Editors' Organizations

Editors of newspapers, magazines, and (increasingly) online services have a variety of associations [Page 485]to serve their needs. As with so many journalism organizations, these groups are heavily alike in make-up and function. They focus on specified types of editors, hold annual conventions, give awards for high-quality accomplishment, and support various educational endeavors. Their prime purpose is to provide an effective means for exchanging mutually useful idea exchanges. Less often, they may become involved in lobbying efforts for matters of concern. Several have developed codes of ethics. Some of the groups have active local chapters. At least two are co-located with academic journalism programs.

Journalists are joiners and that is one reason there are so many such organizations. Networking also comes naturally to journalists in their daily work. Editors are concerned, of course, with the overall daily operation of the editorial side of their publications or electronic news operations, and that focus is evident in each of the groups discussed below. As the economic outlook for newspapers has darkened in the early twenty-first century, however, many of these groups have focused more and more on ensuring the basic survival of their business. That may eventually mean a near-total migration from printed periodicals to online and other electronic forms—and these groups may follow suit in their own operations.

Just how to treat online-only journalists has been a divisive issue for most of these groups. While virtually all periodicals now have an online presence, the rise of independent websites and blogs (among other sources) have stretched the definition of just who is an “editor,” and thus eligible for membership in these associations. This is far more than a matter of technology, for many of the “nonmainstream” people who consider themselves journalists are not so viewed by the legacy media. They are often one-person operations run by those with little journalistic training or experience. Some have very decided political or social views to advance, rather than a more objective reporting role. Each of the associations listed here deals with this central matter of editorial identity differently, the overall trend being to open membership to those who appear to have the intent to be journalistic editors.

This entry is one of several that briefly describe different types of selected journalism organizations (there are too many to include all, and they come and go over time), so readers should also check additional entries noted at the end of this entry. The information below is drawn largely from the associations' websites, which often detail their background, structure, awards and educational programs, and member benefits.