Category: Journalism

The Sound Of Inevitability, Mr. Anderson

The Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee, yesterday, gave its stamp of approval, with an 18-6  vote, to a bill letting state and local governments put legal notices on website rather than pay for newspaper advertising.

If the HB1757 becomes law it would save taxpayers tens of millions of dollars and put just about every newspaper in the state out of business — a little sooner than otherwise anyway.

The bill has been referred to the House Rules Committee.

The bill is sponsored by Tom C. Creighton, a Republican from Lancaster County.

There are several similar bills being pondered by the State House.

For information about HB1757 see: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2009

Also, see How To Find Dollars In Tough Times.

Irv Homer Hall of Famer

Irv Homer Hall of Famer — Pat Delsi has informed me that Irv Homer is to be inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia. Mr. Homer was informed of the honor at the group’s November banquet so he knew before his passing. Irv Homer Hall of Famer

The Broadcast Pioneers has a fantastic website featuring audio clips of John Facenda (and many others) from the ’30s, ’40s, and ’60s; video clips going back to the ’40s — there is even one of Bernie the Bunyip; and many other rare bits of nostalgia.

It can be found at http://www.broadcastpioneers.com/

Irv Homer Hall of Famer

Philadelphia Press Association Dinner

The Philadelphia Press Association had its annual awards dinner (it’s 64th?) Friday at the Bala Golf Club. Pat Delsi did his usual fine job as master of ceremonies. Daily Times editor Phil Heron swept all three slots for daily newspaper editorial writing and won and placed in headline writing.

The ever delightful Anne Neborak of the News of Delaware County and Bob Raines of The Ambler Gazette dominated the photography categories. Anne also took a third place in weekly newspaper column writing. The subject? Photography.

The News of Delco, now edited by David Bjorkgren, won the prize for weekly newspaper special section writing.

The Public Service award, and The Grand Award for Public Service went to Danielle Lynch of the Daily Local News for her series  regarding families with disabled children. Pat introduced her with a story about his grandson who has Down’s syndrome and how they now teach such children sign language since their vocal development lags.

The always entertaining Stu Bykofsky of the Philadelphia Daily News took first place in daily newspaper column writing for his “human relations complaint”.  Stu could not attend but had a superb excuse — his granddaughter’s birthday.

Irv Homer R.I.P.

Talk Radio great Irv Homer died Wednesday after collapsing while speaking at an event at Eastern University regarding the Federal Reserve System and how money works. The featured speaker was G. Edward Griffin, author of “The Creature from Jekyll Island”. Mr. Homer was responsible for introducing Griffin to thousands in the Philadelphia area. Irv Homer R.I.P.

I have fond memories of Mr. Homer. Circa 1994 I was managing editor of most of the papers in the Press newspaper chain and we carried a column criticizing the IRS. A short time later, we were subject to an audit.

A young lady named Pat Toddy was working for us part-time as a writer and sales rep and working part-time screening calls for Mr. Homer at WWDB-FM. She told Mr. Homer about our plight and Mr. Homer stuck up for us via his mike.

R.I.P. Mr. Homer.

Pat, btw, has done pretty well for herself and has a slot on the anchor desk at KYW Newsradio.

Irv Homer R.I.P.