Lobbying is one of the most important roles for ONA in serving as the trade association for Ohio’s daily and weekly newspapers. This means tracking all legislation in the Ohio General Assembly that may affect newspapers and the newspaper business. The issues include advertising, public records and open meetings, taxation, telemarketing, legal notices, labor & employment law and newsprint recycling.

“In the course of a two-year legislative session that may mean monitoring 900 or more bills as they are introduced, focusing on 40 to 50 that may impact some part of the newspaper operation,” says Frank Deaner, ONA executive director, who serves as lobbyist for the association.

Deaner also maintains contact with the Ohio delegation in Congress. On federal issues, ONA cooperates with the Newspaper Association of America (NAA) and the National Newspaper Association (NNA) in presenting newspaper industry positions.

ONA is assisted by a team of attorneys from the law firm of Baker & Hostetler. These include experts in media law and all areas of newspaper management. On specific legislative matters, Deaner also maintains relationships with additional attorneys from member newspapers as well as lobbyists from other state associations.

The ONA board of trustees receives monthly updates on legislation and establishes association positions in consultation with Deaner. Bulletin articles, legislative reports issued three times a year and special alerts detailing specific bills are distributed to ONA member executives. Pertinent items are also posted on the ONA Website.

Deaner coordinates contacts made by newspaper executives with specific legislators. He also maintains regular contacts in the Statehouse — visiting legislators, monitoring hearings, distributing position papers and often presenting testimony for ONA. He also maintains contact with the governor and key personnel on the governor’s staff.

Through its Columbus office, ONA staff also serve as industry liaison to various state agencies. These include the Office of Attorney General, Ohio Dept. of Taxation, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources and Ohio Dept. of Insurance.

“The key to effective government relations is ongoing contact by member newspaper executives, forwarding ONA positions on issues of concern,” says Deaner. “ONA has been a leader among state associations in coordinating such efforts successfully.”

Frank E. Deaner

As executive director, Deaner has served as the registered lobbyist for ONA since joining the association in 1990. Previously he was vice president of The Ohio Electric Utility Institute, the trade association for the state’s investor-owned electric companies.

Deaner received a B.S. degree in journalism (summa cum laude) from Ohio University and a master’s degree from the Newhouse School of Communications at Syracuse University. His 15 years as a broadcast journalist include positions as reporter, editorialist and news director. He is an accredited member of the Public Relations Society of America.

Deaner formerly served on the board of the Central Ohio Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists who in 1997 presented him with the chapter’s First Amendment Award. In 1996 he was part of a U.S. Information Agency/Ohio University delegation to conduct seminars on a free press for Baltic journalists.

Deaner is also president of The Ohio Coalition for Open Government. His volunteer activities include the Student Access & Success Coordinating Council of Ohio (SASCCO) which is affiliated with the Ohio board of Regents.