Delaware Press Association

Founded in 1977, Delaware Press Association is a network of nearly 200 journalists, broadcasters, public relations specialists, graphic designers, photojournalists, educators, authors, poets and freelancers who, like our national colleagues in NFPW, are dedicated to the highest standards of excellence in communication and to protecting First Amendment freedoms.

NETWORKING AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Delaware Press Association offers its members five general membership meetings during the course of each year at which outstanding speakers address a variety of communications issues that are of interest to our diversified membership. Occasionally, we sponsor major regional seminars such as “The Free Press in a Democracy—Messenger? or Meddler?” and “News, Information and Technology: Redefining the Media in the 21st Century.” In September 2003, DPA hosted the NFPW national communications conference, “Brave New Media World,” in Wilmington. The conference was attended by several hundred media professionals from all across the United States.

PROFESSIONAL CONTESTS AND AWARDS

The annual DPA Communications Contest, open to all professional communicators in Delaware, provides an opportunity to compete in various print or electronic broadcasting fields. Judged by out-of-state communications professionals to ensure impartiality, the contest encourages and recognizes excellence in communication and inspires all contestants to strive for their personal best in this competitive and rewarding field. First place winners who are members of NFPW may enter the national competition.

The annual DPA Communicator of Achievement Award, the highest honor DPA bestows on its members, is given first and foremost, for a lifetime of achievement in the communications profession. Second, it recognizes exemplary service to the community and to humanity as well as to the profession, especially to Delaware Press Association and the National Federation of Press Women.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

DPA also sponsors the annual First State High School Journalism Contest for student journalists statewide. Those who receive first place awards in the various DPA contest categories are eligible to enter the NFPW national competition. From time-to-time we offer seminars and workshops for high school journalists and their advisers, focusing on issues such as ethics and editorial responsibility, the new technology, and First Amendment issues.

NEWSLETTER

DPA publishes a quarterly electronic newsletter, NEWSBREAK, which is sent to hundreds of professional communicators in Delaware and nearby states.

DPA MISSION STATEMENT

The purpose of Delaware Press Association is to promote and uphold the highest ideals and standards of journalism and communications, to encourage the exchange of ideas and experiences, to offer professional development opportunities, to recognize outstanding work and to coordinate the efforts of the DPA affiliate and the National Federation of Press Women.