Maine Press Assn. Love Fest On Tap

In a pat on its own back, the association representing the state’s biggest news snores will soon be raising a glass to itself.

“Maine newspapers are leading the country in attempting innovative ways to sustain their local news operations,” the Maine Press Association boasts in announcing its annual convention.

The association is slated to meet Oct. 18 at the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel in South Portland to fete its incoming “Hall of Fame” nominees.

True to legacy journalist tradition, the convention announcement put the hotel in the wrong city - Portland - even though it's been on the Maine Mall Road in South Portland for roughly 50 years.

The yearly party in addition to naming its hall of shame members will be handing out recipient trophies as part of what it calls its “Better Newspaper Contest.”

Better than what? is the question.

(The two biggest association members - the Portland Press Herald and Bangor Daily News - should be sponsoring a panel discussion on “How We Pretend We're Covering The Mills Administration.”)

Other panelists will be holding court on “Mills vs. Trump,” “ICE raids” and “Medicaid cuts.”

“In this panel, some of the state’s top reporters will share their tips, experiences and solutions for localizing major issues that start at the federal level, and breaking local stories that go national,” the group promised.

Yet another panel will talk about “how Maine newsrooms are working together instead of competing.

“As newsrooms have shrunk, we are all trying to do more with less,” the intrepid group reveals. “Collaborations between newsrooms can result in richer, deeper reporting that can reach a wider audience. Hear from newsrooms who have undertaken reporting collaborations and how they capitalized on strengths, navigated differences, and delivered impactful reporting.”

Panelists will also discuss “public support opportunities and what other states are trying in collaboration with legislatures.”

Now there's journalism at its finest - reporters “collaborating” with legislatures. Maybe they collaborate with legislators? At least they're collaborating with the government. Yup. independent journalism at its finest.

“Learn about what Maine newspapers are trying to not only sustain, but grow news in Maine.”

“Grow news.” Like not covering the expanding Chinese-marijuana grows that The Maine Wire has been leading the coverage on for years now?

And last but not least a panel entitled “Unlock the skills that will take your journalism career to the next level.

“In this workshop, you’ll learn the essential skills and strategies that will get you noticed in the newsroom - from pitching smart stories and mastering deadlines to writing with impact and building your personal brand. Whether you’re aiming for a bigger beat, a senior role, or more editorial influence, this session will give you the tools, habits, and mindset to stand out and advance.”