Washington Newspaper Publishers Association

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Washington Newspaper Publishers Association Washington Newspaper Publishers Association is an advocate for community newspapers, freedom of the press and open government.

The association is dedicated to helping members advance editorial excellence, financial viability, professional development, and a high standard of publication quality and community leadership. WNPA represents about 89 community newspapers in Washington state. It is the successor to the Washington Press Association, founded in 1887 by newspapers in Dayton, Ellensburg, Seattle, Tacoma, Yakima and Walla Walla. In accordance with its bylaws, WNPA offers four types of membership. While publications must meet certain criteria to join, Regular Members are general-interest community newspapers that publish at least twice a month. Associate Members are either general-interest or niche publications and publish at least monthly. Affiliate Members include businesses and educational institutions that are not in the newspaper business but have related interests. Honorary Life Membership is awarded to publishers who have been a regular member of WNPA for 35 years and are still active in that capacity, and to other individuals the Board of Trustees wishes to honor. The Executive Committee and Board of Trustees meet at least quarterly to manage the association's work.

10/07/2026

WNPA 2025 Better Newspaper Contest Winner — Community Service

The Chronicle (Groups 1 & 2)
Cascadia Daily News (Group 4)

On The Chronicle, judges said: "This is exactly what news organizations can offer a community - fora for open debate, access to information that directly impacts democracy, and accountability through well-sourced reporting."



What's your favorite local news story?

WNPA 2025 Better Newspaper Contest Winner — News Writer of the YearVashon Maury Island Beachcomber (Groups 1 & 2)Cascadi...
10/05/2026

WNPA 2025 Better Newspaper Contest Winner — News Writer of the Year

Vashon Maury Island Beachcomber (Groups 1 & 2)
Cascadia Daily News (Groups 3 & 4)

On Vashon Maury Island Beachcomber, judges said: "In a crowded field, Aspen rose to the top with well-crafted stories starting with engaging headlines and direct leads. These articles cover a range of topics told through the eyes of residents, which connect readers and build community."



Local news matters — spread the word!

10/02/2026

This is it — the WNPA Better Newspaper Contest Awards Dinner is Saturday, Oct. 3.

All placements revealed. Live auction. A room full of the people who make Washington's newspapers happen.

It's always a good night. Register now at wnpa.com

WNPA 2025 Better Newspaper Contest Winner — Sports Writer of the YearSequim Gazette (Groups 1 & 2)Key Peninsula News (Gr...
10/02/2026

WNPA 2025 Better Newspaper Contest Winner — Sports Writer of the Year

Sequim Gazette (Groups 1 & 2)
Key Peninsula News (Groups 3 & 4)

On Key Peninsula News, judges said: "Good storytelling, consistently well written articles"



Know someone at this paper? Tag them!

09/25/2026

Who's reading the paper in 10 years?

At the WNPA Convention, hear from people working on it:
Andrew Wahl (Everett CC) on creating new readers and journalists.
Heather Spaulding (Journal of the San Juans) on partnering with community documenters.
Dee Anne Finken on media literacy through the League of Women Voters.

Oct. 2-3 | wnpa.com

WNPA 2025 Better Newspaper Contest Winner — General Interest ColumnsNorthern Kittitas County Tribune (Groups 1 & 2)Shelt...
09/25/2026

WNPA 2025 Better Newspaper Contest Winner — General Interest Columns

Northern Kittitas County Tribune (Groups 1 & 2)
Shelton Mason County Journal (Group 3)
Key Peninsula News (Group 4)

On Northern Kittitas County Tribune, judges said: "The columns "A Seat at the Big Table" and "Speelyi and the Art of Ritual" paint a vivid picture of community character. I get the sense I'd recognize my surroundings if I woke up there."



What's your favorite community newspaper?

09/25/2026
09/23/2026

The opinion page is where newspapers speak in their own voice — and these voices earned 2026 BNC awards.

Cheney Free Press, Journal of the San Juan Islands, Key Peninsula News, LaConner Community News, Lynden Tribune, Methow Valley News, Mukilteo Beacon, Port Townsend Leader, Shelton-Mason County Journal, The Daily Herald, The Newport Miner, Whidbey News-Times, Whitman County Gazette

Placements announced at the Awards Dinner, Oct. 3.

WNPA 2025 Better Newspaper Contest Winner — Editorial PagesThe Daily HeraldJudges said: "Great four-page opinion section...
09/23/2026

WNPA 2025 Better Newspaper Contest Winner — Editorial Pages

The Daily Herald

Judges said: "Great four-page opinion section with strongly written local editorials, local commentary pieces, letters to the editor and national columns. The section is designed well and a pleasure to read."



Who's your favorite local reporter?

Address

PO Box 23472, Federal Way
Olympia, WA
98093

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+13608308613

Website

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