NAME: Illinois Associated Press Editors Association (IAPEA).

 

PURPOSE(S):

       

1. To work with and monitor the performance of The Associated Press as it affects its service to Illinois newspaper members of the cooperative and to offer critiques and suggestions.

          

2. To assist members in improving their newspapers.

          

3. To honor exemplary work performed by member newspapers through an annual association contest.

          

4. To serve as liaison with the Associated Press Managing Editors Association (APME).

          

5. To serve as liaison with statewide organizations having similar objectives including, but not limited to, the Illinois Press Association, the Illinois First Amendment Center, the Illinois Associated Press Broadcasters Assn. and journalism schools.

          

6. To recognize, through the Lincoln League of Journalists and other means, those who have made significant contributions to the field of newspaper journalism in Illinois.

          

7. To engage in other activities that would advance these causes.

 

 

LOCATION:  The address of the Chicago Bureau of The Associated Press shall be the official address of the IAPEA.

 

MEMBERSHIP:  Three classifications:

       

1. NEWSPAPER. Each newspaper member of the AP cooperative in Illinois is, by definition, a member by IAPEA, provided that its official place of business (as listed in the most recent Editor & Publisher Year Book) is within Illinois.

          

2. INDIVIDUAL.  Each such newspaper's publisher or general manager, along with each full-time employee of that newspaper's news operation, is a member as well. For voting purposes, each member newspaper is entitled to one vote to be cast by an individual member of the newspaper's choosing.

          

3. ADJUNCT. Retired or past individual members, as well as other members of the journalism profession, may apply to the board for non-voting adjunct membership status.

 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:  The IAPEA shall be governed by a Board of Directors of 12 members chosen from the ranks of Individual Members. The Board shall govern itself under Roberts Rules of Order.

 

        Makeup:  As a general guideline, the board will strive to represent a cross-section of Illinois AP-member newspapers in terms of geography, circulation size, type of ownership and time of publication.

 

        Terms: Each board member will be elected to a term of three years.

 

        Meetings: The board meets quarterly at a location, date and time set by the board.

 

        Attendance. Board members are expected to attend meetings. Unexcused absences may result in removal at the discretion of the board.

 

        Vacancies:  At the option of the board, it may appoint a member to fill an unexpired term or leave the position vacant pending the next board election. If a board member leaves the employ of the Member Newspaper he or she represents, a vacancy shall be declared.

 

        Nominations: The board shall appoint a Nominating Committee each year. Its duties shall be to:

         

1. Nominate Individual Members for each of the expired and vacant board seats. These nominations will be shared with the membership at least 30 days in advance of its annual meeting.

          

2. Nominate to the membership an annual slate of officers chosen from those who have served on the board at least one year.

 

        Officers: The board shall have three officers: President, vice president and secretary, each serving for one year.

        President: The president shall preside over board meetings and the business of the association.

                President-Elect/Vice President: The vice president shall assume the duties of the President in his or her absence and perform others duties as may be assigned by the Board or its President.

                Secretary: The Secretary shall handle official correspondence and perform others duties as may be assigned by the Board or its President. (Board minutes will be taken and distributed by a bureau employee appointed by the Chief of Bureau).

 

        Committees: At its discretion, the board may create standing committees (topics such as WireWatch, Freedom of Information, Photo Report) or ad hoc committees.

 

 

ANNUAL MEETING: The membership will have an annual meeting in conjunction with its annual newspaper contest awards program at a date and site chosen by the board. This annual meeting will serve these purposes:

       

1. Presentation of a report by the AP of its major activities of the past year and major plans for the coming year.

          

2. Report on the work of the association board of the past year.

          

3. Nomination and election of board members and officers. Each newspaper present will have one vote to be cast by the Individual Member of its choice.

          

4. Other programming as determined by the board.

 

 

ADOPTION:  These by-laws effective with a majority of Newspaper Members voting.

 

AMENDMENTS:  These by-laws may be amended by a majority of Newspaper Members voting. Proposed amendments must be prepared in writing and distributed to Member Newspapers at least 30 days before the vote.