A study by the National Arts Journalism Program at Columbia University raises concerns about news coverage of the arts and culture. Looking at newspapers, television programming and wire services, the study found that arts news and criticism are presented unevenly. The study, conducted in October 1998, found that many media outlets cover the arts and culture, but celebrity profiles and television listings make up a significant portion of their coverage.

In daily newspapers, the study found the arts, lifestyle or entertainment sections were consistently smaller in staff size and total pages than other feature sections such as sports or business. On average, 7 percent of the pages in the 15 daily papers studied were devoted to the arts, while 9 percent focused on business and 11 percent covered sports. Of the 15 major papers analyzed only three had more arts pages than either sports or business. Often, arts coverage had no section of its own and many papers had only a weekly arts supplement.

Nearly half of the arts coverage in the 15 newspapers consisted of articles and listings for television and movies. Movies were the subject of the largest number of arts-related articles. A significant portion of arts coverage also consisted of listings, rather than feature stories. Forty percent of overall arts coverage was made up of listings for TV, movies and arts events. That left less space for articles (CON'T PAGE 2)

Treasures of the Tree 2000 will showcase the work of Ohio artists and craftspeople by decorating the Governoršs Residence official holiday tree with 150 ornaments. The juried competition is open to all Ohio artists. Entries must be submitted October 2-15. Selections will be announced by November 1.

"As Ohiošs First Lady, my dream is to celebrate the Governoršs Residence and Ohio artisans by having Home as the theme for this craft-decorated tree," Hope Taft said. "Original holiday ornaments from all parts of our (Con't Page 3)

OAC DEADLINES & PANEL MEETINGS

August 1
Performing Arts on Tour ­ Artists deadline
Information and Resource Assistance Program deadline

August 18
Minority Arts Program - Long-Term Assistance panel meets