By Autumn Shelton, WV Press Association

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The WV Press Association is encouraging newspaper publishers, ad directors and advertising staffers to talk with Pulse Research Representative Sammy Papert in the coming weeks about his company’s research and opportunities to increase advertising sales in West Virginia.

As a follow-up to his WV Press Convention presentation, Papert will reaching out and sharing new information.

Why listen? WV Press doesn’t bury the headline: A recent survey show s 74.1 percent of local households have read a local newspaper in the last week. Papert and Pulse will share these numbers and how to use them to generate sales. While Pulse is a paid program, WV Press members do get a discount.

At the WVPA convention in August, media professionals from across the Mountain State gathered together to learn how advertising sales teams may grow their client base using Pulse Research. 

According Papert, who delivered the roughly hour-long educational presentation “Achieve Consistent Growth by Prospecting and Engaging Local Businesses using Data,” hundreds of media outlets throughout the country have been using Pulse Research for years to “close the deal” with prospective clients. 

“There’s not an ad director or a sales leader or a vice-president of sales I’ve met who doesn’t think selling with data wouldn’t help them,” Papert began, adding that, traditionally, the biggest problem faced by a sales team is that expensive data research usually ends up sitting somewhere in a three-ring binder.

“Pulse has solved that problem,” Papert stated. “[Our] data is easy-to-use. We don’t want our sales representatives to be researchers. The last thing we want them to do is get in a conversation about the methodology or the sample size with a prospective advertiser. We want it to be easy.” 

Papert explained that Pulse Research has adapted over the last 20 years to develop a program that has become “simpler and simpler and simpler” to use. 

As part of the convention program, WVPA newspapers can receive a free month of use from Pulse. WV Press Ad Directors can contact Papert at 214-505-6420 or spapert@sbcglobal.net

Through the annual “Pulse of America” national shopping survey, 7,800 customers are asked about their shopping intent, Papert continued. Pulse takes this data and categorizes it into appropriate regions and subsets. Sales staff may then access this data from their mobile phone, or other device, go to their prospective client and say, “We know how many people plan to buy the merchandise you sell.” 

With 535 different shopping categories, no other company comes close to achieving the data that Pulse offers, Papert said. 

In addition to data, Pulse Research provides a tool that gives sales representatives the ability to search for a prospective client within their community. 

“What we see [sales staff] do often is if they’ve got an upcoming fashion special section, they’ll type in fashion or they’ll type in clothing or they’ll type in shoes and they’ll get a list of businesses in their community,” Papert stated. Once a sales representative enters what type of business they wish to engage with, a list of businesses in their sales area, complete with directions, is populated. 

Pulse’s platform also includes a script that can be used whether advertising representatives wish to reach out to a client in-person, or by phone or email, as well as a Return on Investment (ROI) calculator, an online training guide, and much more, Papert noted. 

“The long term value in going and talking to businesses with data is invaluable. Even if they say, ‘Thanks, but no thanks, I’m way too busy. Go away. I don’t want to talk to you for six months.’ You are going to be the only sales rep in your community, I can say this with 99 percent accuracy with Pulse, with shopping data,” he said. 

Publisher Andy Kniceley added that Pulse is a part of the sales culture for the staff at WV News. 

“They make it easy,” Kniceley said. “You know, when you talk about building sales tools and using really good data, they make it easy. The sales training has 12 parts – it’s about three days maximum for a new rep to go through. And, I will tell you, if you’re a seasoned rep, you’re going to learn some new stuff from the sales training from Pulse just in terms of salesmanship.” 

“I highly recommend it,” Kniceley continued. “Whenever you see whatever the cost per user is, it is a great investment.”

Following the presentation, West Virginia Press Association Executive Director Don Smith told those in attendance, “One of the hard things about convention is you guys are charged with going back and explaining what Sammy [Papert] just explained to your people.” 

For this reason, Smith said he will be getting information about Pulse Research out as soon as possible to those who are interested.

Papert’s complete presentation can also be found online at wvpress.org, Smith said. 

“You can play this presentation to your sales staff and then, I’m sure if there are questions, you can email Sammy, and he will address them,” Smith concluded. 

The annual West Virginia Press Association convention was held Aug. 10-12 at the Four Points by Sheraton in Charleston along the banks of the Kanawha River. 

Pulse Research Representative Sammy Papert delivers “Achieve Consistent Growth by Prospecting and Engaging Local Businesses using Data” presentation.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Journalists attending the recent WV Press Association Convention in Charleston heard an update on the “local news crisis” in America: “It’s not just a threat to your jobs, it’s a threat to Democracy.”

Steven Waldman, chair of the Rebuild Local News Coalition and co-founder of Report for America, provided an overview of the “crisis” and an update on the proposed “Community News and Small Business Support Act.”

“The Rebuild Local News Coalition was formed about three years ago to pull together almost 30 different national and state groups that work on local news,” Waldman began. “Our view is that the struggles of local news are a national crisis.”

“You have thousands of communities that have no local news, thousands that have what are called ‘Ghost Newspaper,’” Waldman continued. “We have to invent a whole new term for something that I just heard about the other day – a daily newspaper with no reporters. There are quite a number of daily newspapers with no reporters.”

Waldman referred to the reporting of local news as a “public service profession,” adding that journalists and newspaper people have “not always been particularly good at explaining ourselves to the public, and the value of local news. It was a relatively robust industry until recently.”

Waldman said that the solution to the crisis comes in three parts: continuing to evolve the business models, philanthropic programs, and public policy.

“That honestly can be kind of a scary thought to anyone in the news business,” Waldman added. “The thought of going to the government to get help makes us all uncomfortable.”

Regardless of the discomfort, Waldman believes that governmental-involvement is necessary due to the severity of the crisis, saying, “It’s not just a threat to your jobs, it’s a threat to democracy.”

Under the Community News and Small Business Support Act – introduced by New York Congresswoman Claudia Teney – local businesses would receive a federal tax credit for money spent advertising in local newspapers. 

“It’s got some real political appeal to it because it’s basically a tax credit for small businesses,” Waldman said. 

After urging attendees to contact Congresswoman Carol Miller, R-W.Va., to express their support for the bill, Waldman noted, “We’re really focused on state legislatures.”

Waldman added that the Rebuild Local News Coalition’s “policy menu” includes five different points:

• Small business tax credit.
• Payroll tax credit.
• A tax credit (or other benefit) for subscribers.
• Ensure that a “reasonable” amount of government advertising dollars go toward local news.
• Fellowships.

“The two that seem to have the most political interest are the government ad (spending) set-aside, and this idea of the small business tax credit,” Waldman said.

The 2023 WV Press Association convention was made possible through the sponsorship of the W.Va. School of Osteopathic Medicine, GameChanger, AARP of West Virginia, WVU University Relations, the WVPA Foundation, New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, W.Va. Hive, Highmark, BHE Renewables, City National Bank, W.Va. Department of Tourism, CAMC/Vandalia Health, ONE – Our Next Energy, WV Nursery and Landscaping Association, Asher Agency, the Associated Press, and Affiliated Construction Trades of West Virginia. 

WV Press Staff Report

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — With “family” being a major theme of the 2023 West Virginia Press Association Convention, held this Aug. 11-12 in Charleston, perhaps it’s fitting the Hampshire Review, owned by the See family and operated by the family since the 1890s, won the Newspaper of the Year award.

Editor Sallie See accepted the honor for the weekly newspaper based in Romney. She was joined at the editorial awards luncheon by her husband, Charlie, the retired publisher; her son, Craig, who is the current publisher of the operation; his wife, Jenny, who is business manager of the operation; and Sallie’s and Charlie’s grandchildren Madilyn and Charlotte See.

With the new WV Press “Family Friendly” event format, which, through the sponsorship of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, provided complimentary tickets to all events for spouses and family members, the Editorial and Advertising awards banquets were packed with cheering supporters.

As the individual and newspaper awards were announced, employees and spouses cheered for the winners. 

“It makes convention more of a celebration and less of a work event when no one is left at home, and everyone can share the excitement,” said Don Smith, executive director WV Press.   

In additional to awards, education programs and social events, attendees were also welcomed by government officials and enjoyed the City of Charleston’s “Live on the Levee” concert, downtown activities and a Dirty Birds baseball game.

“We gather to recognize the best work of the West Virginia newspaper industry,” Smith said. “We also use this time to network, celebrate, education and socialize with leaders and people of the state. It’s the biggest media gathering in West Virginia.”

During the awards presentations, no group was larger or louder than the Charleston Gazette-Mail employees. The newspaper serving the host city took top honors — Editorial and Advertising General Excellence — in Division 1 and claimed the Photo of the Year and Advertisement of the Year awards. Publisher Doug Skaff and the management team also hosted a tour of the Gazette-Mail facilities on Friday for convention attendees and guests.

PHOTOGRAPH OF THE YEAR

ADVERTISEMENT OF THE YEAR

Other General Excellence Award winners are listed below. The competitions included 31 newspapers with 2,232 entries and were judged by the Nebraska Press Association.

GENERAL EXCELLENCE

EDITORIAL

Division 1

1^st – Charleston Gazette-Mail

2^nd – The Register-Herald

3^rd – The Herald-Dispatch

Division 2

1^st – The Inter-Mountain

2^nd – The Weirton Daily Times

3^rd – Bluefield Daily Telegraph

Division 3

1^st – The Hampshire Review

2^nd – The Times Record & Roane County Reporter

3^rd – Wetzel Chronicle

Division 4

1^st – The Doddridge Independent

2^nd – The Logan Banner

3^rd – Mountain Messenger – tie

3^rd – The Shinnston News & Harrison County Journal – tie

Click here to see a PDF display of the individual winners: https://wvpress.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Individual-list-for-WVPress.org_.pdf

EDITORIAL WINNERS:

Here is the editorial presentation:

ADVERTISING WINNERS:

ADVERTISING

Division 1

1^st – Charleston Gazette-Mail

2^nd – The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register

3^rd – The Register-Herald

Division 2

1^st – The Inter-Mountain

2^nd – The Bluefield Daily Telegraph

3^rd – The Weirton Daily Times

Division 3

1^st – The Times Record and Roane County Reporter

2^nd – Hampshire Review

3^rd – The Spirit of Jefferson

Division 4

1^st – The Tyler Star News

2^nd – The Doddridge Independent

Here this the advertising presentation:

WV Press thanks its partners and sponsors for supporting the 2023 convention:

Event sponsors include:

AARP WV – Corporate Partner & President’s Reception Sponsor
WVU University Relations – Corporate Partner & Editorial Awards Luncheon Sponsor

WV Press Association Foundation – Board of Directors Social Sponsor
West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine – Family Sponsor

The Health Plan – Advertising Awards Luncheon Sponsor

Highmark – Convention Hospitality Sponsor
Additional Convention sponsors include:

GameChanger
New River Gorge Regional Development Authority
West Virginia Hive
Highmark
BHE Renewables
City National Bank
WV Department of Tourism
ONE – Our Next Energy
Vandalia Health/CAMC
WV Nursery & Landscaping Association Asher Agency
The Associated Press
Affiliated Construction Trades of West Virginia
HepCatz Design
Echo Lit
Focus Media Co.

SPONSORS:

The education program for 2023 included the following sessions:

Education Session – sponsored by GameChanger — “WV National Guard Update.” Attendees heard about the National Guard’s service activities and recruitment advertising efforts with Edwin L. “Bo” Wriston, West Virginia National Guard, Public Affairs Specialist, and his team.

Education Session – sponsored by West Virginia Press Services —  “Pulse presentation on Sales Tools.” Attendees heard from Sammy Papert about a data-driven prospecting, engagement and proposal tool that succeeds for local media sales organizations.

Education Session – Sponsored by BHE Renewables —  “Working with Congressional Offices and More,” sponsored by BHE Renewables. Attendees heard how best to work with the Congressional Offices of West Virginia’s elected officials from Mara Boggs, state director for US Senator Joe Manchin, with additional information from US Senator Shelley Moore Capito’s office. There was also updates on Social Security from David Certner, AARP Legislative Counsel and Director of Legislative Policy for Government Affairs; and on the “News & Small Business Support Act” from Steven Waldman, chair of the Rebuild Local News Coalition and co-cofounder of Report for America – Capitol Suite C.

Education Session – sponsored by City National Bank – “Artificial intelligence, ethics and its implications for communications.” Attendees heard from Amy Cyphert, Lecturer in Law at the West Virginia University College of Law and the Director of the ASPIRE Office, on the impact of artificial intelligence’s potential impact on media and communications.

Enjoy this photo gallery from the 2023 WV Press Convention:

WV Press Staff Report

CHARLESTON, W.VA. — West Virginia newspaper representatives will hear from Gov. Jim Justice, U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin and U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, along with experts on artificial intelligence, social security, small business and media tax policy this Friday and Saturday as they gather for the WV Press Association’s annual convention.

Held at the Four Points by Sheraton in Charleston, the event is a mix of education, awards and networking. WV Press will recognize the industry’s best editorial and advertising efforts during the weekend, which also includes a President’s Reception, baseball game and updates on how best to work with congressional offices and on activities of the West Virginia National Guard.

With a nod to state residents, three of the education sessions are open and free to all media and the public:

• “WV National Guard Update” by Edwin L. “Bo” Wriston, West Virginia National Guard, Public Affairs Specialist, and his team in Capitol Suite B at 2:30 p.m. Friday.

• “An Update on Social Security” by David Certner, AARP Legislative Counsel and Director of Legislative Policy for Government Affairs in Capitol Suite C at 4 p.m. on Friday.

• “Artificial Intelligence, ethics and its implications for communications” by Amy Cyphert, Lecturer in Law at the West Virginia University College of Law and the Director of the ASPIRE Office in Capitol Suite C at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday.

“Sharing information with local residents has always been our industry’s focus, said Don Smith, WV Press executive director. “So much is changing in our society and in our industry. We are looking at new trends, ideas and policies that will impact our state. If we can attract experts to speak at our events, we want to let as many people hear the message as possible. “

Smith credits the convention’s many sponsors with making such education seminars and networking opportunities possible.

“The WV Press Association can’t do quality programming without the support of sponsors and other groups, businesses and organizations interested in participating in the event,” Smith said. “We have been extremely fortunate to work with sponsors committed to the people of West Virginia and improving our state.”

Sponsors include:

• AARP WV
• WVU University Relations
• WV Press Association Foundation
• West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
• GameChanger
• New River Gorge Regional Development Authority
• West Virginia Hive
• Highmark
• BHE Renewables
• City National Bank
• WV Department of Tourism
• ONE – Our Next Energy
• Vandalia Health/CAMC
• WV Nursery & Landscaping Association
• Asher Agency
• The Associated Press
• Affiliated Construction Trades of West Virginia

In a tribute to the state’s community newspapers, WV Press is also recognizing its newspaper “families” with a new “family friendly” approach that allows all attendees to bring a guest or family at no cost.

“We want this to be a fun family celebration. WV Press works to feature the City of Charleston. ‘Live at the Levee’ is happening at Haddad Riverfront Park on Friday night. Our attendees and their families can enjoy the seminars, the reception at our convention and then wander outside to enjoy all the entertainment and events. Charleston has a lot to offer,” Smith said.

2023 WV Press Association Convention Agenda

Four Points by Sheraton, 600 Kanawha Boulevard East, Charleston, WV 25301

Thursday, Aug. 10

Board meetings:

1 p.m. – WVPA/WVPS Board Meetings – Mountain State Suite.

3:30 p.m. – WVPA Foundation Trustees Meeting– Mountain State Suite.

6 p.m. – Board Event and Social at GoMart Baseball Park and Dirty Birds Game – sponsored by the West Virginia Press Association Foundation – GoMart Ball Park – Suites – Tickets provided.

8 p.m. – Hospitality Suite – sponsored by Highmark – Room number posted in Capitol Suite B.

Friday, Aug. 11

9:30 a.m. – Tour of Charleston Gazette-Mail facility in Charleston – Walk three blocks to 1001 Virginia St. East, Charleston. 25301.

Noon – Ad Awards Luncheon – sponsored by The Health Plan and featuring comments by W.Va. Governor Jim Justice – Capitol Suite A.

2:30 p.m. – Education Session – sponsored by GameChanger — “WV National Guard Update.” Attendees will hear about the National Guard’s service activities and recruitment advertising efforts with Edwin L. “Bo” Wriston, West Virginia National Guard, Public Affairs Specialist, and his team – Capitol Suite B.

2:30 p.m. – Education Session – sponsored by West Virginia Press Services —  “Pulse presentation on Sales Tools.” Attendees will learn about a data-driven prospecting, engagement and proposal tool that succeeds for local media sales organizations. Whether selling digital, events or good old ROP reps will quickly be able to identify, pursue and close new business, the key to growth. It works from the comfort of a laptop in the office and from any mobile device – Capitol Suite C.

3:45 p.m. – Education Session – Sponsored by Berkshire Hathaway Energy (BHE) —  “Working with Congressional Offices,” sponsored by Berkshire Hathaway Energy. Attendees will learn how best to work with the Congressional Offices of West Virginia’s elected officials from staff representatives of US Senator Joe Manchin and US Senator Shelley Moore Capitol. There will also be updates on Social Security from David Certner, AARP Legislative Counsel and Director of Legislative Policy for Government Affairs; and on the “News & Small Business Support Act” from Steven Waldman, chair of the Rebuild Local News Coalition and co-cofounder of Report for America – Capitol Suite C.

6 p.m. – The WV Press Association’s Annual President’s Reception – in honor of WVPA President Perry Nardo, sponsored by AARP WV and featuring comments by U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito – Capitol Suite A.

8 p.m. – Outdoor entertainment at “Live at the Levee” and networking in the WV Press Hospitality Suite — sponsored by Highmark – Downtown Charleston and Hospitality Suite Room number posted in Capitol Suite B.

Saturday, Aug. 12

8 a.m. – Continental Breakfast – presented by ONE – Our Next Energy – Conference area.

8:30 a.m. Membership Meeting – The WV Press Association’s annual general membership meeting – Capitol Suite C.

10:3O a.m. – Education Session – sponsored by City National Bank – “Artificial intelligence, ethics and its implications for communications.” Attendees will hear Amy Cyphert, Lecturer in Law at the West Virginia University College of Law and the Director of the ASPIRE Office, present a session on the impact of artificial intelligence’s potential impact on media and communications – Capitol Suite C.

12:30 a.m. – Editorial Awards Luncheon – sponsored by West Virginia University and featuring comments by U.S. Senator Joe Manchin – Capitol Suite A.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – “West Virginians come to the Senator for really almost any issue that they need help with, and he sees that as his top priority – delivering the necessary constituent services to help them.”

That’s what Mara Boggs, W.Va. state director for U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), told reporters just days ahead of her scheduled appearance at the WV Press Association’s annual convention. Expanded this year to include family-members and guests of newspaper representatives, the convention will be held on Friday, Aug. 11, and Saturday, Aug. 12 at the Four Points by Sheraton in downtown Charleston. 

“Since Sen. Manchin has come into office, he has worked with 98,354 cases,” Boggs said. “That means almost 100,000 West Virginians have come to the Senator for help with their federal or state benefits – like veterans benefits, social security, passport issues, tax returns – or even if they’re having a problem with roads.”

“Sen. Manchin’s office also offers economic-development services, like job fairs, helping to attract business to the state, and legislative issues,” Boggs added. “I know the Press Association has certain legislative priorities. You bring those to us, and we try to help solve them through legislation.”

Manchin’s Republican counterpart, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, provides similar services to her constituents, as well. 

“If you can’t get an answer from a federal agency in a timely fashion, or if you feel you have been treated unfairly, my office may be able to help resolve a problem or get you the information you need,” Capito states on her website. “While we cannot guarantee you a favorable outcome, we will do our best to help you receive a fair and deserved response to your problem.”

Sen. Capito’s office can also provide assistance with obtaining or renewing passports, as well as selecting and applying for federal grants suitable to constituent’s needs. Most requests for assistance from Sen. Capito or her staff can be submitted online by visiting capito.senate.gov. Constituents wishing to speak to someone about their situation may contact the Senator’s Charleston, W.Va. office at 304-347-5372. Capito’s Morgantown office can be reached at 304-292-2310, and her Martinsburg office at 304-262-9285.

Similar requests of Sen. Manchin may also be made online, by visiting manchin.senate.gov. Manchin’s Charleston office may also be reached by phone at 304-342-5855. The Eastern Panhandle office can be reached at 304-264-4626, and the Fairmont office at 304-368-0567.

Boggs is scheduled to appear at the WV Press Association convention as part of Friday’s educational session, sponsored by Berkshire Hathaway Energy (BHE). During the session – which begins at 3:45 p.m. – attendees will learn best practices for interacting and working with representatives from the Congressional Offices of West Virginia’s elected officials. The session will also feature updates on social security from AARP, and on the “News & Small Business Support Act” from representatives of the Rebuild Local News Coalition.

According to Sam Runyon, press secretary to Sen. Joe Manchin, the best way for reporters to get in touch is via email, at press@manchin.senate.gov. 

“We monitor that (email address) as close to 24 hours a day as we can – all waking hours,” Runyon said. “They can also call any of our offices. Someone is answering those phones all working hours. We also have a pretty robust press list. We send press releases, and we also send out a newsletter that is sometimes very helpful to reporters.”

Boggs added that events such as Friday’s educational session at the Press Convention are also a great opportunity for reporters to connect with staff. 

“If I’m at an event with [or without] the Senator and we connect, that gets shared with the team,” Boggs said. “If you get to our office in any way, we’ll get you what you need.” 

ABOUT MARA BOGGS

Originally from Keyser, W.Va., Mara Boggs was the first woman to command her unit of the U.S. Army’s 82nd. Division, where she led more than 800 combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. After leaving the military with the rank of Major in 2011, Boggs joined Senator Joe Manchin’s staff as Chief of Operations and Senior Advisor in his Washington, D.C. office. Boggs returned to West Virginia in 2014 to serve as Manchin’s State Director – a position she has held since. 

By Autumn Shelton, WV Press Association

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Those at Pulse Research want to help advertising sales teams more effectively “close the deal” with their clients by providing them with the largest source of data driven, shopping-intent information available. 

On Friday, Aug. 11, during the West Virginia Press Association’s annual convention in Charleston, Pulse Research Representative Sammy Papert, who may or may not be wearing a Hawaiian shirt, will discuss how publishers and advertising sales teams can grow their client base, and their revenue, by using AdSeller–Pulse’s data-driven, total sales solution, presentation tool. 

In a recent interview, Papert stated that every newspaper wants to keep the clients they have, but the only way to grow is by adding new customers. This is where Pulse’s AdSeller can help. 

“I have yet to find a community where the newspaper business penetration is greater than eight percent of the businesses in that community. It just doesn’t exist,” Papert explained. “So, if you have eight percent of the businesses in your community that’s great, but 92% of the businesses are prospects. With Pulse, while I can’t say we have information on all the remaining 92%, it’s going to be pretty close. So, you can systematically identify businesses you don’t have–what categories you don’t have–and approach them.” 

For Publisher Andy Kniceley, Pulse is a must-have tool his WV News sales staff.

Kniceley shares this message with other publishers, ad directors and sales staffers”

“Are you running up against a brick wall when it comes to closing print or digital advertising sales?  Are your best customers telling you that print is dead and they are moving your budget to other media, especially FaceBook?  

Print and Digital advertising is an investment in growing your business.  If your advertiser isn’t growing their business then they are dying a slow death.

The Pulse sales presentation combines industry data and The Pulse of America shopping survey to present timely marketing solutions customized for your local market to show your local business partners the number of local shoppers planning to buy their product or service in the next three months.  

Then utilizing the data and your customized marketing proposal it helps the advertiser see the Return on Investment (ROI) based on gaining just a few local customers from the advertising campaign proposal you create.

The best part, it takes only 10-15 minutes to create in the easy use Pulse sales program.

WV News in the month of May set an all-time new revenue record thanks to Quality Content, Print & Digital sales packaging and Pulse presentations which have enabled us to dramatically increase our closing ratios. Our advertising staff uses Pulse presentations on most sales calls.”

According to Papert, Pulse completes an annual nationwide survey where they ask thousands of customers about their shopping intent. They then take this data and categorize it into appropriate regions or subsets. 

“We literally ask questions like, ‘Do you or anyone in your household intend to shop for furniture in the next 12 months, or do you intend to shop for a financial planner in the next 12 months?’” Papert said. “It is a long survey, and we have a large sample size.” 

“Then, sales representatives can use this data to go to their clients and say, ‘We know how many people plan to buy the merchandise you sell,’” Papert added. “That’s when a business becomes interested.” 

“This is exactly what a local business wants,” Papert continued. “I can’t stress this enough. If I am a tattoo parlor, or a maternity dress shop or an appliance dealer, I want to know how many households are going to buy what I sell. That’s what this is.” 

With 535 different shopping categories, no other company comes close to achieving the data that Pulse offers, Papert said. 

“The only comparable company who has this type of information only has 20 categories,” he noted. 

In addition to providing this data, Papert said Pulse has a script built into their platform that ad reps can use whether they decide to reach out to a client in-person, or by phone or email. 

“We tell you how to use the script, and how to contact the business,” Papert said. “We tell you which combinations work best, and they all involve exciting the advertiser.” 

“I’ve never seen it fail to even get the attention of a disgruntled, or even an irritated advertiser, because it’s all about them,” Papert added. 

Also included in the online and on-phone platform, is a Return on Investment (ROI) calculator that will let an ad rep quickly determine for a client how many households will need to make a purchase to pay for the ad campaign. 

“Everything else drops to the bottom line,” Papert said. 

For those who may be concerned that AdSeller may be too expensive for their smaller, weekly newspaper, Papert stated that Pulse has close to 400 newspaper clients with average circulations of about 8,000 for dailies and 6,000 for weeklies.

“Our goal is to have small newspapers using our tool,” Papert said. “This helps small businesses start a conversation and close business with accounts they have never closed on before. The Pulse business model is to make this very affordable for any size business. There is a small setup fee to create a site for the rep team, and there is a small monthly license fee.” 

Additionally, Papert stated that new customers who choose to partner with Pulse during the West Virginia Press Convention will receive their first month for free. 

“Pulse will help the experienced veteran and the new sales rep, because it’s easy to operate,” Papert said. “The best part is, you can do all of this from your phone.” 

“This is unique,” Papert said of data provided by Pulse. “This provides a unique differentiator to any seller, whether it be radio, television or newspaper, that no one else has. The data is updated annually . . . and is stuff that no one else has, and it makes it easier. So, distinction and ease are the two things that, if I’m a publisher, I think, man, I need to talk to Sammy.”

The West Virginia Press Association’s Convention will take place from Aug. 10-11 in Charleston at the Four Points by Sheraton on the banks of the Kanawha River.

To learn more information about the convention, visit wvpress.org. 

To learn more about Pulse Research, come talk to Sammy Papert in person at the West Virginia Press Convention.

About Sammy Papert: 

A Dallas, Texas native, Sammy Papert is a graduate of St. Mark’s School of Texas and the “worst” student actually graduating from Stanford University. The registrar will confirm that claim.

In his first legitimate venture, Mr. Papert founded, owned and operated The Executive Toy Store, a Sharper Image before its time, and Mr. Papert’s “MBA of the streets.” Again, he barely “graduated.”

From 1981 to 1997 he joined the Papert Companies, a newspaper marketing solutions firm and pushed, cajoled, begged and pleaded both advertisers and Publishers to grow the organization to 450 middle and small market newspapers across the country.

In July 1998, Mr. Papert became Chairman and CEO of Belden Associates, the one-time premier newspaper research and consultancy in North America. At least, that’s what he told the competition.

Mr. Papert recognized a golden opportunity so he started Wormhole during this country’s greatest recession to do just what the name implies – connect organizations with their business and consuming audiences in unique and fast ways by leveraging innovative technology. The clients who lucked into his services are Pulse (19 years), Saambaa (6 years) and Menio Global (3 years).

Papert is and has been involved in many civic organizations. These include: the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Salesmanship Club, Goodwill Board, Theatre Operating Company, St. Mark’s Alumni Association, Stanford Barely Alumni Association and the Dallas Child Guidance Clinic.

Mr. Papert is finally married; enjoys swimming, tennis, reading, writing and eventually visiting all the Caribbean Islands, along with collecting space art and Hawaiian shirts. Don’t ask how many! His latest hair-brained scheme is to make his own wine…the word is he might have finally gotten something right!

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – With a $501 million direct and indirect economic impact for the state, the West Virginia National Guard is “Always Ready, Always There!” when it comes to helping out their fellow Mountaineers. 

At 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 11, during the West Virginia Press Association’s annual convention, West Virginia National Guard Public Affairs Specialist Edwin L. “Bo” Wriston, along with representatives from the U.S. Army National Guard and Air National Guard recruiting and retention offices, will speak to members of the media about their overall structure and impacts. They will also be taking questions from the audience and working to develop long-term engagements with members of the media. 

According to Wriston, “We will be highlighting aspects and programs of the Guard that folks may not be aware of, including the Mountaineer Challenge Academies, the Future Leaders Program for high schools, our roles in national-level domestic operations, our continuing counter-drug efforts and missions and more.” 

In addition to the approximately 4,100 soldiers and 2,100 airmen who serve, the West Virginia National Guard also employs “just over 2,100 full-time employees, including 575 full time civilian employees of the West Virginia Military Authority,” Wriston said, adding that during the convention, recruiters will be on-hand to discuss “current manning levels” as well as available job openings and what role newspapers can have in recruitment advertising efforts. 

Wriston also explained that the West Virginia National Guard offers many benefits to those who enlist. 

“In addition to service to the state and nation, members of the Guard qualify for 100% tuition reimbursement for state-supported schools in West Virginia, up to $7,000 per person per fiscal year, including up to master’s degrees,” Wriston noted. “Members get the opportunity to support and protect their fellow West Virginians, deploy overseas, receive high-level military training, and to develop unique skills and knowledge. Once they have completed their enlistments, they are eligible for Veterans Administration services which can provide healthcare and other benefits for themselves and family members for the remainder of their lives.”

Wriston said that he and his co-presenters will also discuss where members of the West Virginia National Guard are serving throughout the state and nation as well as overseas, when missions arise. 

“A favorite motto of the organization is, ‘Mountaineer Pride Worldwide,’ reflecting the global impact the Guard brings to bear,” Wriston stated. “We have growing relationships and direct ties with our international partners in both Peru and Qatar through the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program, and are potentially adding a third nation soon.” 

As a public affairs specialist, Wriston noted that he understands the importance of working with the media. 

“We provide media advisories and press releases to media partners when we are holding events or are making announcements, providing engagement opportunities and content when possible,” Wriston said. “Our goal with this meeting and presentation is to foster better relationships with newspapers and publications throughout the state, to better understand your needs, and to explore collaborative efforts.”

“West Virginians are proud of military service, and proud of our Guard,” Wriston continued. “Understanding the roles and responsibilities, capabilities and availability of the Guard, especially in times of need, is an important aspect of our public outreach that benefits individuals and communities in the Mountain State.” 

“The stronger our Guard is, the stronger our state and nation are,” he concluded. 

The West Virginia Press Convention takes place from August 11-12 at the Four Points by Sheraton on the banks of the Kanawha River in Charleston. 

About Edwin L. “Bo” Wriston

Edwin L. “Bo” Wriston was born and raised in Wirt County, West Virginia. He graduated from Wirt County High School in 1990. 

Directly after high school, he joined the U.S. Navy as a Photographer’s Mate and has been involved in photography and Public Affairs ever since. 

He joined the West Virginia National Guard as a civilian in July 2018, leaving his position as the command photographer for the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, RI, to come home to West Virginia. 

He can be reached via email or cell phone at edwin.l.wriston.civ@army.mil or 304-629-3735.

WV Press Association Report

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – “We need to be able to tell snake oil from legitimate technological innovation. We really all need to be informed about these [Artificial Intelligence] tools because they are at use in our lives – right down to what you see at the top of your social media feed.” 

That’s what West Virginia University’s (WVU) Amy Beth Cyphert said regarding her upcoming appearance at the WV Press Association’s annual convention, Aug. 11-12 in Charleston.

Cyphert, who serves WVU as both Lecturer in Law, and director of the university’s ASPIRE Office, will be presenting an educational-seminar focusing on the “ethics and implications” of the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in communications. 

“If we understand (AI), and we’re able to participate in the policy discussions, then I think the future can be much better,” Cyphert noted. “I believe that technology can be a great thing, and that it can work for us – but it can’t work for us if we don’t understand it and we’re not all at the table.”

“We cannot just hope that large tech-companies will act in our collective best interests,” Cyphert added. “We’ve got to be a part of the conversation.”

A 2005 graduate of Harvard Law School, Cyphert has spent over five years researching the impact of AI on law practiced within the United States. Much of Cyphert’s research has dealt with the study of “algorithmic amplification,” affording her a unique insight into the relationship between AI and its use in the media. 

Cyphert is the author of several papers on the topic of AI, including “A Human Being Wrote This Law Review Article: GPT-3 and the Practice of Law,” and “A Change is Gonna Come: Developing a Liability Framework for Social Media Algorithmic Amplification.” In the former – originally published in Nov. 2021 – Cyphert outlines the implications and potential dangers of an AI with the capability of fooling readers into believing that it is human. In the latter, Cyphert discusses the legal immunity presently afforded to social media companies. 

“Once that immunity is altered, either by Congress or by the courts, these companies may be liable for the decisions and actions of their […] artificial intelligence models that sometimes amplify the worst in our society,” Cyphert wrote. 

From using the GPS in our cars, to interacting with a chatbot while ordering groceries, AI continues to ingrain itself into our society. However, the rise of “large language models” – such as ChatGPT – brings a degree of uncertainty surrounding a journalist’s place in the newsrooms of the future. 

“I don’t want journalists replaced by large language models, that would be a nightmare for a lot of reasons,” Cyphert said. “Do I think those large language models can help journalists with their work? Yes, and that’s something that newsrooms should be discussing. But [journalists should] never be replaced. You need that human in the loop because of all the problems with bias in the tools, because of the tools’ propensity to make up information – something we call ‘AI hallucinations.’”

Cyphert referenced a recent study – one which she plans to discuss in detail during her appearance at the WV Press Association’s convention – that highlights the difficulties many readers experience when trying to determine if content was written by a human, or a large language model AI.

“Here’s the part that is really scary, humans are more likely to believe disinformation and misinformation when it is written by a large language model than when it is written by a human,” Cyphert noted. “We don’t know exactly why yet, but we know that was the finding of at least one study. That should give us all pause.”

According to Cyphert, the tools – while having the potential to provide a savings of both time and cost – are only as effective as the human utilizing them.

“ChatGPT passed the bar exam,” Cyphert noted, before adding that, “Lawyers have already gotten themselves into trouble by trying to use it to replace themselves.”

“There is so much human judgment and instinct required to practice law, and, I would argue, to be a journalist,” Cyphert said. “There are so many problems right now with these tools in terms of bias and mistakes, that it would not only be dangerous and irresponsible, but you would potentially be liable for choosing to have a tool that makes big mistakes and puts out the wrong stuff.”

“I use the word ‘tool’ intentionally,” Cyphert continued. “A tool doesn’t replace a carpenter – a tool can make a carpenter better, faster, more efficient – but you still need the carpenter. We’re not talking about automation, we’re talking about tools.”

“I would be remiss if I didn’t say that, if, as a reporter, a tool makes you faster and more efficient, then it is possible that instead of needing 10 (reporters), you need nine,” Cyphert added. “I think we all have to be clear-eyed and realistic about that, but I don’t think we’re anywhere near that yet.”

Cyphert’s seminar is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, Aug. 12. For more information regarding the 2023 WV Press Association Convention, including a full schedule of events and details on how to register, visit wvpress.org.