Publishers' Organizations

Publishers (and owners) of newspapers, magazines, and (increasingly) online services have a variety of associations to serve their needs. As with so many journalism organizations, these groups are heavily alike in their overall makeup and function. They usually focus on one specific type of published material (newspaper, magazine, newsletter), hold annual conventions, give awards for high-quality accomplishment, and support various educational endeavors. Operated as nonprofit entities (though some of their senior people may be paid very well), their prime purpose is to provide a means for mutually useful idea exchanges among publishers. Less often, they may become involved in lobbying efforts for matters of concern. Some have developed codes of ethics. Several of the groups have local chapters. At least two are co-located with academic journalism programs. Most states, if not all, have publisher associations as well, and there are a few regional groups, too. Only national associations (though many have state chapters) are detailed here.

Because publishers are either media owners themselves or represent them and have responsibility for all operational aspects of their publications, publisher organizations are interested in a wide menu of issues. Indeed, more than other journalism organizations, publisher association makeup and interests closely parallel what is happening in news media generally. For example, the declining state of many newspapers (indeed, the bankruptcy and disappearance of some) is of utmost concern to these groups, reflecting, as it does, the deep systemic problems facing mainstream media in their competition with an increasingly online world. [Page 1170]Likewise, the growing role of online services raises questions about just who is a “publisher.” Once-clear roles no longer are seen as such.

At least two recent trends stand out among the groups below. Over time there has been a good deal of organizational name changing in an attempt to keep up with technology-driven changes in newspaper and magazine publishing. Groups once focused on traditional newspapers or newsletters are now more inclusive, adding online publication members. And in the Newspaper Association of America we see a drive to efficiency in the melding of seven formerly separate entities into one that is more inclusive and wide ranging. Further consolidation of such groups is likely given the financial pressure on many printed publications.

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