Alternative newsweeklies that wish to apply for membership in the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies may request application forms and instructions on the application process from the AAN national office.
(For a PDF file containing an application form, along with a description of the application process and a membership fact sheet, click here.)
Deadline for applying papers is Feb. 28.
Since its inception in 1978, one of AAN’s primary missions has been to promote quality journalism and general excellence among its member papers. Therefore, AAN considers qualitative criteria to determine whether applying papers qualify for membership in the association.
The Admissions Committee reviews each application and makes a recommendation regarding the applicant’s qualification for membership. The committee’s recommendations are presented to the general membership at the beginning of our annual convention; the members then vote on each application during the Annual Meeting, which is held on the final day of the convention. Every member paper has one vote, and approval by a two-thirds majority of the members present is required for admission.
The following principles guide the admissions committee and the membership in their consideration of new member applications:
An applicant newspaper shall exhibit sufficient public service through journalism and editorial distinction and excellence to merit designation as a positive editorial alternative to mainstream journalism.
An applicant newspaper shall enhance the usefulness and strengthen the character of the association.
The 2003 convention will be held June 5-8 in Pittsburgh. A newspaper does not have to be a member to attend, nor do representatives from the paper need to be present to apply for membership. However, attendance is strongly encouraged. Registration materials will be mailed in March.
To receive application materials and instructions, contact AAN at 1020 16th Street NW, 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20036-5702, (202) 822-1955. For a summary of rules and requirements, click here.
