Value of Membership
About the West Virginia Press Association
The West Virginia Press Association was established June 3, 1869, and was re-chartered in 1954 as a non-profit trade association representing the daily and weekly newspapers of West Virginia. The Association is governed by a 14 member Board of Directors elected by the member newspapers. The Association's business subsidiary, West Virginia Press Services, Inc., was established in 1954.
The Value of Membership
Information Center
WVPA staff members answer questions daily, ranging from public notice advertising rates to state laws that govern publications, for member newspapers and associates. We maintain current information on press issues and will research unusual queries.
Legislative Monitor
One of the most important functions of WVPA and its Legislative Committee is to monitor the activities of the West Virginia Legislature. Staff and committee members meet with lawmakers, testify on proposed measures, issue position papers and seek sponsors to introduce bills that will benefit the newspaper industry. WV Press Association also hires a contract lobbyist to help monitor the session, further protecting the newspaper industry during the session. WVPA also, provides by email, a weekly column covering the weekly business by the legislature. Any newspaper is welcome to publish the column. This column gives your readers a first-hand, current look at what is happening during the legislative session.
Publications
WVPA’s monthly newspaper, features industry news and personalities, help-wanted ads, job candidates, current issues and WVPA activities. WVPA also publishes a weekly fax and e-mail bulletins.
Reference Manuals and Guides
We currently distribute two reference manuals to members. The Legal Notice Handbook and The Reporter’s Handbook on Press Law and the Courts. We also publish a long list of brochures and guides outlining various services available from WVPA along with the annual newspaper directory.
Conventions and Seminars
WVPA’s Spring Advertising Conference offers workshops and training seminars. Advertising Awards are presented at this meeting. In the fall, our Annual Meeting features speakers on timely topics of interest to all departments inclusive of but not limited to, photography, editorial, advertising, circulation and management. WVPA also conducts a tradeshow at the annual convention along with a silent auction that raises funds for the Foundation.
Speakers Bureau
WVPA serves as a resource for our members when they need speakers for organizational meetings or staff training.
Better Newspaper Contest
WVPA sponsors the annual Better Newspaper Contest. Member newspapers compete for awards in news, advertising, photography, and circulation promotion categories. The contest is judged by out-of-state newspaper professionals and awards are presented at the annual meeting in August.
Advertising Contest
WVPA sponsors the annual Advertising Contest. Member newspapers compete for awards in advertising, and circulation promotion categories. The contest is judged by out-of-state newspaper professionals and awards are presented at the annual Spring Advertising Conference.
Internship/Scholarship Program
The West Virginia Press Association Foundation administers a fund that provides thousands of dollars each year for journalism training. The foundation sponsors a broad range of programs and awards aimed at students interested in newspaper careers. The Internship program grants summer internships to journalism students from West Virginia. These internships are served at member WVPA newspapers.
The Foundation also awards thousands of dollars in scholarships annually.
Job Bank Coordinator
WVPA maintains a file of résumés from applicants who are seeking newspaper employment. The staff regularly provides members with potential candidates through our monthly and weekly publications or by specific request. We do not screen applications.
West Virginia Advertising Network
This customer service and marketing initiative provides a resource for ad agencies and/or accounts wishing to place advertisements in any combination of WVPA’s member newspapers with the convenience of one order, one bill and one check. Each year WVPS places well over a million dollars of advertising in member newspapers. Our graphic artist designs ads for clients on a daily basis.
Statewide Classified Advertising Network (SWC)
SWC enables advertisers to reach over one million readers in over 60 daily and weekly member newspapers for one low price. WVPA processes the ads and sends them to participating newspapers, which share in the year-end rebates.
2x2 Network
Patterned after the successful SWC program, this network allows advertisers to place a 2X2 display ad in over 50 weekly newspapers statewide, offering more than 500,000 circulation for one low price.
Legal Hotline
The Hotline provides legal advice, to participating WVPA member newspapers. (participating newspapers donate a quarter page ad to help fund this Hotline) This is especially valuable for smaller daily and weekly newspapers with no communications lawyer on staff.
Other State Associations
WVPA receives bulletins and publications from other press associations throughout the United States and directs news and information to its membership. WVPA’s Executive Director belongs to the Newspaper Association Managers organization, which meets frequently each year to exchange ideas and information.
Low-Cost Insurance
Greater value and low cost are offered on a variety of insurance coverages available through WVPA, including group health, life and libel insurance.
Press Release Service
WVPA’s Press Release program provides businesses and agencies with a convenient way to submit and distribute press releases to multiple newspapers, radio and TV outlets in West Virginia.
Technical Support
Our Information Technology Manager assists smaller newspaper members with computer, software and web-related questions. Since most do not have IT people on their staffs, this is becoming an increasingly useful and important service.
Toll Free Telephone Numbers
The association offers toll-free telephone and fax numbers for use by members when calling. 1-800-235-6881 – voice and 1-800-526-6939 – fax.
Web site to the world
Your association provides a comprehensive web site connecting the world to member newspapers and industry-related links.