In the non-daily print division, both the Memphis Flyer and Miami New Times won four first-place awards in the annual contest which "recognizes outstanding journalism in 11 southeastern states." The Flyer placed first in disaster coverage, editorial writing, feature reporting, and political reporting. It also tacked on two third-place finishes. Miami New Times finished first in consumer reporting, courts and law reporting, criticism (a category swept by alt-weeklies), and non-deadline news. New Times added one third-place finish as well. In addition, New Times Broward-Palm Beach took home two awards, including a first-place win for sports reporting; while both Mountain XPress and North Carolina's Independent Weekly went home with a second-place award. Winners were announced Saturday in Atlanta.

Continue ReadingAAN Members Fare Well at SPJ’s Green Eyeshade Awards

Scott Dickensheets, who left the Weekly to become special projects editor at Las Vegas CityLife in February, is once again editor of the Weekly, according to a press release. "We're fortunate to have Scott back in the saddle," says Bruce Spotleson, group publisher for Weekly parent company Greenspun Media Group. "He's one of the most talented journalists in Nevada, and one of the best editors I've ever been associated with."

Continue ReadingLas Vegas Weekly Editor Returns After Stint at Vegas’ Other AAN Paper

LEO's founder, who currently represents Kentucky's Third Congressional District in Congress, says that the recent sale of the paper to SouthComm Communications was "probably a good thing." He tells the 'Ville Voice that the former owners "had lost interest" over the past few years, and that "their business plan wasn't working," because it was based on owning a chain of alt-weeklies, and they only ended up with two. "[SouthComm] obviously cares about the paper, it's part of a business plan that they've already executed, to a certain extent, because they already own multiple papers," Yarmuth says. "Not all are alt-weeklies but they are in the region so they can do regional ad buys and so forth. I think it will be good for the paper."

Continue ReadingJohn Yarmuth Offers His Two Cents on the LEO Sale

The Voice's annual indie rock festival, which celebrated its 8th installment this weekend, may have to find a new location if the redevelopment of Coney Island breaks ground next year as some expect, the New York Times reports. "Siren isn't the most comfortable of rock festivals. The sound systems are mediocre and the pedestrian routes between the stages are irrational," the Times notes. "But Siren does place the tattooed-nerd fashion sense of indie rock in the diverting context of Coney Island's other freaks and sideshows." However, the redevelopment would eliminate these freaks and sideshows and the entire old amusement area, which could mean an end to Siren at Coney Island. "It's my first time here," Broken Social Scene's Kevin Drew said as the band ended its set this weekend. "I don't want it to be the last."

Continue ReadingWill The Village Voice’s Siren Festival Have to Relocate?

Thomas, who passed away on July 12, was the first president of Pleasanton Weekly, owned by Palo Alto Weekly parent company Embarcadero Publishing. He was an original organizer of AAN West, and also worked for the East Bay Express. "For those who knew Bob, his accomplishments come as no surprise," says Embarcadero CFO Mike Naar. "Even so, they pale in comparison to the grace, good-naturedness and intelligent practicality he brought to work every day. His sense of humor, his incredible optimism, and his evenness defined the remarkable prince of a human being Bob was. We will all deeply miss him." Funeral services will be held Saturday, Aug. 9 at the Presbyterian Church in Burlingame, Calif. MORE: Read Thomas' obituary in the San Francisco Chronicle.

Continue ReadingBob Thomas’ Former Paper Remembers His Life

Replacing David Blum as editor-in-chief of the Press is Jerry Portwood, who was previously the paper's managing editor. Blum becomes editor of 02138, the bi-monthly magazine acquired in May by Press parent company Manhattan Media. Blum's move coincides with a major re-launch of the luxury lifestyle magazine for Harvard alumni.

Continue ReadingNew Editor Named at New York Press in Editorial Shuffle