The American Society of Magazine Editors

By Chloe Brussard

The American Society of Magazine Editors is an industry trade group for magazine journalists and editors of magazine published in the United States. Established in 1963, their initial goal was to defend the First Amendment, protect editorial independence, and support the development of journalism.

This society includes editorial leaders of most major consumer magazines, whether they be print or digital extensions. They advocate on behalf of their member organizations with respect to First Amendment issues, and also serves as a networking hub for editors and other industry employees.

But, despite being an organization who aims to protect everyone, there are actually qualifications to a member. To be eligible for a membership into ASME, your organization must be employed by a print or digital magazine edited and distributed in the United States. This can include senior editors, art directors, and photography editors. 

There are also four different categories of membership. The chief editor, the editor, retired editor, and the ASME NEXT. Chief editors, editors, and retired editors are all entitled to all the privileges of ASME membership. ASME NEXT members are not eligible to vote in the ASME elections. 

The Society is regulated by a 16 member board of directors, which all serve two year terms. The directors can be selected for a second 2-year term if they have previously been elected into a position of power. Board elections are usually held during the first Wednesday in May at the AMSE Annual Meeting. The current chief executive of ASME is Sid Holt, and the director is Nina Fortuna. 

ASME strives to safeguard the First Amendment, support the development of journalism, and defend the editorial integrity of print and digital publications. 

ASME has sponsored the National Magazine Awards (also known as the Ellie Awards) since 1966, along with the Graduate Student of Journalism at Columbia University. The Ellie Awards honor print and and digital magazines that consistently demonstrate superior execution of editorial objectives innovative techniques, noteworthy journalistic enterprise, and imaginative art direction. 

They also give away awards to honor print magazines and websites for overall excellence in the publication of fiction. Their goal by doing this is to celebrate the historic like between fiction and magazine journalism. 

Not only has the ASME supported different organizations who also support the publication of different genres, but they also support the Government Affairs office at MPA -- The Association of Magazine Media.

MPA advocates on behalf of magazine editors on both the state and federal level in key legislative and regulatory areas, including shield laws, intellectual property, consumer protection, digital privacy, sustainability, postal reform, and advertising.