NewsBeat

16 NewsBeat October 2018 ASNE, APME approve merger plan to become News Leaders Association A t this pivotal moment for journalism and freedom of the press, two of the most significant organizations in journalism have voted to merge and become one voice for the industry. The formation of the News Leaders Association, combining the American Society of News Editors and Associated Press Media Editors, was approved by the two groups' members during their joint News Leadership Conference in Austin. ASNE and APME will continue to work jointly on major projects during the coming year as legal steps toward the merger are completed. NLA is expected to be in place by the 2019 News Leadership Conference Sept. 9-10 in New Orleans. In this extraordinary time of upheaval across the news industry, as well as forces outside it, leaders and members of ASNE and APME believe that now is the time for journalism leaders to come together to make great impact. "These are challenging times for our business and our country," said Nancy Barnes, incoming president of ASNE for 2018-19. "We believe joining our two organizations will only strengthen our ability, as journalism leaders, to stand up for the principles we hold dear." "Editors' jobs have never been more challenging, and we believe that our groups are stronger together as we work to be a valuable resource for leaders at news organizations of all sizes," said APME President Angie Muhs. The mission statement of NLA reads: "The News Leaders Association is committed to leading, nurturing and serving journalism and democracy." "There's never been a more important time to create an organization vigorously committed to defending and explaining the values of an independent press in a democratic society," said outgoing APME President Jim Simon. "NLA is also committed to reimagining our work so that it's relevant to a broader range of leaders from a variety of backgrounds and to the needs of a rapidly changing journalism landscape." After years of working closely together to further the cause of journalism, both organizations are excited to become one while also honoring the long histories of both ASNE and APME. "We have gotten to this point with the drive and determination to create an organization that keeps advancing the core causes that allow journalism to have a vital impact on society and democracy," said outgoing ASNE President Alfredo Carbajal. "Those include defending the First Amendment, pushing for greater diversity and inclusiveness in news stories and newsrooms and developing newer generations of news leaders." NLA encourages all journalists, from across disciplines and platforms, to join in this cause. The organizations are stronger together, and now is the time to step up and become a member of something that matters. To become a member, simply visit asne.org or apme.com. Both ASNE and APME will continue to exist in 2018-19, working together closely on our top journalistic priorities, details of the merger and the 2019 conference planning. Join either organization now and automatically become a member of NLA when the merger is final. Both organizations are a part of merged committees that include Conference, Diversity, First Amendment, Leadership and Media Literacy. Become a member of ASNE or APME and immediately make an impact by contributing to committee work. As opposing voices get louder, leaders in the industry need to step up and join in the fight for democracy. Leaders of both organizations are available for interviews by contacting ASNE Executive Director Teri Hayt at thayt@asne.org or APME Executive Director Paula Froke at pfroke@ap.org. ASNE-APME merger Q&A Q: Why are ASNE and APME combining? A: This is a time of extraordinary challenges to independent journalism. We believe this is a unique opportunity to combine our voices into a single, more forceful advocate for the values of a free press. As the country's two premier newsroom leadership organizations, we know that we can have greater impact by working together at a time when our voices and our efforts on behalf of journalism are needed more than ever. During the yearlong conversations involving leaders of both organizations, we agreed that a single organization that connects and serves newsroom leaders is needed to help the public understand the role of an independent news media. We strive to become a strong, unified voice that promotes journalism's highest standards and defends the First Amendment. The new organization will also be sharply focused on developing the next generation of news leaders and reinvigorating the push for diversity in the news industry. Q: What's your mission statement? A: The News Leaders Association is committed to leading, nurturing and serving journalism and democracy. We will: a. Advocate for the values of a free press and free speech, and engage local communities on the value of credible news. b. Nurture news leaders and develop rising generations of journalists from diverse backgrounds to succeed today and lead tomorrow. By ASNE staff

• Cover