APA Member Benefits

CONFERENCES AND CONVENTIONS

APA’s Advertising Conference, traditionally held each March, offers programs on sales training and building revenue, plus the Better Newspaper Advertising Awards presentation.

Each summer, our members and associates from across the state gather for the APA Annual Convention for fellowship and continuing education. The three-day event includes keynote presentations, a round-table discussion, the presentation of the Distinguished Service, Journalism Educator of the Year, Headliner of the Year and Golden 50 Service Awards, as well as the Better Newspaper Editorial Contest Awards.

The ArkLaMiss Audience Development and Marketing Conference is held each fall in conjunction with our neighbor press associations in Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee. It keeps circulation and marketing personnel up-to-date on trends and development in their field.

Throughout the year, APA sponsors or assists in the coordination of workshops and webinars on a variety of topics, including the Freedom of Information Act, advertising, reporting and newspaper and web design. Click here for a calendar of upcoming events.

LEGAL HOTLINE

By contacting the APA Hotline, member newspapers can get both pre- and post-publication advice on libel and privacy issues and Freedom of Information matters. Call 501-379-1700.

BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST

Compete with the best in Arkansas in the annual Better Newspaper Advertising Contest and the Better Newspaper Editorial Contest. For more information email terri@arkansaspress.org

NEWSPAPER CONNECTION

The Newspaper Connection, published weekly on Wednesday, acts as a clearinghouse for professionals seeking employment in the newspaper industry. Additionally, we publish all current job openings at member newspapers that are sent to us for listing. Click here to view the current Newspaper Connection listings.

GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

APA helps protect newspapers and First Amendment interests in the state legislature and on the local and national level. We also diligently work to protect the interests of our member publications. Member newspaper publishers are invited to visit the legislature with APA.

PUBLICATIONS

The Arkansas Publisher Weekly, available online and via email subscription, keeps members up-to-date on industry trends and happenings at APA. Keep up with APA on Facebook and Twitter, too. Click here to read the most recent Arkansas Publisher Weekly or to access past issues. (link: https://issuu.com/arkansaspress)

The Arkansas Media Directory is the most comprehensive publication available on the newspaper trade and medium in our state, providing a wealth of information on personnel, contact information and other data about member papers, plus college publications, other nonmember publications, and Arkansas commercial and non-commercial radio and television stations. Click here to purchase the most recent Media Directory.

The Arkansas Freedom of Information Handbook is published biannual in conjunction with the Office of the Governor of Arkansas, the Office of the Arkansas Attorney General, the Arkansas Municipal League, the Arkansas Broadcasters Association, the Society of Professional Journalists – Arkansas Pro Chapter and the Public Relations Society of America – Arkansas Chapter. One of the aims of this publication is to communicate the importance of open government to people across Arkansas. The co-sponsors of the Handbook are strong proponents of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and its guarantee of public access to public meetings and public documents. Click here to download the most recent handbook in .pdf format.

PRESS IDENTIFICATION

The APA press identification card acknowledges APA membership and interest in a high standard of professional ethics. These cards are available to staff at member newspapers in good standing with the association and assists law enforcement and other public agencies in identifying members of the press and facilitating easier access to events and news venues.

An APA “PRESS” membership decal is also available for automobiles and office windows. Two decals are mailed each year to member newspapers; additional decals are available on request by publishers.

To request press credentials email info@arkansaspress.org