American Society of Magazine Editors

American Society of Magazine Editors
source
Name	American Society of Magazine Editors
Founded	0 1963
Location	New York City, New York, U.S.
Key people	Sidney Holt (founding president)
Focus	Magazine journalism, editorial excellence
Website	https://www.magazine.org/asme

American Society of Magazine Editors. It is a professional organization founded in 1963 dedicated to promoting editorial excellence and defending the First Amendment rights of magazine journalists. Based in New York City, it operates under the umbrella of the MPA – The Association of Magazine Media and is best known for administering the prestigious National Magazine Awards. The society's membership comprises the editorial leaders of many of the nation's most prominent print and digital publications, and it plays a central role in setting ethical standards and celebrating achievement within the industry.

History and founding

The organization was established in 1963 by a group of prominent editors, including founding president Sidney Holt of Popular Mechanics, who sought to create a unified voice for the editorial side of the magazine industry. Its formation was a response to the growing influence of the Magazine Publishers Association on the business side, aiming to ensure editorial integrity and independence were formally represented. A landmark early achievement was assuming administration of the National Magazine Awards in 1966, an awards program originally conceived by the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. Throughout the late 20th century, its membership expanded to include leaders from major titles like *Time*, The New Yorker, and Newsweek, solidifying its role during pivotal moments in publishing history, such as the Pentagon Papers and the rise of investigative reporting exemplified by Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein.

Mission and activities

Its core mission is to champion editorial independence, advocate for the protections of the First Amendment, and uphold rigorous ethical standards in magazine journalism. A principal activity is the annual presentation of the National Magazine Awards, often called the "Ellies" after the Alexander Calder-designed elephant sculpture trophy, which honor print and digital excellence across categories like Feature Writing, Public Interest, and Design. The society also publishes guidelines, such as its "Best Practices for Digital Media," and convenes conferences and roundtables on critical issues facing the industry, from navigating the digital transition to addressing challenges related to artificial intelligence and social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.

ASME Next Awards

In 2018, the society launched the ASME Next Awards to specifically honor and support the work of journalists and editors under the age of 30. These awards recognize exceptional talent in digital storytelling, visual journalism, and editorial leadership at the early-career stage, with categories including Best Service Journalism and Best Editorial Package. Winners are often affiliated with a diverse array of outlets, from legacy publications like The Atlantic and *National Geographic* to digital-native brands such as Vox and The Verge. The program includes mentorship opportunities and is sponsored by major industry players like the Hearst Corporation and Condé Nast.

Magazine Editors' Hall of Fame

The Magazine Editors' Hall of Fame was established to permanently honor individuals whose careers have profoundly shaped the magazine profession. Inductees are selected for their visionary leadership, enduring influence on their publications, and contributions to the craft of editing. The inaugural class in 2010 included legendary figures such as Harold Ross of The New Yorker, Henry Luce of *Time*, and Helen Gurley Brown of *Cosmopolitan*. Subsequent inductees have spanned the industry, honoring editors from Sports Illustrated, *Ebony*, The New York Times Magazine, and Rolling Stone, celebrating a legacy of innovation from the era of *Life* to the digital age.

Criticism and controversies

The organization has faced criticism, particularly regarding the transparency and judging criteria of the National Magazine Awards, with some detractors arguing the process can favor large, well-resourced media conglomerates like Condé Nast or Hearst Corporation over smaller independent publications. It has also navigated debates over ethical boundaries, especially during periods of intense industry consolidation and the blending of editorial and advertising content, issues highlighted by observers like the Columbia Journalism Review. Furthermore, its historical membership demographics and award outcomes have prompted discussions about diversity, equity, and inclusion within the upper echelons of magazine media, leading to internal initiatives to address these systemic challenges.

Leadership and organization

The society is governed by a board of directors composed of sitting editors-in-chief and editorial directors from leading member publications, which historically have included titles like *Vanity Fair*, Bloomberg Businessweek, and The New Yorker. Day-to-day operations are managed by an executive director, and the organization maintains a close working relationship with its parent organization, the MPA – The Association of Magazine Media. Its membership is structured around committees focused on awards, programming, and advocacy, and it regularly collaborates with other journalistic institutions such as the American Society of News Editors and the Pulitzer Prize board.

Category:Journalism organizations in the United States Category:Magazine publishing in the United States Category:Professional associations based in New York City Category:Organizations established in 1963