Merged association America’s Newspapers launched

America’s Newspapers—the association formed from the merger of the Inland Press Association and Southern Newspaper Publishers Association — was ceremonially launched Oct. 6 at its inaugural annual meeting in Chicago.

America’s Newspapers unites two of the oldest press associations to form one of the industry’s largest advocates for newspapers and the many benefits to their communities, civil life, freedom of expression and democracy, according to the group. “Newspaper journalism provides a voice for the voiceless, challenges elected officials, shines a light on government, calls for change when change is needed, and exposes corruption and injustice,” said Chris Reen, the president and publisher of The Gazette in Colorado Springs, who will serve as the first president of America’s Newspapers.

America’s Newspapers has adopted a mission of redoubling the commitments of its legacy associations to explain, defend and advance the vital role of newspapers in democracy and civil life.

Along with its new name and logo, America’s Newspapers launched the website newspapers.org, and social media outreach on Facebook, LinkedIn and @NewspaperOrg on Twitter.

A search for a CEO for America’s Newspapers is nearing completion, the group said. Tom Slaughter, who had been Inland executive director, and Edward VanHorn, who had served as SNPA executive director, will stay on at America’s Newspapers through a transition period.

All current members of SNPA and Inland will become members of the new association.

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