Collaboration with association publications group produces new best practices.
To better serve association editors, ASBPE has approved guidelines that are now part of the Society’s Code of Preferred Editorial Ethics.
The new best practices were developed in partnership with the Society of National Association Publications (SNAP).
Association publications need guidance to maintain standards of objectivity within the context of the association’s mission.
“The goals of publications and the associations they represent are one and the same,” said Robert Freedman, senior editor of Realtor, published by the National Association of Realtors, who oversaw the effort between ASBPE and SNAP to write the new language. “Editors serve their associations best by ensuring high standards of objectivity in their publications, because with high standards comes the credibility that redounds to the associations’ benefit.”
Six issues addressed
1) Objectivity and association goals,
2) Ghost writing for association staff and officers,
3) Content review by association staff,
4) Content sources,
5) Online forums, and
6) Other association communicators.
Three representatives from ASBPE and three from SNAP drafted the language. Representatives from ASBPE were:
- Jeanne LaBella, vice president of publications, American Public Power Association;
- Erin Pressley, editor in chief, the NACS Magazine, National Association of Convenience Stores; and
- Freedman.
Representatives from SNAP were:
- Chris Durso, executive editor of Convene, Professional Convention Management Association;
- Apryl Motley, editorial director of Community Banker, American Bankers Association; and
- Amy Lestition, executive director of SNAP.