American Journalism Historians Association

• The American Journalism Historians Association (ajhaonline.org), or AJHA, is committed to the study and analysis of the history of mass communication. Founded in 1981, some of AJHA's duties include encouraging schools to place more media history classes in their curriculum and the publication of American Journalism, a quarterly journalism magazine. The AJHA meets annually, usually in the fall; this convention features keynote speakers and exhibits relating to journalism history.
  
  

Society of Professional Journalists

• One of the oldest U.S. journalism associations is the Society of Professional Journalists (spj.org); the Society was founded in 1909 at Depauw University and was originally named Sigma Delta Chi. The primary mission of the SPJ is the defense of the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment, which protects the freedom of speech. Other missions include the encouragement of journalistic diversity and ethical journalistic behavior. The American Reporter, a journalism-themed publication, was founded by members of the SPJ; the paper is not affiliated with the SPJ, though.
  
  

American Society of Journalists and Authors

• Originally the Society of Magazine Writers, the American Society of Journalists and Authors, or ASJA, was founded in 1948 and currently has over 1,400 freelance writers in the journalism field. Most of the members are writers for magazines, non-fiction books and trade books. Some of ASJA's primary objectives are mentoring aspiring writers and posting jobs for freelance writers on its Freelance Writer's Search website. ASJA also published two books, Tools of the Writer's Trade and the ASJA Guide to Freelance Writing.
  
  

Radio Television Digital News Association

• Founded in 1946, the Radio Television Digital News Association, or RTDNA, is one of oldest U.S. journalism organizations for professionals in the broadcast media field, which includes workers in radio, television and Internet media. As of March 2011, the RTDNA has more than 3,000 members, which includes television station directors, television media educators, news reporters and communication students. One of the most prestigious electronic media awards is RTDNA's Edward R. Murrow Award, an award given annually to a broadcast professional.
  
  

Asian American Journalists Association

• Based in San Francisco, the Asian American Journalists Association, or AAJA, represents Asian-American professionals in the broadcast media field. Asian and Pacific Islander media professionals founded the non-profit organization in 1981 to give them a stronger presence in the U.S. broadcast industry. Currently, the AAJA has about 1,400 members and chapters in New York City, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and Chicago. Some of AAJA's objectives are to provide a support base for Asian-American and Pacific Islander journalists and to hold news organizations accountable for accurately reporting Asian-related news.