are encouraged to apply. Previous grand prize winners are NOT eligible. Applicants MUST have a connection to the Tampa Bay area, which includes Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota, among other communities in the region. We expect our winners to attend a reception before the Griot Drum ceremony and stay for the banquet.

Completed application packets must be postmarked by Sept. 10.

Questions? Contact Kevin Graham, TBABJ’s Scholarship Coordinator, at 813-857-4096 or contactkevingraham@gmail.com.

Good luck!

2010 Student Scholarship Application

Deadline: Applications must be postmarked by FRIDAY, SEPT. 10, 2010!

All materials become the property of TBABJ and will not be returned.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Last Name:_________________ Middle Initial:____ First Name:___________________

Permanent Address:_______________________________________________________

City:_________________________ State:________ Zip Code: ____________________

Permanent Phone Number:___________________ Personal E-mail:_________________

Present Address: __________________________________________________________

City:_________________________ State:________ Zip Code: ____________________

Present Phone Number:_____________________________________________________

Social Security Number:____________________ Are you a U.S. Citizen:___Yes ___No

If not, do you have legal documentation supporting your stay in the United States?______

School Classification for school year 2010-11 (i.e. freshman, sophomore, etc):_________

College or University:______________________________________________________
(High school seniors, please name your current school and the post-secondary institution you plan to attend.)

Projected Graduation Date (mm/yy):__________________________________________

II. Please consider the following topic in a 500-word essay:

Analyze the media’s coverage of a recent news story involving race, class or religion. Discuss how you would have covered the story.

Please enclose a photograph and FIVE collated copies of the following:

► Completed Application Cover Sheet

► Essay

► Resume

► Three to six examples of journalistic work (Broadcast journalists may submit a DVD but must note their role in each production, i.e. sound technician, lighting, writer, producer).

Please also include one sealed copy of the following:

► Official school transcript (Must be enclosed in an official school envelope and be stamped by your registrar’s or principal’s office).

► One to two letters of recommendation from faculty, employees or journalists familiar with your career goals.

Mail applications to:

Kevin Graham, Scholarship Coordinator
Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists
P.O. Box 172092
Tampa, FL 33672

Bay News 9 Job Openings

2010-07-20T08:31:00.000-07:00

Bay News 9 has two positions open:

-Reporter/Producer-Bay News 9 in Spanish

This person should be able to shoot and edit, as well as deliver on camera. You will also be called upon to do fill-in anchoring. If you have TV news reporting and producing experience, can write TV news copy in grammatically-correct Spanish and you're bilingual, you should apply. Upload your resume at www.baynews9.com and scroll down to the Jobs tab under the About section. Send your DVD demo to Bay News 9, Attn: L. Ucar, 700 Carillon Parkway, Suite 9, St. Petersburg, FL, 33716. No phone calls, and no online demos, please.

-Senior Producer

Bay News 9 is looking for an experienced senior producer. Candidates must have an oustanding journalistic track record. Three yeras of news producing experience is prefered. Our ideal candidate will combine strong writing and producing skills with the ability to coordinate production and live coverage. If you have experience as a writer producer, you can work as a team player and alone, and you have a proven record of meeting tight deadlines while producing excellent work, Bay News 9 wants to see your resume. Knowledge of ENPS, Pinnacle Vortex and Liquid Edition non-linear systems is a plus. This is not an entry level position. Apply online at www.baynews9.com.

Griot Drum Awards Venue and Date Announced!

2010-07-12T08:54:00.000-07:00

The Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists will hold its annual Griot Drum Awards on Thursday, Nov. 18. A reception will be held at 6pm, and the banquet/ceremony will begin at 7pm at the Dr. Blaise F. Alfano Conference & Banquet Center, 11606 McKinley Drive in Tampa.

Ticket prices have yet to be determined, but will be available for purchase in the coming month.

Griot Drum honors work accomplished during the previous calendar year in the Tampa Bay area that honors communities of color. Entries and entry fees for the ceremony are being accepted through Aug. 2. Winners will be announced at the ceremony on Nov. 18.

Want more information on how to enter a story, TV broadcast package or photograph, or where to send your entries? Contact Rodney Thrash, Griot Drum awards coordinator, at rthrash@sptimes.com.

In addition, TBABJ is offering $5,000 in scholarships to deserving students of color pursuing graduate or undergrad degrees in journalism. Winners will also be announced on Nov. 18. Want to apply? Contact Kevin Graham, scholarship chair, at contactkevingraham@gmail.com.

If you have questions, send us an email at TampaBayABJ@gmail.com.

Bay News 9 Job Opening

2010-06-18T11:42:00.000-07:00

Bay News 9 is looking for an "A" block reporter interested in working side by side with Tampa Bay's best photography staff. The ideal candidate should have broken good hard news stories and covered breaking news for the past five years. Anchoring experience is a plus.

Bay News 9 offers a competitive compensation package and an ideal newsroom location.

Upload your resume via the Jobs page on www.baynews9.com and send a DVD demo to: C. Morton, 700 Carillon Parkway, Suite 9, St. Petersburg, Fl, 33716.

TBABJ hosting free career workshop on June 12

2010-06-05T12:47:00.001-07:00

Need some help reinventing your career, dusting off your skill set or learning something new?

The Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists is hosting a career workshop on Saturday, June 12 at 11 a.m. at The Tampa Tribune, 202 S. Parker Street. This interactive workshop will include presentations from a life coach and professionals from Tucker/Hall PR firm and The Poynter Institute.

Refreshments will be provided.

Questions?

Contact Antwan Key, VP of Broadcast, at 850-284-9112.

See you there!

Bay News 9 looking for Media Editor/Audio Operator

2010-06-04T12:17:00.000-07:00

If you thrive on breaking news and can handle the pressures of 24-hour news coverage, this job could be for you. Candidates must have at least two years of experience working in a TV newsroom environment, editing daily news content andd operating a control room audio board during live and non-live events.

Applicants with a non-linear editing background and a familiarity with robotic studio camera operation are preferred.

Duties include editing news content, archiving news footage and packages, operating the robotic camera system and enforcing editing protocol within the newsroom and light studio maintenance.

Submit your resume online at www.baynews9.com.

TBABJ holds next meeting on June 5

2010-05-24T08:01:00.000-07:00

The meeting will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 5 at Estelas restaurant on Davis Island.

We're soliciting entries for the Griot Drum awards, holding a career workshop on June 12, a summer luau and a poetry slam in the fall.

Come out, grab a bite to eat and offer your input. It's always appreciated.

Got questions? Email our membership chair, Nicole Hutcheson, at njhutcheson@gmail.com.

See you on the 5th.

TBABJ calling for Griot Drum entries!

2010-05-18T12:43:00.000-07:00

Get out those media awards submissions, because TBABJ is now accepting entries for the 2010 Griot Drum Awards, which honors the best coverage of people of color.

Winners will be announced at a ceremony in November.

Any individual in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Citrus, Hernando, Manatee, Polk, Pasco or Sarasota counties is eligible to enter material published or broadcast between Jan 1, 2009 and Dec. 31, 2009. Entrants do not have to belong to TBABJ.

To enter your work, postmark your entry by Aug. 2, 2010. Mail your entries to:

Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists
c/o Rodney Thrash, Griot Drum Awards co-chair
710 Court Street
Clearwater, Fla. 33756

Faxed or e-mailed entries will not be accepted.

The fee is $25 for non-TBABJ members and $10 for members. Checks or money orders can be made out to TBABJ and be sent along with the entry form. Cash will not be accepted.

To submit newspaper work, send entries taped onto 8.5x11 sheets, or mounted on pressboards. TV work: submit VHS tapes or standard DVDs onlym, with no more than five stories. Radio: a cassette tape or a CD. New media: entries must be on CD, DVD or flash drive with Internet links. Photo/Graphics: must be original copies of work in color.

Entries will be judged by an NABJ chapter in another part of the country, so the contest is open to chapter members and officers of TBABJ, except anyone serving on the awards committee. The top three entries in each category will be recognized at the awards ceremony in November, with the top winner receiving a plaque. Judges may elect to choose less than three entries in one category, or none at all.

Questions?

Call Rodney Thrash, awards co-chair, at 813-610-1268, or send him an email at rthrash@sptimes.com. Or, contact TBABJ president Camille C. Spencer at camillecspencer@gmail.com.

Thanks in advance!

Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists selected as finalists for NABJ's Chapter of the Year honors

2010-05-14T05:47:00.001-07:00

NABJ Announces Philadelphia and Tampa Chapters

As Finalists for Professional Chapter of the Year

Washington, DC, May 14, 2010 -Today, The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) announced its finalists for Professional Chapter of the Year -- the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists (PABJ) and Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists (TBABJ). The winner will be announced this summer in San Diego at the 35th Annual NABJ Convention and Career Fair, the largest gathering of minority journalists in the country.

"Both chapters have made extraordinary contributions to NABJ and their home base," said NABJ President Kathy Y. Times. "I applaud the hard work of their members and leaders, and I'm grateful for all they do, especially during tough times."

PABJ was founded in 1973 by a group of courageous Philadelphia journalists, and it is NABJ's founding chapter. This is the second time in three years that PABJ has been a finalist, winning the honor in 2008. Over the past year, the chapter provided digital training that drew attendees from five states, participated in wide-ranging community service, and offered its members educational programming such as "PABJ @ the Movies," which highlighted the contributions by blacks in film.

"PABJ has always epitomized the finest aspects of NABJ," said Deirdre M. Childress, NABJ vice president-print. "From founders such as Chuck Stone, Joe Davidson, Sandra Long and Acel Moore, this tradition has extended 37 years to today's members who are focused on training, diversity and community service. PABJ remains a leader within our organization. I am proud to call it my home chapter."

Founded as the Suncoast Black Communicators, TBABJ became the Tampa Bay area's affiliate of the NABJ in 1990. TBABJ now represents journalists of color in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Sarasota, Pasco, Polk, Manatee, Hernando and Citrus counties in West Central Florida. TBABJ strives to help ensure diversity in media and accurate, balanced coverage of communities of color while serving as a resource for both established and aspiring communicators of African decent. Over the past year, TBABJ has been very active, including serving as the host to the NABJ National Convention, and offering a host of professional programming and community service projects, including a fundraiser for Haiti earthquake relief.

"TBABJ is such a hard working, close-knit chapter. We are truly honored to be in consideration for Chapter of the Year," said Region III Director, Kenneth Knight. "It would mean so much to win this award."

From those who blazed the trail to the ones who fight to make sure our stories are heard, even in the face of adversity, NABJ bestows 12 special honors on journalism organizations, professionals, educators and students committed to exemplary coverage of the black community. The Professional Chapter honor is awarded to an NABJ affiliate for its accomplishments during the eligibility period. Criteria includes, but is not be limited to, the number and size of scholarships awarded by the chapter, the number of new members who have joined the chapter and NABJ, and the chapters community activities and programs.

NABJ's 35th Annual Convention and Career Fair will take place July 28-August 1 in San Diego, Calif. For additional information, ticket sales, registration, please visit us at www.nabj.org, or contact Ryan Williams at rwilliams@nabj.org or (301) 405-0248.

# # #

CNN now hiring at its Atlanta headquarters

2010-04-30T15:33:00.000-07:00

CNN Networks- now hiring for Atlanta HQ! www.turnerjobs.com

News Writer- CNN International, (Atlanta) req # 117740
2-3 yrs experience in newsroom environment, at least one year full-time writer for broadcast (large market or network news experience a plus)
Thorough understanding of international news is important, and proven experience in handling international stories is a plus.

Producer, CNN International (Atlanta) req # 117557

Minimum of 5yrs production experience in the news television industry, including 3-5yrs control room experience on a live news broadcast (large market or network news preferred)
Must be editorially mature with solid knowledge of international news.
Must be a strong leader in the control room and be able to calmly handle breaking news situations.

Writer/Producer- CNN Newsroom weekend Prime (Atlanta) req # 117195

Degree in Journalism or Communications, minimum 4-5 yrs producing/writing in a large market or network news operation
Self-starter- ability to enterprise ideas and work well independently, with little supervision.
Proven ability to flex and adapt to ever changing breaking news environment.
Sr. Producer- CNN Medical Unit- Sanjay Gupta, MD (Atlanta) req # 117609

Extensive line producing experience (5 to 7 years) and a successful track record in show production.
Strong writer and editor, an excellent line/control room producer with a thorough knowledge of the technical requirements of show production (from live broadcasts, to taped production to post production).
Seasoned medical journalist

Sr. Guest Booker, CNN Newsroom- Ali Velshi (Atlanta) req # 116920

Bachelors degree in journalism or related is preferred, 5+ years in broadcast news environment
Must have four to six years network booking experience.
Strong knowledge of current events and the ability to work on both domestic and international news stories.

Advanced Writer/Copy Editor- CNN Newsource Operations (Atlanta) req 115455

5 yrs min of news writing and/or producing experience. Copy editing for broadcast is preferred.
Strong leadership and mentorship capability- this position oversees a staff of writers
Ability to handle heavy script load while assigning scripts to writers is mandatory.

Please apply online via www.turnerjobs.com, you can also send inquiries to cnn.jobs@cnn.com.

TBABJ meeting-June 5

2010-04-19T13:20:00.001-07:00

The organization's next meeting will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 5 at Estela's restaurant on Davis Island in Tampa.

We plan to discuss upcoming events that include a career workshop, poetry slam and media awards ceremony. For more information, email membership chair Nicole Hutcheson at njhutcheson@gmail.com.

Hope to see you there.

TBABJ's Public Forum Photos-Status Report: Where Is Black Leadership?

2010-04-15T09:29:00.000-07:00

TBABJ to host free public forum

2010-03-19T13:25:00.000-07:00

With some black organizations in the Tampa Bay area struggling to stay afloat, the Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists is asking the public to come out and discuss the issue at a public forum.

The event, titled "Status Report: Where Is Black Leadership?" will be held on Wednesday, April 14 from 7pm to 10pm at Fletcher Lounge at the University of Tampa, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd.

The forum's panel will include Ken Welch, Pinellas County Commissioner, Curtis Stokes, former Hillsborough NAACP president, Isay Gulley, Clearwater Housing Services President, and Darmian Bull, CEO of Delta Bravo Marketing Group.

St. Petersburg Times media critic Eric Deggans will serve as the forum's moderator.

For more information, contact TBABJ president Camille C. Spencer at camillecspencer@gmail.com or (248) 760-7561.

See you there!

TBABJ Silent Auction and Fundraiser for Haiti Relief

2010-02-08T10:59:00.000-08:00

Come out for a night of poetry, wine tastings and a silent auction to help keep hope alive in Haiti.

The event will be hosted by Tampa's hottest radio host, DJ Ekin.

Enjoy some of the best poets in the Tampa Bay area while sipping on choice wines and sampling exotic cuisine from the world renowed Roy's Restaurant.

All funds will be for the American Red Cross to aid relief work in Haiti.

The event will be held on Saturday Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. at Wine Mall, 11246 W. Hillsborough Avenue in Tampa.

The cost is $10 at the door, which will include two complimentary glasses of wine. Proceeds will go toward the American Red Cross to help Haiti relief.

(CASH OR CHECKS ONLY, PLEASE). Checks for the silent auction portion of the event can be made out to TBABJ.

For more information, email Nicole Hutcheson, TBABJ membership chair, at njhutcheson@gmail.com, or TBABJ president Camille C. Spencer at camillecspencer@gmail.com.

See you there.

TBABJ meeting Feb. 6 to discuss Haiti fundraiser

2010-01-29T09:11:00.000-08:00

Want to help raise money for earthquake victims in Haiti?

TBABJ and Wine Mall in Tampa are sponsoring a silent auction on Feb. 27 to raise funds for the Red Cross that will benefit the people of Haiti.

If you've got a product or service to donate for the auction, or you just want to help out, come to our next meeting on Saturday, Feb. 6 at 11 a.m. at the Tampa Tribune, 200 S. Parker Street in Tampa.

We've got a host of other events we're planning for the year as well.

Questions?

Contact our membership chair, Nicole Hutcheson, at njhutcheson@gmail.com, or Camille C. Spencer, TBABJ president at camillecspencer@gmail.com.

See you on the 6th.

Anchor job opening at Bay News 9

2010-01-06T07:18:00.000-08:00

Bay News 9 seeks a highly motivated, team-oriented anchor looking for a challenging and rewarding opportunity in the Tampa/St. Petersburg market!

Our ideal candidate is an Anchor who can deliver daily news programs with poise, authority and credibility with the ability to handle breaking news on-air. Minimum five years of anchoring experience preferred.

Candidates must be a proven newsroom leader able to establish a positive community presence in the Tampa Bay area.

We offer a competitive compensation package, ideal newsroom location and the opportunity to live within minutes of sandy white beaches.

If you want to work for an award-winning station that is known for breaking news and weather coverage in the Tampa Bay market, then upload your resume via the Jobs page on www.baynews9.com and send a DVD demo to:

Bay News 9

Attn: Anchor opening

700 Carillon Parkway

Suite 9

St. Petersburg, FL 33716

EOE M/F/D/V – all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

TBABJ Meeting on Saturday, Jan. 9 in Tampa

2010-01-04T10:58:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, everyone!

To get the ball rolling for the coming year, TBABJ is holding its first meeting of the year on Saturday, Jan. 9 at 11 a.m. in the St. Petersburg Times' Tampa office, 1000 N. Ashley Drive in Tampa. We'll meet inside a conference room on the 7th floor.

This meeting is open to all TBABJ members, friends of the chapter, journalists, college students and anyone in the community wishing to partner with the chapter for events we will be holding in 2010.

We will be planning our events for the year at this meeting, so your input is greatly appreciated.

Lastly, anyone who needs to pay their membership dues ($25 per year annually) can bring a check or money order to the meeting.

Got questions?

Contact our membership chair, Nicole Hutcheson, at njhutcheson@gmail.com, or (813) 335-4115.

Hope to see you there!

Camille C. Spencer
TBABJ President
(248) 760-7561
camillecspencer@gmail.com

TBABJ chapter meeting at 11 a,.m. Saturday in Tampa

2009-11-04T17:02:00.001-08:00

Members and friends of the Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists

I know it has been a while. But we're holding the first of our last two meeting of 2009 and we would really like for you to join us.

We have a few really important things to discuss.

1) Elections. I'm planning on stepping down as chapter president, and we need to get a new election process started. we have other people who may want to shift or end their work as chapter officers, so we need as many people as possible who are interested in leading the chapter to step up.

2) Next year's events. We need to start taking about what we will do in 2010. Will we hold another Griot Drum Awards ceremony? Will we just hold the scholarship contest? If we're doing journalism awards, we will need to start in early 2010, so this is no idle matter.

3) Xmas party. Nicole Hutcheson has been pulling together plans for an Xmas party for the chapter as a reward to everyone's hard work on the convention this year. We'll be spending some money on the event, so we need to go over plans and make sure we're handling everything as cost effectively as we can. We also need to know if people would rather get together Dec. 10 or Dec. 17. please join us so you can have a voice.

Here's details on the meeting --

The next meeting will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7 at
Perkins Restaurant, 12650 N. Dale Mabry in Carrollwood. We have a room
reserved until 2 p.m. There's no cost as long as we come hungry and
order something. (FYI, for the St. Pete/South Tampa folks, I tried the
Perkins closer to I-275, but they wanted to charge us a fee).

Hope to see you there!

Eric Deggans
President, Tampa Bay Assoc. of Black Journalists
Chair, NABJ Media Monitoring Committee
TV/Media Critic, St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times
(727) 893-8521
www.TBABJ.com

Discount for NABJ membership effective today and tomorrow

2009-11-04T06:12:00.000-08:00

This message, from the National Association of Black Journalists:

Today and tomorrow, NABJ is offering a SALE to reclaim its Members. This a special discount for lapsed Members who maybe did not come to Tampa this year, forgot to renew or who in some cases, let their membership expire as their job outlook changed. This does not apply to everyone on this email, but if you know someone who has wanted to join or come back to NABJ - this is the week to do it.

Full membership is just $85 instead of $100 if you call the national office and mention this deal. There is $15 off for Student and Associate Members as well. The number is 301-445-7100.

One perk of the sale is that this will take care of your membership fee through the 2010 San Diego Convention and it will help to spread out the costs of heading to the West Coast next year. Our programming committee is already working on next year's theme and events.

So please consider this a homecoming message. And call the office to secure the best rate in at least three years!

Thanks Deirdre
NABJ VPPrint

Mark your calendars: membership meetings on Nov. 7 and Dec. 5

2009-10-09T15:35:00.000-07:00

Hello all!

The end of a great year for TBABJ is upon us. That said, we've got two
more upcoming meetings I hope you'll be able to attend. We've got a
Christmas party to plan and discussions on a forum we may host, so
your input would be greatly appreciated.

Mark your calendars for the following two dates:

-The next meeting will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7 at
Perkins Restaurant, 12650 N. Dale Mabry in Carrollwood. We have a room
reserved until 2 p.m. There's no cost as long as we come hungry and
order something. (FYI, for the St. Pete/South Tampa folks, I tried the
Perkins closer to I-275, but they wanted to charge us a fee).

-The final meeting of the year will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday,
Dec. 5 at the Times office in Tampa, 1000 N. Ashley Drive, on the
seventh floor in a conference room.

Hope you can make both of these meetings.

Questions? Call me at (248) 760-7561 or shoot me an e-mail to this address.

Take care,

Camille

Camille C. Spencer
membership chair, TBABJ
reporter, St. Petersburg Times
mobile: 248.760.7561
"If you can't fly, run. If you can't run, walk. If you can't walk,
crawl. But by all means, keep moving." - The Rev. Martin Luther King,
Jr.

Two job openings at Bay News 9

2009-10-06T07:47:00.000-07:00

MEDIA EDITOR/AUDIO OPERATOR
Bay News 9, Bright House Network’s 24-hour news channel in Tampa Bay, has an opening for a full-time Media Editor/Audio Operator.

If you thrive on breaking news and can handle the pressures of 24-hour news coverage, this is the job for you! We’re looking for candidates with at least two years of experience working in a television newsroom environment, editing daily news content and operating control room audio board during live and non-live events. Applicants with a non-linear editing background and a familiarity with robotic studio camera operation preferred.

Duties include, but are not limited to, editing news content using non-linear editing systems, archiving of news footage and packages, operating control room audio board and robotic camera system, establishing and enforcing editing protocol within the newsroom and light studio maintenance.

If you meet the above requirements, are a self-motivator, have a great attitude, can handle tight deadlines in a multi-tasking environment and are willing to work a flexible schedule, submit your resume on-line at www.mybrighthouse.jobs

EOE M/F/D/V – all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

TRAFFIC REPORTER

Bay News 9, the award-winning 24-hour local news channel in Tampa Bay, is looking for an on-air presenter of traffic reports and updates.

Candidates should have proven experience of anchoring traffic segments for television with great on-camera presence. Exceptional communication skills are required. Previous on-air traffic reporting experience is required. We’re interested in seeing demos with traffic segments.

Upload your resume at www.mybrighthouse.jobs

No phone calls please.

Bay News 9 is an EOE M/F/D/V – all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

Membership meeting at 10 a.m. Saturday (Sept. 19) in Tampa

2009-09-16T21:57:00.000-07:00

Members and friends of the Tampa Bay Association of Black Journalists --

It's been a while since our last meeting. But six weeks after the national convention has left town, we've got a lot to celebrate and recount.

Our party Aug. 7 at the Florida Aquarium drew nearly 1,500 people to become the largest private party ever held at the facility. And now that we've had some time to rest and rejuvenate, it's time to talk about what's in store for our future.

We will hold our next meeting on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 10am at Perkins restaurant,
12650 N. Dale Mabry in Tampa. It's a few blocks south of Fletcher
Avenue. We have a room reserved under our group's name until 12:30,
when another party is scheduled to come in. So please try to get there
on time.

We're going to talk a bit about how the fundraiser turned out. We also have been invited to participate in a meeting with African journalists at the University of South Florida in St. Petersburg; I'll be sharing details. We'll also decide what sort of projects the chapter should tackle in the months to come.

I hope you can find time to join us.

Eric Deggans
TV/Media Critic, St. Petersburg Times
Chair, NABJ Media Monitoring Committee
President, Tampa Bay Assoc. of Black Journalists
(727) 893-8521
www.TBABJ.com