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Professional Journalism Organizations
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Professional Journalism Organizations

  • The American Press Institute conducts research, training, convenes thought leaders and creates tools to help chart a path ahead for journalism in the 21st century.

    The Press Institute is an educational non-advocacy 501(c)3 nonprofit organization affiliated with the Newspaper Association of America. It aims to help the news media, especially local publishers and newspaper media, advance in the digital age.

  • Founded in 1964 as the American Society of Business Press Editors, ASBPE is the professional association for full-time and freelance editors, writers, art directors, and designers employed in the business, trade, and specialty press. The official name was changed to the American Society of Business Publication Editors in 1997 and to ASBPE in 2012.

    ASPBE is widely known for its annual Awards of Excellence competition, which recognizes the best in editorial, design, and online achievement. The organization also sponsors the annual ASBPE National Editorial Conference. Regular educational seminars are held by local chapters. The society is operated in accordance with a set of bylaws drafted by the national board ratified through a member vote.

  • The American Society of News Editors focuses on leadership development and journalism-related issues. Founded in 1922 as a nonprofit professional organization, ASNE promotes fair, principled journalism, defends and protects First Amendment rights, and fights for freedom of information and open government. Leadership, innovation, diversity and inclusion in coverage and the journalism work force, youth journalism, news literacy and the sharing of ideas are also key ASNE initiatives.

    Members can be editors, producers or directors in charge of journalistic organizations or departments; deans or faculty at university journalism schools; leaders and faculty of media-related foundations and training organizations and other individuals at the board’s discretion. A committee of the board of directors reviews applications for membership.

  • AAJA offers a variety of educational, skills training and professional development programs for its student and professional members, as well as guidance on coverage of AAPI issues for the journalism industry and resources on working with the media for AAPI communities.

    At AAJA’s annual national convention, journalists converge to discuss new trends and challenges in the industry, hone their journalism skills and learn ones, expand their understanding of AAPI issues, plus network with colleagues. The convention also features the AAJA Gala Scholarship & Awards Banquet, a career fair and the Voices student news project.

    Professional development programs include the Executive Leadership Program, where AAPI journalists develop skills and strategies to become newsroom leaders and executives. AAJA also offers fellowships and mentor programs matching those just entering the profession with accomplished journalists.

    Student programs include JCamp, a national multicultural journalism program featuring a week-long training camp. College students can get hands-on training at Voices, the multiplatform student news project . AAJA also offers college scholarships, internships and internship grants.

    AAJA provides guidance for accurate and fair coverage of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders along with AAPI issues through its MediaWatch program and the AAJA Handbook to Covering Asian America. Media advisories have included guidance on coverage of NBA player Jeremy Lin and the August 2012 shooting at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin.

    To assist the AAPI community in working with the press, AAJA’s chapters give MediaAccess workshops to local AAPI community organizations.

  • The Associated Press Media Editors is an association of news and broadcast leaders, and journalism educators and student leaders in the United States and Canada. APME works closely with The Associated Press to foster journalism excellence and to support a national network for the training and development of editors who run multimedia newsrooms.

    APME is focused on advancing the journalism profession, providing feedback to The Associated Press on its news and services, and is on the front line in setting ethical and journalistic standards for newspapers and broadcast outlets, and in the battle for freedom of information and the First Amendment.

  • The Association for Women in Communications is the one organization that recognizes the complex relationships that exist across communications disciplines. Modern communicators must demonstrate competence in varied disciplines and be able to network and make career moves across the broad spectrum of communications fields. Disciplines represented within the association include print and broadcast journalism, television and radio production, film, advertising, public relations, marketing, graphic design, multi-media design, and photography. The list is continually growing as the profession expands into the newer media.

  • AWSM works to promote and increase diversity in sports media through our internship/scholarship program, which has placed more than 100 female college students in paid internships since 1990, as well as through mentoring links and career-enhancement initiatives. We annually pay tribute to individuals who have paved the way for women in sports media with the Mary Garber Pioneer Award and we help those who encounter roadblocks on the trails yet to be blazed.

  • The Association of Health Care Journalists, Inc. is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing public understanding of health care issues. Its mission is to improve the quality, accuracy and visibility of health care reporting, writing and editing. AHCJ is classified as a 501(c)(6), a nonprofit professional trade association.

  • The mission of the Capitol Correspondents Association of California is to make it easier for news professionals who cover the state Capitol to do their jobs. To accomplish this goal, the Association screens applications for news media credentials and sends its recommendations for accreditation to the Legislature and governor’s office. The Association also advises the Legislature and governor’s office on their assignment of reserved media seats in legislative chambers and the news conference room and on news media access to special events. It also acts as an advocate for open meetings, news media access, freedom of information issues and the fair distribution of public information.

  • College Media Association is the preeminent source for education and support for professionals and students engaged in creating all forms of student-produced media on college and university campuses.

  • The News Fund is a national foundation supported by Dow Jones & Company, Dow Jones Foundation and others within the news industry. Our emphasis is on education for students and educators as part of our mission to promote careers in  journalism.

    DJNF operates several high school and college-level grant programs. For more detailed descriptions, visit the Programs section. Those who would like to submit unsolicited proposals should go to the Grant Proposal page  to read more and download a form. Grant applications, guidelines and instructions also appear in the Forms section.

  • As the professional organization of members of the media who cover education at all levels, EWA has worked for more than 65 years to help journalists get the story right. Today, EWA has more than 3,000 members benefiting from our high-quality programs, training, information, support, and recognition.

  • Investigative Reporters and Editors, Inc. is a grassroots nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of investigative reporting. IRE was formed in 1975 to create a forum in which journalists throughout the world could help each other by sharing story ideas, news gathering techniques and news sources.

  • The Journalism and Women Symposium (JAWS) supports the professional empowerment and personal growth of women in journalism and works toward a more accurate portrayal of the whole society. We do this at our Conference and Mentoring Project, through our fellowship programs and at regional gatherings.

  • The Journalism Education Association is the largest scholastic journalism organization for teachers and advisers. Put simply, we educate teachers on how to educate students.

    We fulfill this goal through numerous activities: We provide training around the country at national conventions and institutes. We offer national certification for teaching high school journalism. We publish print and online resources on the latest trends in journalism education. We provide avenues for virtual discussion among teachers, as well as communities and mentoring to learn best practices. We monitor and actively defend First Amendment and scholastic press rights issues across the country.

  • The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) is an organization of journalists, students and media-related professionals that provides quality programs and services to and advocates on behalf of black journalists worldwide.

    Founded by 44 men and women on December 12, 1975, in Washington, D.C., NABJ is the largest organization of journalists of color in the nation.

  • The National Association of Broadcasters is the voice for the nation’s radio and television broadcasters. As the premier trade association for broadcasters, NAB advances the interests of our members in federal government, industry and public affairs; improves the quality and profitability of broadcasting; encourages content and technology innovation; and spotlights the important and unique ways stations serve their communities.

    NAB delivers value to our members through advocacy, education and innovation.

  • The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) is dedicated to the recognition and professional advancement of Hispanics in the news industry. Established in April 1984, NAHJ created a national voice and unified vision for all Hispanic journalists.

  • National Federation of Press Women is a dynamic nationwide organization of professional women — and men — pursuing careers across the communications spectrum.

    We are diverse. We are students. We are new to our careers. We are experienced professionals, both active and retired.

  • Established in 1885, the National Newspaper Association (NNA) is a not-for-profit trade association representing the owners, publishers and editors of America’s community newspapers. NNA’s mission is to protect, promote and enhance America’s community newspapers. Today, NNA’s 2,200 members make it the largest national newspaper association.

  • The National Press Club, a private club for journalists and communications professionals, has been a Washington institution for more than a century. It is also a world-class conference and meeting facility that hosts thousands of events each year for sophisticated clients from around the globe. And while these are the Club’s functions, its mission is to be The World’s Leading Professional Organization for Journalists. It is a social and business organization dedicated to supporting the ongoing improvement of the profession of journalism.

  • The Native American Journalists Association serves and empowers Native journalists through programs and actions designed to enrich journalism and promote Native cultures.

    NAJA recognizes Native Americans as distinct peoples based on tradition and culture. In this spirit, NAJA educates and unifies its membership through journalism programs that promote diversity and defends challenges to free press, speech and expression. NAJA is committed to increasing the representation of Native journalists in mainstream media. NAJA encourages both mainstream and tribal media to attain the highest standards of professionalism, ethics and responsibility.

  • A free newswire for journalists.  A press release distribution service for public relations professionals.  A news site for the intellectually curious. Newswise means different things to different people, and each group participates in different ways.

  • The mission of the Newseum Institute is to champion the five freedoms of the First Amendment through education, information and entertainment. The Newseum Institute serves as a forum for First Amendment study, exploration and education. The Newseum is a 501(c)(3) public charity funded by generous individuals, corporations and foundations, including the Freedom Forum. Programs of the Newseum Institute include the First Amendment Center, The Al Neuharth Free Spirit and Journalism Conference, the Religious Freedom Center, the annual Moot Court Competition, the Chips Quinn Scholars program and Freedom Sings. - See more at: http://www.newseuminstitute.org/about/#sthash.kMZcgs6R.dpuf

  • NAA is a nonprofit organization representing nearly 2,000 newspapers and their multiplatform businesses in the United States and Canada. NAA members include daily newspapers, as well as non-dailies, other print publications and online products. Headquartered near Washington, D.C., in Arlington, Va., the association focuses on the major issues that affect today’s newspaper industry: public policy/legal matters, advertising revenue growth and audience development across the medium’s broad portfolio of products and digital platforms.

  • The Online News Association is a nonprofit membership organization for digital journalists, connecting journalism, technology and innovation.

  • An ombudsman is someone who handles complaints and attempts to find mutually satisfactory solutions. Ombudsmen can be found in government, corporations, hospitals, universities and other institutions. The first ombudsman was appointed in 1809 in Sweden to handle citizens’ complaints about the government. The word is pronounced “om-BUDS-man” and is Scandinavian in origin.

  • The Overseas Press Club of America was founded in 1939 in New York by a group of foreign correspondents. The OPC seeks to maintain an international association of journalists working in the United States and abroad; to encourage the highest standards of professional integrity and skill in the reporting of news; to help educate a new generation of journalists; to contribute to the freedom and independence of journalists and the press throughout the world, and to work toward better communication and understanding among people.

  • RTDNA is the world’s largest professional organization exclusively serving the electronic news profession.  RTDNA members include local and network news executives, news directors, producers, reporters, digital news professionals, as well as educators and students.  Founded as a grassroots organization in 1946, RTDNA works to protect the rights of electronic journalists in the courts and legislatures throughout the country, promotes ethical standards in the industry, provides members with training and education and honors outstanding work in the profession.

    RTDNA members benefit from publications, training, advocacy and many opportunities to network with colleagues. Joining RTDNA says you’re concerned about First Amendment issues, Freedom of Information issues, ethics in reporting, improving coverage, implementing technology and all news industry issues. Our members help shape the future of our profession and we protect their interests by advocating on their behalf and lobbying in their interest.

  • RELIGION NEWSWRITERS ASSOCIATION (RNA) is the world’s only journalism association for people who write about religion in the news media. We offer training and tools to help journalists cover religion with balance, accuracy and insight.

  • For more than 40 years, the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and its staff attorneys have provided free legal resources, support, and advocacy to protect the First Amendment and freedom of information rights of journalists working in areas where U.S. law applies, regardless of the medium in which their work appears.

    Funded by corporate, foundation, and individual contributions, the Reporters Committee serves more than 2,000 reporters, editors, and media lawyers who call for help each year, as well as the tens of thousands who use its website.

    And since its founding, no reporter has ever paid for the Reporters Committee’s help in defending First Amendment rights.

  • The Society for News Design (SND) is an international organization for news media professionals and visual communicators – specifically those who create print/web/mobile publications and products. Our members art direct, design, edit, report, illustrate, make photos and video, visualize data – and write code.

    Founded in 1979, it is a US-registered non-profit organization with around 1,500 members worldwide. Among other activities, we host an annual Best of News Design competition open to newspapers and magazines from around the world, and a yearly conference (rotating through various cities) that brings in visual journalists from all over the world.

  • The Sigma Delta Chi Foundation of Washington, D.C. (SDXDC) is the nonprofit, education arm of the Washington, D. C. Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), the nation’s oldest and largest organization of journalists.The Sigma Delta Chi Foundation of Washington, D.C. (SDXDC) is the nonprofit, education arm of the Washington, D. C. Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), the nation’s oldest and largest organization of journalists.

  • The Society of Environmental Journalists is the only North-American membership association of professional journalists dedicated to more and better coverage of environment-related issues. SEJ’s mission is to strengthen the quality, reach and viability of journalism across all media to advance public understanding of environmental issues.

  • Where Journalism intersects with South Asia… A Network for Education, Inspiration and Training… Upgrading South Asia coverage… Uplifting journalism standards.

    SAJA, the South Asian Journalists Association, is one of the most dynamic journalism organizations in the U.S. and Canada. Founded in March 1994 with 18 members, today it connects and serves more than 1,000 journalists at news outlets, big and small.

  • Magazine media transcend any one platform. Whether they are consumed in print, on tablets, on a smartphone or on the web, Magazine media  fulfill readers’ desires for timely information and entertainment that appeal to a broad spectrum of personal interests.  The enormous impact and the prominent role magazine media play in culture, society and the economy earn the medium a unique industry-wide selling proposition:

  • AWSM is a volunteer-managed, 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1987 as a support network and advocacy group for women who work in sports writing, editing, broadcast and production, and public and media relations. Our membership of more than 600 men and women includes professionals in the industry and students aspiring to sports media careers.

  • Founded in August 1990 by the late Leroy (Roy) F. Aarons, NLGJA is an organization of journalists, media professionals, educators and students working from within the news industry to foster fair and accurate coverage of LGBT issues. NLGJA opposes all forms of workplace bias and provides professional development to its members.

  • Founded as a print journalists’ union, the Guild today is primarily a media union whose members are diverse in their occupations, but who share the view that the best working conditions are achieved by people who have a say in their workplace. We have more than 34,000 members in the United States, Canada and in Puerto Rico, and we are journalists, sales and media workers of all kinds. We are on-line writers and designers, reporters, editorial assistants, photographers, editors, paginators, editorial artists, correspondents, typographers, advertising sales people, marketing, information systems specialists, commercial artists, technicians, accountants, business, customer service reps, drivers, maintenance, mail room, pressroom, telephone operators, circulation and distribution staff. We are also independent translators and interpreters, non-profit organization staff members, public relations staff and technical workers. We are part of many communication media: wire services, newspapers, magazines, labor information services, broadcast news, public service and dot com companies.

  • The Pulitzer Prizes site contains the complete list of Pulitzer Prize winners from 1917 (the first year the Prizes were awarded) to the present. The site also lists Nominated Finalists from 1980 (the first year finalists were announced) through the present.

  • UNITY Journalists for Diversity, Inc. was founded in 1994 and incorporated in 1998 as a nonprofit 501(c)3 strategic alliance that:

    Advocates fair and accurate coverage about diversity, especially race, nationality, ethnicity, gender identity and sexual orientation.

    Aggressively challenges the industry to staff its organizations at all levels to reflect the country’s diversity.

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