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MELANIE SIMMS
Publishing Poetry in the Newspapers: A Dead Art?
According to Dana Gioia, Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts,
'Daily newspapers no longer review poetry.'
There is, in fact, little coverage of poetry or poets in the general press."
('Can Poetry Matter', The Atlantic Monthly, 1991). John Timpane,
Philadelphia Inquirer Commentary page editor, adds: 'Today,
most newspaper people are afraid of poetry. They're afraid readers won't
understand it, especially the poetry they (these newspaper people) find
'hard" or 'experimental." It amounts to a fear of the verbal." (Kelly Writer's
House, 1999). One could barely argue Gioia and Timpane's claims today, as
print media seemingly loses ground with technological advances in
communications, and as the art of poetry and its society becomes increasingly
associated with the limited scope of the 'academic elite." However there is,
even today, life for poetry in the traditional press.
This article addresses the newspapers that currently accept poetry from
the public; listed below are the following newspapers in the United States
(as compiled by Melanie Simms) still actively involved in accepting poetry
submissions: Note: (If anyone has information on additional
listings, please e-mail them to Melanie Simms at moonspinner@pa.net or
contact her at her website at: www.poetmelaniesimms.net).
Current List of Newspapers that Publish Poetry -
The Philadelphia Inquirer: Contact: John Timpane: jt@phillynews.com
or call 215-854-2000
The York Dispatch: Contact: Bill Diskin: bill@billdiskin.com
Phone: 717-854-1575
The Oregonian (Poetry Corner): Ask for the poetry editor or
call: 503-221-8100
The Santa Cruz Sentinel: Contact: 831-423-4242 and ask for
the poetry editor.
The Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Contact: Nancy Anderson at
nanderson@post-gazette.com
or call the main switchboard at: 412-263-1100
The Christian Science Monitor: Contact: 617-450-2000 and ask
for the poetry editor. There is also an online submission
form available via their online site.
Clearly this list is small, (albeit incomplete), which only forwards the concerns of the
American people that poetry in the newspapers is a dying breed; but thanks to the
'die-hard" efforts of remaining voices in today's newspapers, such as those listed
above, America still has hope to see the art rekindled. Every poet at home has an
opportunity and obligation as well to assist. The newspapers depend upon the voices
of the people for their livelihood. Share your voices of concern so that people like
Dana Gioia, John Timpane, and your humble author, Melanie Simms, are not alone
in their desire to see this once fluent art revitalized. You can show your support by
submitting your own poems to the newspapers listed, writing to the editors of your
local papers to request publication of a poetry column, or if you're creatively
(and financially) inclined, start your own small newspaper press that supports the
poet's community. Let the voice of the people be heard in the art of poetry and thrive
once again in newpapers!
Copyright 3006, all rights retained by the poet |
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