Ludye Wallace among Nashville's freelancers

The former Metro Councilman is sporting a press pass these days, The Tennessean's Colby Sledge reports.

Allen of 'City Paper' new deputy press sec for Cooper

Reporter Jared Allen of the Nashville City Paper is the new deputy press secretary for U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper.

National President Brewer to speak to chapter Jan. 17

Start the new year right with a renewed commitment to the Middle Tennessee Pro Chapter --don't miss the first luncheon meeting of 2008.

WHO: Clint Brewer, executive editor, Nashville City Paper, and National President, Society of Professional Journalists
WHAT: Luncheon speaker, SPJ Middle Tennessee Pro Chapter
WHEN: Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Sunset Grill, 2001 Belcourt Ave., Nashville (37212)
WHY: Brewer will report on The City Paper and the progress and challenges facing the national Society of Professional Journalists.
HOW: Register in advance, pay at the door. RSVP to milt.capps@nashvillepost.com or call (615) 250-1544. Charges: $15 SPJ Members, other journalists and students; $25 all others.

SEE YOU THERE!

Miller takes on new role with AARP

Veteran Capitol Hill reporter Karin Miller is the new associate state director of communications for AARP. Here's the press release:

Karin Miller Joins AARP Tennessee Team in Key Role
Former AP Reporter Heads Up State Communications

Nashville, TN--AARP has appointed Karin Miller to the position of Associate State Director of Communications for AARP Tennessee. Miller has more than 15 years of experience as an Associated Press reporter, spending much of her time covering Tennessee politics. Prior to her career with the AP, she wrote for The Tennessean and the Nashville Business Journal. She is a graduate of Belmont University.

“Her experience with the media, combined with her knowledge of Tennessee and the General Assembly, will help AARP move its policy agenda and promote critical issues of importance to our members,” said Rebecca Kelly, AARP Tennessee State Director.

As a member of the Capitol Hill Press Corps, Miller established a reputation for accuracy and integrity that won her the respect of her colleagues across the state, as well as the elected officials she covered.

“I am thrilled to join AARP at a time when its voice is becoming so relevant as our population ages,” said Miller. “I look forward to helping AARP communicate its positions on such critical issues as retirement security, health care reform and making our communities more livable.”

Miller, who will be responsible for creating and implementing communications strategies for AARP’s work throughout the state, will replace Patrick Willard, who was named AARP Director for Advocacy in October.

Enter your best work now for the Green Eyeshade Awards

Journalists in Tennessee and other Southern states can enter the 2007 contest. Deadline is Feb. 6.

DNJ: More power to the ombudsman

The new state open records ombudsman needs more authority, the Daily News Journal says in an editorial.

'Washington Post' blogger lauds Humphrey, Cromer

The Tennessee Journal's Ed Cromer and the Knoxville News Sentinel's Tom Humphrey have been called on by name as among the best political writers in the nation, in a list compiled by Washington Post political blogger Chris Cillizza.