Since 1901, the New Mexico Press Association has protected the mutual interests of the state’s newspapers, from the smallest weekly to the largest metropolitan daily.
The NMPA plays a vital role in New Mexico’s newspaper industry, successfully influencing legislation in Santa Fe, sponsoring an annual newspaper contest and convention, as well as promoting education for young people interested in the newspaper careers. Here are some of the many services the association provides on behalf of its diverse body of members.
MEMBERSHIP
More than 45 member newspapers of all sizes have found that the benefits of NMPA membership can be one of their most valuable resources. Any daily or weekly New Mexico newspaper that has published news of general interest for at least one year may apply for membership.
Dues are billed annually and are determined by advertising rates.
LEGISLATIVE
The NMPA serves as a protector and advocate for the New Mexico newspaper industry at the state capitol. The organization’s lobbyist and the Board of Director’s Legislative Committee follows hundreds of pieces of legislation each year affecting every aspect of newspaper publishing. These concerns include advertising, environmental issues such as recycling and hazardous waste, employment relations issues, telecommunications, taxes and, of course, freedom of information and the First Amendment.
The NMPA works to defeat onerous, business-killing regulations for its members, keeping in mind the newspaper industry’s role as a leader in environmental, health, safety and other workplace issues. CNPA also works closely with the Legislature to reform existing regulations that stifle creativity and productivity.
The Association has long been the primary advocate behind enactment of New Mexico laws that allow access to state and local government records and meetings. In addition CNPA works to maintain the Inspection of Public Records Act and Open Meetings Act in New Mexico as well as insuring that public legal notices remain published in newspapers.
The NMPA maintains an aggregated website where newspapers upload their published public notices. This is a free service for the public and is linked on the New Mexico state government’s Sunshine Portal.
ADVERTISING PROGRAMS
The New Mexico Press Service, a subsidiary of the Press Association, has several advertising programs that bring incremental revenues to participating member newspapers and place thousands of advertising dollars annually, most of which goes to participating newspapers:
Classified Ad Network
For the low price on $100, advertisers can place a 25-word classified ad in 24 participating newspapers.
2X2 Ad Network
Advertisers on a budget can choose the 2X2 Network, in which a one-time run of a black and white business card size ad costs $800. Like the Classified Ad Network, advertisers who run four times get the fourth for free.
Display Ad Network
This is the big boy, unleashing the power of advertising that benefits not only newspapers, but clients as well. The Press Service will do the work of getting estimates, completing insertion orders and obtaining tear sheets with only one order and one billing.