About Us

The Iowa Newspaper Association is an association of over 240 newspapers, working together to provide the citizens of Iowa with information and leadership for today and far into the 21st century.

From the largest urban daily to the smallest rural weekly, we take pride in our role as the Fourth Estate, helping to mirror yet mold our communities. Vigilant in our duty to ensure freedom of information for Iowa’s citizens, we are also business people, actively seeking to insure an economic future that will benefit the communities in which we live.

Together, we strive to fulfill the INA Vision Statement. At its best, the Iowa Newspaper Association is comprised of dedicated professionals who care. We, as members, are passionate about quality, success and preserving a free press. We take pride in each newspaper making a positive difference and improving the quality of life in Iowa.

About the Iowa Newspaper Association

HISTORY OF THE INA

What the public views as the Iowa Newspaper Association is really three corporations each with a different mission but all working for the newspapers of Iowa.

The INA has been working for the newspapers of Iowa for nearly a century. Its roots trace back to what was originally the Iowa Press Association. The Iowa Press Association (IPA) was founded in 1931 as a tax-exempt non-profit organization financed by member dues. The IPA’s primary mission was to protect newspapers’ interests in the Iowa Legislature and to hold an educational convention each year.

In 1950, the Association’s board decided it wanted to create an advertising service to provide additional advertising for members as well as non-dues income for the Association, in order to reduce the need for regular dues increases. To do this and protect the association’s not-for-profit status, a wholly owned, for-profit, tax-paying subsidiary called the Iowa Press Advertising Service was created.

In 1983, the Iowa Press Association and Iowa Daily Press Association (IDPA) merged to form the Iowa Newspaper Association (INA). For more than 50 years the IDPA had served most of the state’s dailies with an ad service, educational programs and other services. The Iowa Press Advertising Service was later renamed INA Services Company. Customized Newspaper Advertising (CNA), the Association’s ad service, is part of the INA Services Co.

In 1984, the Association’s board decided it wanted to create a way for members to make tax-deductible contributions to support enhanced member programming. To do this and protect the association’s not-for-profit status, the Iowa Newspaper Foundation was created. Originally, the foundation concentrated on fund raising to underwrite affordable, high-quality educational opportunities for members and the general public. Its mission has been broadened by its board of directors over the years. Today it also is working to educate and retain future employees of the newspaper industry and to raise money to meet key challenges facing the newspaper profession in the future and to find ways to fund programs to help newspapers successfully deal with those challenges.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Iowa Newspaper Association and its related entities, INA Services Co. and the Iowa Newspaper Foundation, are each governed by a board of directors. Policy recommendations for the organization are generated by several committees. The various boards and committees are made up of representatives from member newspapers as well as other civic and business organizations. Boards and committees are assisted by INA staff liaisons.

Iowa Newspaper Association Board of Directors

The Iowa Newspaper Association’s mission is to protect, promote, foster and advance the interests of the members of the newspaper industry and to provide direction to the association’s two related boards.

Meet the INA Board

INA Services Co. Board of Directors

The INA Services Company’s mission is to advance the economic well-being of Iowa newspaper enterprises primarily through research, promotion and advertising sales.

Meet the INA Services Co. Board

Iowa Newspaper Foundation Board of Directors

The Iowa Newspaper Foundation’s mission is to champion and improve the quality and future of Iowa’s newspaper enterprises and the communities they serve and to raise funds to fulfill this mission.

Meet the INF Board

COMMITTEES

The work of the INA is done by advisory committees which make recommendations to the three boards of directors (INA, INA Services Co. and INF).

The INA is always looking for members interested in serving on committees. INA members are encouraged to nominate themselves or others to serve on an INA or INF Committee. If you are an INA member interested in serving on a board or committee, please email the Iowa Newspaper Association at ina@inanews.com.

Advertising & Revenue Strategies

Provides support for members on industry trends, evaluates new and potential advertising programs, explores potential revenue streams and provides guidance on digital transformation opportunities.

Contest

Makes recommendations regarding INF Better Newspaper Contests categories, rules, awards and judging procedures

Fundraising & Development

Develops donor engagement strategies and fundraising opportunities. Identifies grant opportunities.

Government Relations

Monitors legislation and makes recommendations to the board regarding the INA’s legislative strategic initiatives. Develops advocacy strategies, engages with lawmakers and promotes First Amendment protections.

Governance & Nominating

Oversees board nominations, leadership development and governance policies.

Membership & Strategic Partnerships

Focuses on member recruitment, retention and engagement. Examines potential partnerships with industry associations, vendors, and media groups to create new opportunities and resources for members.

Program & Partnerships

Develops partnerships with universities, nonprofits and other industry organizations. Creates and evaluates training programs and educational initiatives.

Scholarship

Evaluates grant applications and distribution of funding for journalism projects and scholarships.

CONTACT US

Boards of Directors

Committees

Our Team

FAQ