The Minnesota Newspaper Association is pleased to offer a wide array of benefits to its members. For a list of benefits, click here. If you are interested in becoming a member of MNA, visit the “Become a Member” page for more information.
Current MNA Members can visit the “Members Only” section of our website for more information.
Member Benefits & Opportunities
WEEKLY “MNA MEMBER BULLETIN”
The weekly MNA Member Bulletin keeps members informed about the newspaper industry; it’s packed with useful, up-to-date information on issues affecting newspapers nationally and locally. Also included are trends in advertising, upcoming events and training programs, and all important MNA-related news. The MNA Bulletin is our “life line” with members.
ADVERTISING PLACEMENT
Add more sales power and extra income to your advertising bottom line. MNA works with local, regional, and national advertising agencies, other state newspaper associations, and clients to place display, classified, and interactive advertising as well as pre-print inserts.
MNA is directly responsible for placing millions of dollars in advertising each year in our member newspapers. Through our ONE ORDER-ONE BILL service, we offer a turnkey and efficient way to include print advertising in client’s marketing budget. MNA handles the distribution of insertion orders, rate quotes, creative trafficking, collection of tearsheets and payment to the newspapers.
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
The tentacles of government are getting longer every year. Fortunately, MNA is protecting business, access and First Amendment interests in the state legislature and at the county and local levels. Of primary importance are issues related to Open Meetings, Open Records, Public Notice Advertising and Tax and Environmental Issues affecting the newspaper industry.
During each legislative session, MNA member newspapers are kept aware of the latest legislative news in the weekly Bulletin. Members are informed with a synopsis of each legislative bill of interest and the stated position taken on the measure, if any, by MNA.
LEGAL HOTLINE
Enrolling in MNA’s Legal Hotline is like having your own media attorney on staff. One call could save your newspaper thousands of dollars in legal fees. Both pre- and post-publication advice is offered in libel, privacy, and other First Amendment issues.
In order to participant, active MNA members in good standing pay a small fee in addition to their annual dues to join the program.
STATEWIDE ADVERTISING NETWORKS
MNA offers classified, display, and interactive advertising networks with statewide and zoned distribution options that reach nearly 3 million readers. For more information on the MCAN|MDAN|MINN networks, please click here.
NEWSPAPER DIRECTORY
MNA publishes an annual directory of its newspaper members. Detail includes newspaper name, address, phone and fax numbers, general email and website, printing specifications, circulation, etc. Newspapers are listed by county and by group. The directory also lists shoppers and additional publications and newspaper associations around the nation
BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST
One of the reasons for MNA’s existence, as laid down in the Association’s Articles Of Incorporation (Art. 111) is: “To secure improved standards in the practice and the profession of journalism.” The purpose of this annual contest, therefore, is to recognize excellence in the various aspects of newspaper journalism so that the practice and profession in Minnesota may be advanced.
All active and associate members of MNA may enter the contest and compete for excellence in reporting, editorial writing, advertising, and photography. Members compete with the best. Nothing motivates a staff like a first place award or a trophy.
ANNUAL CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW
The largest state newspaper association convention in the nation draws around 600 people for its educational sessions and lively trade show.
MNA’s Board of Directors, and the Central Office staff, plan an educational, productive and inspirational convention, allowing members to learn new approaches to old problems, old solutions to new problems and ways to avoid problems, old and new. Nuts – and – bolts sessions include those designed to teach managers, reporters, editors, publishers, photographers and journalism students.
PRESS RELEASE SERVICE
MNA’s Press Release Service distributes press releases, public service announcements, etc., from the general public to our newspapers. Releases are provided to the newspapers electronically.
FREE MEETING SPACE
If you find yourself in need of meeting space in the Minneapolis area, the MNA Office has a conference room available for use by member newspapers. Call the MNA Office as far in advance as possible to schedule meeting space.
MEMBER CLASSIFIEDS
Need a reporter, photographer or advertising sales representative? How about a publisher, press operator, or jack-of-all trades? Trying to get rid of that old computer? Looking for a used computer? Industry jobs and for sale/wanted items are included in the MNA Member Classifieds, found each week in the MNA Member Bulletin and available 24/7 on the MNA website.
PRESS ID CARDS
Annual MNA press cards are available to members for newspaper employees.