Guide to Newspaper Publishing Organizations

Newspaper publishing organizations offer industry professionals a variety of tools and resources

By Kelly Shetsky

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Join newspaper publisher associations to meet and network with peers

Newspaper publisher groups vary from national associations to local groups. This group of professionals come together to who share a common goal: to advance and promote the publishing industry.

I recommend: American Association of Independent Newspaper Distributors (AAIND) is a newspapers trade organization with members from three countries and 32 states. AAIND is dedicated to the preservation of the independent method of news delivery. Conferences provide endless opportunities for networking. Register online. American Society of Newspaper Editors (ASNE) is one of the oldest and largest newspaper editors group in the country. Membership is open to directing editors of daily newspapers and people involved with developing content. ASNE holds conventions, seminars and meetings where you can meet other publishing professionals.

Expect membership dues to belong to newspaper organizations

Groups for newspaper publishers' dues range depending on how involved you want to be. Most groups have various membership levels, such as professional or associate.

I recommend: Ohio Circulation Managers Association (OCMA) focuses on the problems and issues of newspaper circulation. Members range from circulation executives to newspaper related suppliers. Download the application forms for regular, associate and honorary membership. Southern Newspaper Publishers Association (SNPA) promotes the business interests, prosperity and harmony of its members. Member benefits include management surveys, publications and an annual meeting.

Benefit your career by joining newspaper publishing organizations

When you join associations for newspaper publishers, you get access to many career development tools such as magazines, business reports, a career center, courses and seminars. These tools and resources enhance your skills, increase your knowledge and give you a leg up on your career.

I recommend: The Alliance of Area Business Publications (AABP) is a newspaper publishing council that represents 61 regional and local business publications. AABP provides marketing services, lobbying, communications services, educational programming, and new business development. Register for events and conferences, which further your professional development. American Press Institute (API) is devoted to management development and training programs that focus on the best values, traditions and practices of journalism. API holds seminars, master classes, symposiums, study tours and workshops that teach you how to bring together media, technology and society. National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) is a newspaper publisher association that brings together publishers of African-American owned newspapers. Check out the NNPA webcast online. New York Newspaper Publishers Association (NYNPA) represents the daily newspapers of New York State. NYNPA provides conventions, training sessions, award competitions and a job bank.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider a company membership to newspaper organizations, instead of an individual one, so that several employees can benefit.