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EnglishWhat is the North Carolina Press Association (NCPA)?
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The North Carolina Press Association (NCPA) is a trade association for North Carolina newspapers that has supported the public's right to know since 1873. It serves newspaper and media organizations through membership categories, legal and training resources, contests, and public notice listings. It is most relevant to publishers, editors, reporters, and media lawyers working in or with North Carolina newspapers, and to anyone who needs to locate public notices or member newspapers in the state.
What the NCPA does
The association describes its role as supporting the public's right to know, a mission it has carried since its founding. In practice, its website organizes activity around several functions:
- Member resources — resources, training, and guides for member newsrooms
- News and calendar — association announcements and events, including an annual convention
- Contests — editorial and advertising awards, with winners published on the site
- Jobs — industry job listings
- Public notices — a searchable listing of public notices
- Government transparency — public records information and a public records provision directory
The site also publishes messages from public officials to members, such as a video message from Governor Josh Stein and a message from State Auditor Dave Boliek, alongside press releases about association awards.
Membership categories
The NCPA lists distinct membership types, which helps clarify who the association serves:
| Category | Who it appears to cover |
|---|---|
| Newspapers | Newspaper members |
| Associate members | Organizations affiliated with the newspaper industry |
| Honorary members | Recognized individuals |
| Online members | Online news publications |
| Collegiate & University members | Student and campus publications |
There is also a North Carolina Capital Press Corps listing and a roster of NCPA past presidents. Membership is requested through the site, and members can request a PRESS pass and decal and sign up for the ePress Bulletin.
Services for members and the public
Several resources are directly useful beyond the membership itself:
- Legal Hotline — a listed service for members, alongside a member services guide
- NC Media Law Handbook — an online legal resource the site describes as continuously updated and aimed at reporters, editors, and practitioners
- Find a Newspaper and Publishers Buyer's Guide — directories for locating newspapers and industry suppliers
- Public notices — a dedicated entry point for finding published notices
- NCPA Federal Credit Union — a financial service listed for members
The site also notes hyperlocal advertising and marketing services through North Carolina Press Services (NCPS), described as strategic marketing partners offering print and digital advertising placement.
When to use the NCPA site
Use ncpress.com if you need to:
- Confirm whether a North Carolina publication fits a membership category, or apply to join
- Find a public notice or locate a newspaper in the state
- Access the NC Media Law Handbook or reach the Legal Hotline as a member
- Follow contest results, convention news, or industry job listings
The site does not publish pricing for membership or services in the available material, so cost and eligibility details should be confirmed directly with NCPA staff. Contact information is provided on the site, including Executive Director Philip Lucey at [email protected].