Star-Telegram Launches New Web Redesign - Popups Galore

Late Thursday night the green lever was switched and in a blink of a megahertz, the new web site came pouring out and took over. Yes Star-Telegram redesigned their web site and sure enough, it's packed with popups, ads and stuff to make MYSPACErs feel at home. 

What's New:

- The ads are now on the right side. So if you are blessed with a small monitor, just keep looking left. 

- The Black Navigation bar -s-l-o-w=l=y- drops down to reveal even more ads. But there is a text box.

- The search engine is on top... never mess with a good thing. 

- A new TV-sized box flashes photos.

- Below are blogs, more blogs, the whole place has been overtaken by BLOGS.

- Then finally, real news.. Local and State -- in bright blood red tabs. If it bleeds, it ledes...

- On the side, a grey box with even more BLOGS! Yeehaw!

- Where is the Fort Worth and Arlington news... where... oh yeah buried in the LOCAL red tab.

I guess its like driving a new car, gotta get used to it. It's not tiny tiny text like Dallasnews.com but by far, the ads are much more in your face.  Too much blinky, blinky.  Why don't web designers understand that what we want is this!

So is this better than before?

Star-Telegram to Unveil New Web Site Any Day, May Look Like This

IS THIS THE FUTURE OF THE STAR-TELEGRAM?

Design and Layout editors are putting the finishing touches and testing out the all-new redesign of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram web site which is expected to look something like the above mockup and take elements from the corporate McClatchy Newspapers or the Fresno Bee and be unveiled sometime in the next few days or sooner.  Expect easier and faster way to skim news stories and more interactivity, including more easier matching of news stories and more prominent daily blog reports and some Yahoo touches.

"Star-Telegram.com is undergoing a makeover we think you’ll love. Our user-friendly navigation will help you find your favorite features in local news, entertainment, sports, business and more. Keep watching: The countdown is under way and you’ll see the changes in just days."

The design above is based on a the newly redesign of the McClatchy Newspapers and an attempt to unite all their media web sites and will begin phasing in Yahoo services in 2008 and using services from "McClatchy Interactive."

Amongst the expected additions a new project, to be called "Trusted Voices," which will offer in-depth perspectives and coverage from Star-Telegram and McClatchy foreign correspondents based in select regions, including Iraq, the Middle East, China and Latin America. The coverage will include traditional news stories and will further tap the regional expertise of the correspondents through exclusive blog reports designed to guide readers in understanding the news from these regions.

One of the program's first initiatives will be the "Inside Iraq" blog written by native Iraqi staffers based in the McClatchy Baghdad bureau including former ST reporter Leila Fade, which has been operating continuously since the U.S. invasion.

Hopefully the redesign eliminates those terrible pop-up ads that chase you around. Well keep you posted on the final design.

NAHJ Region 5 to Sponsor Journalism Conference in San Marcos

You're invited to attend an NAHJ Region 5 Conference on Feb. 29 and March 1 at Texas State University in San Marcos to help journalists develop skills for the future, and move ahead in their careers.

The conference includes at least six multimedia sessions, ranging from blogging to podcasting to digital video for beginners and advanced. We’ll also have workshops for Spanish-Language media as well as print and broadcast media.

The conference opens Friday evening with a town hall meeting, looking at the impact of the Hispanic community in the November elections. On Saturday, we’ll open with a plenary discussion on the latest immigration issues that’s affecting our communities in Texas and nationwide.

Keynote speaker Gilbert Bailon, the editorial page director at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and the current president of the American Society of Newspaper Editors, will give us an update on the state of the industry and where we’re headed at the luncheon on Saturday.

Early registration through Feb. 18 is $15 for students; $40 for members of NAHJ and the San Antonio Association of Hispanic Journalists; and $55 for nonmembers. Registration and more can be found at our web site at www.dfwhispanic.org

Post X-MAS Gift For BELO Shareholders, Same-o for Staff

Dallas Morning News, WFAA and AL DIA reporters got an email late today saying "the transaction was compleated and the board has approved a plan to seperate the Tv and newspaper businesses."

What this means for staff is unclear but it sure relieves anxiety. Rumors this morning were that BELO might make more changes to struggling TXCN, slash Quick or Al Dia publication production or worse, install another Network IBM server.

Dallas Morning News names "Texan of the Year" - - The Illegal Immigrant

It wasn't Tony Romo, nor Ron Paul, nor Jerry Jones,

the DALLAS MORNING NEWS TEXAN OF THE YEAR award goes to 

.... THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT

He breaks the law by his very presence. He hustles to do hard work many Americans won't, at least not at the low wages he accepts. The American consumer economy depends on him. America as we have known it for generations may not survive him.

We can't seem to live with him and his family, and if we can live without him, nobody's figured out how. He's the Illegal Immigrant, and he's the 2007 Dallas Morning News Texan of the Year – for better or for worse.
We can't seem to live with him and his family, and if we can live without him, nobody's figured out how.

He's the Illegal Immigrant, and he's the 2007 Dallas Morning News Texan of the Year – for better or for worse.

Read the Essay

NETWORK SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT TRACIE MORALES CHOSEN TO NY TIMES INTERNSHIP

Two -time Network scholarship recipient and UT Arlington journalism student Tracie Morales is one of 20 students nationwide who has been accepted into the 2008 New York Times Student Journalism Institute.

The 12-day intensive training program, held Jan. 2-13 at the University of Arizona Journalism School, is sponsored by the New York Times and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.

Morales is currently a copy editor and former writer for the student newspaper The Shorthorn. She also made the Dean's List in 2005. Tracie writes, "Being a journalist empowers me, because it validates my curiosity." Tracie Morales also covered the American Society of Newspaper Editors convention for Hispanic Link News Service and was awarded second place in In-Depth Reporting by the Region 8 Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) in March 2007.

Aspiring journalism students will report, edit and cover real news events and be guided by NY Times editors and reporters. In a fully functioning newsroom, aspiring journalists will see how experienced professionals deal with a range of challenging activities and cover unexpected events.

During the Institute, students will also run a daily news Web site, and at the end of the program, a newspaper is published containing the best of the material created at the Institute. Copies are available to serve as clips. All travel expenses to and from Tucson are covered, and the Institute provides each student with a small stipend. Room and board, including three meals each day.

To qualify students had to complete a semester at a student newspaper or major newspaper, be in good academic standing and have written a 500-word essay about being a journalist and be a member of NAHJ. The Web site for live reporting is at http://www.nytimes-institute.com.

-- 10 years ago.. another network scholarship recipient had a similar story...

New Orleans Get's First Hispanic TV Station

Mix a little cajun shrimp soup with tortillas and you get the first Hispanic television station in the Big Easy - New Orleans. This Friday an estimated 75,000 to 135,000 Hispanic households in the New Orleans area will see their Novellas and Spanish-dubbed movies on KGLA-42, a Telemundo affiliate. Digital HDTV sets or Cable only, for now.

Hispanic Professionals Itching to Network Now Have Two Social Groups

The social gears are cranking again for Hispanic Professionals in the Dallas area as the formerly-defunct "Vida Social" comes back from the dead and resumes their monthly "First Friday" after-work socials aimed at Hispanic professionals.

But the great comeback also comes with another surprise - another Hispanic-based Social group - "The Social-List"

And both have events planned for Friday, December 7th.

Let the Hispanic Social Olympics begin!

OK first some background. Vida Social was first on the Dallas scene and for a while and the only game in town for starving Latino professionals with an itch to network and socialize. Sometime early this year, the group's officers had the "differences of opinion" chat on the future of the group, whereas several of them desired the group's mission should be to make stronger inroads into philanthropic projects. They viewed Hispanic professionals would welcome altruistic projects aimed at improve the Hispanic community - generally Hispanic education. But not all shared those ideas. Some believed the group should promote to other groups.

And so the group Vida Social went into temporary hibernation. During this siesta, some bolted and decided, 'hey lets redo this idea, but with some of our changes,'

With support from a Dallas corporations and law offices, "The Social-List" was launched this Fall.

"Our mission at The Social-List is to more of a gathering community but one where great minds and ideas meet to form a positive and proactive movement for and within our community."

Meanwhile the remaining members of Vida Social regrouped and relaunched their web site along with revising their mission statement;

"Vida Social is an active group of professionals that pursue success in their careers but at the same time care about the greater Dallas community."

So is Dallas big enough for the two Hispanic professional social groups? Will competition between the two groups generate stronger attendance, better events at classier venues?

More importantly, who will offer free parking valet service first?

Regardless of the group's similar identities, "competition amongst the groups" will not only provide incentives for improvements and continuous introductions of new ideas, but also promote the idea of "Hispanic Professional" to Dallasites. Perhaps these two groups can help create role models that can inspire and motivate young people (i.e. students) to dream, take action and aspire to one day, transform into a Hispanic professional.

-- Postmark
And what about Fort Worth, Irving, Arlington, North Dallas? It looks like the Meetups.com,  like this one, will quest the thirst for socializing and networking in those areas.


Here is the scoop on the upcoming events for
Friday, December 7th, 2007
Both groups are asking for donations of unwrapped toys (but not required for entrance)


The Social List
5:30pm-8:00pm
8 Lounge
1906 Greenville 

$10 admission
Dallas, Texas  75201
www.thesocial-list.com


Vida Social
Friday, December 7, 2007
6:00-9:00pm
at Clear
1313 Main St. - Dallas, TX 75202
(inside the Davis Building)
www.vidasocial.org

Novelas, Sports and Variety Shows Keep Univision #5 Network

The Univision Television Network reported its best November Sweep ever with a plus 14% growth in Adult 18-49 viewers and plus 12% growth among Adults 18-34 versus the same period last year. These increases bested FOX, the only other major network to show growth, while ABC, CBS, NBC, and CW all saw declines versus last year.

According to Nielsen Television Index (NTI), Univision once again maintained its position as the 5th largest broadcast network in the United States in primetime among key demographics. In addition, Univision outdelivered ABC, CBS, NBC or FOX on 16 out of 27 nights (or 59%) among Adults 18-34, and 5 out of 27 nights (or 19%) among Adults 18-49. Univision was also the #1 broadcast network in primetime among Adults 18-34 on five nights during the November 2007 Sweep.

"In a time when the other broadcast networks are experiencing significant viewer erosion, it's especially rewarding to see our audience growing so dramatically," said Alina Falcon, Executive Vice President and Operating Manager of the Univision Network. "Our ability to provide viewers with a first run, no repeat primetime lineup 52-weeks a year makes Univision the programming destination of choice for viewers and advertisers alike."

Network Wishes Gilbert Bailon Good Luck

. Mix a bucket of endless tamales, loads of pan dulce and great friends and you get a recipe for a memorable goodbye. Sunday, Dec 2, Network of Hispanic Communicators gathered at Elizabeth Zavala's south Arlington cozy home for the last goodbye to 'EL Gran Chingon.'

Members gave best wishes to Gilbert Bailon, former publisher of Al Dia and former Editor of the Dallas Morning News, who has moved to St. Louis to be part of the Post-Dispatch team. Thanks Elizabeth for hosting a fun afternoon of fellowship among Network friends. Good luck Gilbert, we will miss ya!

First UNT, Now UTA form NAHJ Chapters

Just under a week after the Network chooses to wave the NAHJ flag, today comes word that another local university, UT Arlington, is also breaking out the NAHJ banners. The student newspaper, The Shorthorn has a story on a student that is trying to start up a student chapter.

"O’Gara, aspiring president of the NAHJ university chapter, knows that if a chapter is formed, both university chapters will work together in helping the communications community. Attendees of the mixer and the ABJ university chapter’s meeting Monday at noon, with FOX 4 sports reporter Nita Wiggins as guest speaker, will help to determine where the efforts are going.

“We will be a stronghold together, the ABJ chapter and the NAHJ university chapter, in helping students become better not just as students, but as people and journalists,” O’Gara said.


Read more.

BREAKING NEWS: NETWORK CHOOSES TO BECOME NAHJ CHAPTER

More then 10 members including current officers, students and supporters came together Saturday morning to decide the fate of the organization. The question: Should the network of hispanic communicators become a NAHJ chapter? - many had concerns over the history of the organization. But these were addresses. Other than the name and the fees going up, the NAHJ chapterhood will not change the history or the bylaws of the group.

About 10 people made history by signing a letter of intent. One person abstained. Now this will go towards the NAHJ and the procedures are now in order for chapterhood.

NAHJ Post's Award Winners YouTube

Doesn't everyone just love YouTube!

NAHJ just posted YouTube videos of the award recipients including


Dianne Solis, a senior writer for The Dallas Morning News and the winner of the Frank del Olmo Print Journalist of the Year Award, quoted Gary D. during her acceptance speech.


Rebecca Aguilar,


Network founding member


and Gloria Campos

and Gloria Campos
www.nahj.org

KERA Introduces new Art+Culture Blog

Great news for art and culture lovers in North Texas. Our favorite public broadcast station is now joining the blogsphere and introduced a new Art and Culture blog. Nicely done!

"The Arts+Culture Blog aims to create an online community through the promotion of local arts events and new works, and discussion of new developments in the cultural world. The blog will also serve as a gateway to art analysis, conversation and exploration across the Internet.

The blog will feature a stable of staff contributors including KERA director of special projects Yolette Garcia, Deep in the Arts host Gini Mascorro and Think senior producer and Anything You Ever Wanted To Know host Jeff Whittington. Additionally, regular contributors from outside KERA will include noted critic and current Arts Journal book contributor Jerome Weeks."

Go see it at

http://www.kera.org/blogs/culture

Yahoo Answers Tony Romo's Hispanic Heritage, Wins Dude $500

Yes, Tony Romo is 3rd generation Mexican-American. And this question won someone $500 on Yahoo Answers -- so there..
Read more.

How do you say "Dinero" in English?

Total ad spending in Spanish-Language media for the first half of the year reached $2.88 billion, a 2.3% increase over the same time period last year, Nielsen Monitor-Plus said Tuesday.

Spanish-language ad spending continues to be on an upswing with increases reported for all monitored media, with the exception of local newspapers.

Spanish-language cable TV and national magazine showed particularly large gains due to increases in media measurement.

Overall, Spanish-language media was $2.88 billion, in the first half of 2007, compared with $2.81 billion the same period in 2006.

Spanish-language cable TV was up 75.3%, to $104.3 million, in the first half. The 2007 figure includes Fox Sports en Espanol, which was added Jan. 1. When that network is excluded, Spanish-language cable is only up 29.1%.

Spanish-language national magazines were up 14.3%, to $72.7 million from $63.5 million.

“The past couple of years have seen increased growth in ad spend for Spanish-language media, with automotive ranking as the top product category and Univision Communications Inc., the top advertiser for this time period,” Brian Lane, Nielsen Monitor-Plus’s senior vice president of client strategy and product management, said in a prepared statement.

Forget YouTube, Telemundo Putting Novelas Online

Telemundo, aka, NBC-Universal (aka the guys who hate iTunes and are starting their own online venture) are jumping on the digital distribution bandwagon. The network announced that has begun offering full-length episodes all of its prime-time series and novelas on Yahoo Telemundo.

The streamable episodes – which debuted late last week - are now available on the site the following morning after they original air on TV, said Telemundo executives. In addition, as has become the standard for network TV programming, fans can to access a variety of extra footage online, and can also congregate and discuss their favorite shows in dedicated Yahoo Telemundo Grupos.

CLEAR CHANNEL TOSSES OUT KISS-FM HISPANIC DJ, 'FLIP' IN STORE FOR STATION

Word is Clear Channel going to introduce an all new KISS-FM on November 15 and has started plastering billboards across town to "flip" the station. The rumor is that call letters 106.1 will flip with (alternative) KDGE 102.1. But these are just rumors. Most likely KISS-FM will gain new marketing and new evening programming.

Until then Clear Channel is tossing out a few extra employees. This week a Latino employee got their "unexpected" pink slips. Midday host Cruz and late night DJ Gina Lee Fuentez were shown the door. This also follows Clear Channel's killing of the long-running "Adventure Club" with Josh Venable, who got the axe last week.

Then again, this is radio folks - a natural thing, especially in the age of iPods and podcasts.

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Journalism & Immigration, but Were Afraid to Ask at Upcoming Workshop

WHAT PART OF ILLEGAL DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND?

An immigration law workshop for journalists
Come join us for a friendly discussion with specialists in immigration
law on Nov. 14th, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at KERA-TV's community room.

Our guests will be Paul Hunker, chief counsel for Immigration and
Customs Enforcement; Carl Rusnok, PIO for ICE; Liz Cedillo-Pereira and
Fernando Dubove, both Dallas immigration lawyers.

The event is sponsored by the Dallas-Fort Worth affiliate of the
National Association of Hispanic Journalists. It's for media only, and
won't be video-taped for later broadcast.

Immigration is now one of the biggest domestic policy issues. Legal
issues abound. Almost every week, there's a new challenge to federal
immigration processes, as the crackdown on illegal immigrants deepens.
With this immigration law workshop we hope to bring some clarity to such issues as
constitutional due process, the use of warrants and civil versus
criminal offenses.

Among the questions we hope to get answers to:

Do you always need a warrant to arrest an illegal immigrant at their
home? Do you always need a warrant to do a raid at a factory? What is
the difference between illegal entry versus illegal presence and why
was it at the root of the big immigration marches in 2006? How serious
is it to falsely claim U.S. citizenship?

Mexico's Catholic Church Says Trick-o-Treating is Evil

Mexico's Roman Catholic church slammed Halloween as "damaging and against the faith" on Monday, and conservatives called on Mexicans to halt the steady encroachment of the gouls-and-goblins holiday and return to the country's traditional Day of the Dead ceremonies.

"Those who celebrate Halloween are worshipping a culture of death that is the product of a mix of pagan customs," the Archdiocese of Mexico published in an article Monday on its Web site. "But the worst thing is that this celebration has been identified with neo-pagans, satanism and occult worship." Read more.