Society for News Design

Society for News Design
Name	Society for News Design
Founded	0 1979
Type	Professional association
Focus	Visual journalism, newspaper design, digital media
Area served	Worldwide

Society for News Design. The Society for News Design is an international professional organization dedicated to advancing the standards of visual journalism across print and digital platforms. Founded in the late 1970s, it brings together graphic designers, art directors, editors, and photographers from news organizations worldwide. The society is best known for its prestigious annual competition, The Best of Newspaper Design, and its influential publications that document trends and excellence in the field. Through workshops, conferences, and its affiliated foundation, it fosters innovation and education in news presentation and storytelling.

History

The organization was established in 1979 by a group of prominent newspaper designers, including individuals from institutions like The Providence Journal and The Boston Globe, during a period of significant innovation in the industry. Its formation coincided with the widespread adoption of offset printing and the rise of USA Today, which emphasized bold graphics and color. Early meetings and workshops, often held in conjunction with events like the American Press Institute, helped solidify a community of practice. Over the decades, it expanded its focus from primarily broadsheet and tabloid layout to encompass the digital revolution, addressing the design challenges of online journalism and mobile applications.

Mission and activities

The core mission is to promote excellence in visual storytelling and to support the professionals who create it. Key activities include organizing the annual SND Workshop & Exhibition, a major conference featuring speakers from leading organizations like The New York Times, National Geographic, and The Guardian. The society also facilitates regional workshops and critique sessions, provides online resources, and advocates for the strategic role of design within newsrooms. It actively addresses evolving industry issues, such as the integration of data visualization and the ethical presentation of information during major events like U.S. presidential elections or global crises.

The Best of Newspaper Design competition

This annual contest, launched in 1980, is the organization's flagship program, recognizing outstanding achievement in news design from around the globe. Entries are judged by panels of experts from publications such as The Washington Post, Die Zeit, and South China Morning Post. The competition categories have evolved from print-focused sections like Front Page and Feature layout to include digital categories for interactive graphics, news websites, and social media storytelling. Winning entries are archived and published in the annual "The Best of Newspaper Design" book, which serves as a definitive industry reference. The associated awards ceremony is a highlight of the annual conference.

SND Foundation

The SND Foundation is a separate charitable entity established to support educational initiatives and research in visual journalism. It funds scholarships for students attending institutions like the University of Missouri or Syracuse University, and grants for professionals to attend workshops. The foundation also commissions research on topics such as readership and design effectiveness, often in partnership with academic bodies like the Poynter Institute. Its programs aim to nurture the next generation of designers and ensure the continued vitality and ethical standards of the profession amid industry changes.

Publications

Beyond the annual competition book, the organization has historically published influential resources for practitioners. This included a regular magazine, which featured interviews with art directors from outlets like Newsweek and The Los Angeles Times, and case studies on covering events like the Olympic Games. It has also produced technical manuals and white papers on topics ranging from typography standards to digital design systems. These publications have been distributed internationally, influencing newsroom practices at organizations from Asahi Shimbun in Japan to The Star in South Africa.

Leadership and membership

Leadership is provided by an elected board of directors, comprising professionals from major media companies, smaller regional papers, and digital-only outlets. Past presidents and board members have included influential figures from The Chicago Tribune, The Dallas Morning News, and Reuters. Membership is global, open to individuals involved in visual journalism, including professionals from BBC News, The Associated Press, and Al Jazeera, as well as educators and students. The society operates through various committees focused on areas like competitions, digital media, and professional development.

Category:Journalism organizations Category:Design organizations Category:Professional associations based in the United States