newspapers, local journalism

Become a Member

The WNA offers several membership opportunities to both newspapers and related industry businesses. By becoming a member, you and your business will have access to educational opportunities, legal resources, legislative advocacy and more.

WNA membership requirements, benefits and annual dues are determined by the WNA Board of Directors.

Membership Categories

  • Business Membership
  • Associate Business Membership
  • Associate Business Non-Publishing Membership
  • Honorary Membership
  • Academic Membership

For more information on membership levels, contact WNA Assistant Executive Director Denise Guttery

Business Member

Eligibility:
Any individual, partnership, corporation, or other form of enterprise engaged in newspaper publishing in Wisconsin may become a Business Member.

Qualification Standards:

  • Approval of the WNA Board
  • Published at least weekly in the state of Wisconsin for at least one year prior to the date of approval;
  • Shall upload digital copies of each page of each edition of its newspaper to the newspaper archive maintained by the WNA*
  • Have a bona fide paid circulation to actual subscribers equivalent to at least 50% plus one of its distribution;
  • Shall devote at least 25% of its content to news and editorial matter.
  • Shall be a newspaper of general character and interest, as contrasted with publications issued to supply information on certain subjects of special interest to particular groups.
  • If there is not a newspaper that satisfies the bona fide paid circulation requirement in a city, village or town, a newspaper that satisfies all of the other criteria established by this section may qualify for membership under this section.
  • Newspapers already belonging to the Wisconsin Newspaper Association as Business Members and in good standing, shall maintain such membership status in the event the newspaper transitions to an online-only news Web site. These newspapers shall not be eligible for Associate Business Membership.

*Assistance will be provided by the WNA for newspapers lacking the technology to upload digital pages.

Benefits of Membership:

  • Voting privileges
  • Full legislative representation
  • Access to convention and meetings
  • Central office services and meetings
  • Advertising representation
  • Participation in statewide advertising networks (classified and display)
  • WNA newsletters, directory
  • Legal Hotline
  • Participation in the WNA Foundation Better Newspaper Contest

To establish annual dues:

Base Fees: Weeklies: $100
Dailies: $300 (under 10,000 circulation); $500 (circulation over 10,000)
Per copy charge: No charge for papers under 1,000
$.08 per copy for papers over 1,000

Changes to subsequent annual dues are determined by the WNA Board of Directors.

Associate Business Member

Eligibility:
Any individual, partnership, corporation or other enterprise allied to or with an interest in the newspaper publishing industry or other form of enterprise engaged in publishing a newspaper including trade journals, free newspapers or an online-only news website is eligible to become an Associate Business Member.

Qualification Standards:

  • Approval of the WNA Board
  • Published regularly and consecutively for one year prior to applying;
  • Print publications must contain 25% news at least 50% of the time and be published at least once a month.
  • Online-only news websites must contain 25% news at least 50% of the time and be published at least once a week.
  • This membership is open to out of state publishers.

Benefits of Membership:

  • Full legislative representation
  • Access to convention and meetings
  • Central office services and meetings
  • Advertising representation
  • Participation in statewide advertising networks (classified and display)
  • WNA newsletters, directory
  • Legal Hotline
  • Participation in the WNA Foundation Better Newspaper Contest (after one year)

Annual Dues: $320

Associate Business Member (non-publishing)

Eligibility:
Any individual, partnership, corporation or other enterprise allied to or with an interest in the newspaper publishing industry is eligible to become an Associate Business Member.

Qualification Standards:

  • Approval of the WNA Board
  • This membership is open to out of state publishers.

Benefits of Membership:

  • Access to convention and meetings
  • Central office services and meetings
  • WNA newsletters, directory

Annual Dues: $300

Honorary Member

Eligibility:
Any individual who has distinguished themselves in the Wisconsin newspaper industry or who have demonstrated committed service to the Association upon approval of the board of directors.

Qualification Standards:

  • Approval by WNA Board

Benefits of Membership:

  • Registration fee waived at conventions and meetings
  • WNA newsletters, directory access

Annual Dues:
No dues required

Academic Newspaper

Eligibility:
Print, digital, or multimedia news publications, including yearbooks, produced primarily by students at a Wisconsin educational institution for the purpose of gathering and disseminating news and information. The publication shall be managed principally by students and recognized or authorized by the educational institution or an officially recognized student organization.

Qualification Standards:

  • Approval by WNA Board

Benefits of Membership:

  • Access to convention and meetings
  • Central office services and meetings
  • WNA newsletters, directory
  • Legal Hotline
  • Participation in the College Newspaper Contest

Annual Dues:
No dues required