Welcome to the “Members Only” section of the MPA website.

What We Do

From legal and technology advice to legislative oversight, new revenue ideas and cost­ effective training, we deliver value. The MPA – through our partnership with MANSI – also provides one order, one check, one bill advertising placement services for those who wish to reach the 6.9 million Michiganders who read a print or online newspaper each week to connect to their community.

Members have said, "MPA has a strong united advocacy voice which no one newspaper could do alone." Perhaps the most important function is that Michigan Press Association continues to serve as the one place in the state where publishers of all newspapers large or small-can resolve common problems.

The objectives of the Michigan Press Association are:

• To promote the general interests of our members
• To promote improved editorial and business methods in the publishing of newspapers
• To promote the usefulness and influence of all newspapers
• To cultivate constructive relationships and a fraternal spirit among the members
• To promote and maintain a high standard of ethics in the newspaper profession
• To defend free speech, to promote open and responsive government and to foster an informed citizenry

The Michigan Press Association (MPA) is dedicated to supporting the quality of journalism in Michigan. Our mission is to lead research and education in collaboration with the MPA Foundation, as well as advocacy and professional development in community journalism. MPA achieves its mission through educational offerings at annual convention, publications, inter-organizational collaboration, policy development, and MPA represents excellence and leadership in the newspaper industry and is deeply committed to nurturing camaraderie and diversity among members, as well as creative and symbiotic interactions with other organizations.

Your membership dues support the unified effort of Michigan newspapers. Without those dues, MPA cannot provide important services to assist your newspaper.

MPA Resources

Legal Hotline – As an MPA member, you and your staff have access to our legal/libel hotline at no cost to you. Staffed by the law firm Butzel Long in Detroit, MPA members find this service invaluable when dealing with a hot legal issue. For quick answers to legal questions affecting newspapers. Open to active, sustaining and student newspaper members of Michigan Press Association. Please note that some restrictions may apply depending on your membership category. Contact us at 517.372.2424.

The Bulletin – Public policy updates, audience growth ideas, advertising insights, state-specific legal analysis and columnists from across the country to help your newspapers stay sharp.

Syndication/ Subscriptions Opportunities – Content Syndication provides you with a multitude of opportunities to enhance your publication and expand your audience.

Michigan Information & Research Service Inc. (MIRSnews.com) – MIRS offers capitol news coverage to MPA member newspapers. The arrangement will offer ongoing, fresh capitol news stories from Lansing each week to participating papers. Content will vary depending on legislative, executive branch and judicial branch activity.

Bridge Magazine Syndication – For the weekly cost of covering a single local city council meeting, MPA member newspapers can now offer readers the content of Bridge Magazine. That's more than 400 pieces of in-depth journalism per year at a cost of $31 per week or $1500 a year for 49 weeks. Publishing Bridge Magazine content not only informs your readers and deepens your print and online content offerings.

Editorial Cartoon Syndication – MPA member newspapers can now offer readers a weekly editorial cartoon for and about Michigan.

Legal Seminars – The MPA Hotline Team will present seminars to newsrooms, advertising staff, circulation staff, marketing or human resource departments on current issues including: FOIA, OMA, Libel, Privacy, Intellectual Property, Social Media, and Advertising. The cost is typically $500 depending on travel and the number of topics covered.

General Counsel Fees and Services Butzel Long – Offers discounted rates to MPA members for legal services beyond the Hotline.

Advocacy in Action

Join us at the Capitol – The MPA Public Policy Team invites any member who is interested to join us for the day in Lansing to meet with legislators from their district and brief them on issues of importance to Michigan newspapers and visit our beautiful Capitol. The MPA team will schedule the appointments to meet with your legislators and prepare you for your visit by providing you with additional information on current issues and legislation.

The advocacy provided by the MPA public policy team helps you feel confident that you have boots on the ground at the state capitol and in Washington DC. Our team works to craft public policy that protects government transparency and your business interests every day.

Find links to MPA member services at michiganpress.org.