Staffers often come here from magazines and newspapers, from larger operations, nonprofits, or advocacy groups. Why do we think newsletters and CD Pubs are good places for reporters to work?  Here’s our view:

                We are a straight news and analysis publisher. We aren’t advocates for anybody. We don’t have an “attitude” pro-conservative or pro-liberal,but we are pro-analytical.  Our sole interest is meeting reader needs in an unbiased fashion-and making a reasonable profit doing so.  We don’t answer to anyone else-advertisers, members, or some bottom-line-crunching conglomerate. We can tell it like it is and take pride earning a decent living doing so.

Here are other differences:

 Our workday is 8:30-5/9-5:30 or so-not some graveyard shift or a 60-hour week, or one filled with night-time, travel or weekend events. You almost never have to work on a weekend-try that at a daily paper.

You have a degree of autonomy you rarely find elsewhere. When you’re in command of your beat you aren’t told what to do, you know what to do. You’re expected to be the top reporter on your beat in Washington, one of the best places in the country for news. Sure beats covering small town high school sports or the like! Your sources-on the Hill, in agencies, in associations, your readership-will know and trust you for accuracy and fairness. You have a wide range of responsibility-your newsletter is yours to improve. You’re asked to report and analyze straightforwardly-no curves, no sacred cows.  You’re asked to respect your readers, and to give them info that’s useful and pertinent.

Your copy doesn’t go through a dozen hands, but one desk.  You’re not promoting or catering to an ideology.  Your competition is other media-papers and periodicals, including other newsletters, government and association publications, and the Web. You’re providing a needed service and helping your readers, who shell out hundreds of dollars for what you write. You’re working for one of this country’s older newsletter operations, respected nationwide and throughout the industry, and one that plans to stay independent. Once proven, you run your own show, and when your newsletter thrives you get the credit. You’re not just one of many (often unknown) faces on a publication.  You don’t have to put up with the guff guaranteed in government, association, or agency jobs.

But, we acknowledge newsletter reporting isn’t for everyone.  Some people need more guidance and handholding than we can offer, some are too opinionated to work here, some people can’t handle flexibility, some can’t appreciate running their own show….

Here’s what we look for-people who like reporting and writing, who can do an honest, fair, accurate job of reporting within our timeframes, produce a good newsletter and keep striving for improvement.  People who enjoy the challenge of increasing circulation/renewals.  People who can write quickly, spell well, read their own copy, format, meet deadlines…who can present all sides and fairly cover the Hill, agencies, and associations, as well as programs and state/local news. People who rise to the challenge of getting enterprise stories that give readers value and keep them ahead of the crowd, who can tell readers both what the news is and what it means.  People who can be part of a team that keeps things running smoothly and makes this a respectable, solid editorial environment.

What does CD Pubs offer you?   The opportunity to receive competitive pay, personal recognition, and rewards for improving your publication and for new ideas.  We have a long, unbroken record of distributing profits year after year-not just a 401(k) where you must contribute, but a profit sharing plan as well where you contribute nothing. Plus, you work in an environment where people listen and respond and care about what you produce.

What else should you expect here? To be treated fairly and honestly, with deserved respect. To be paid promptly, to be listened to.  To receive substantive and fair editing, first time around. To be given training, guidance, and the tools to do the job.  To be talked with confidentially where warranted, and to be treated professionally at all times. To be recognized in various ways for your good deeds and your good work.

 Questions?  They’re not just welcome, they’re encouraged! So fire away, any time and we’ll be glad to talk with you about your publication, the company, or almost anything else on your mind.

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