About AOJ (Archive)


This page is a portal to historical information archived from the Association of Opinion Journalists (formerly National Conference of Editorial Writers, 1947-2011) which merged into ASNE in 2016-2017.

About AOJ

The Association of Opinion Journalists is a nonprofit professional organization and educational foundation that exists to improve the quality of opinion writing in newspapers, in broadcasting and online, and to promote high standards among opinion writers and editors. The organization was founded in 1947 as The National Conference of Editorial Writers (NCEW) and renamed itself AOJ in 2012. The former NCEW Foundation became AOJ Foundation and continues as AOJ. 

Mission Statement

The Association of Opinion Journalists is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the craft of opinion journalism through education, professional development, exploration of issues of public importance and vigorous advocacy within journalism organizations.

Membership Benefits

Members have long been able to take advantage of an array of year-round benefits including: writing and broadcast critiques, an annual gathering, low-cost seminars and workshops, a Job Bank, The Masthead magazine, regional conferences, foreign tours, our members' e-mail discussion group, an annual briefing by high U.S. State Department officials, and more. Our web site links you to valuable information on the opinion business itself and on substantive topics.? Some services are on hold as we move into 2016 and further develop a partnership with the Poynter Institute for Media Studies.