For nearly 60 years, the Illinois News Broadcasters Association has been a strong voice for electronic journalists in Illinois. Times have changed, but generations later, INBA’s mission remains the same. Founded in 1955 by news professionals from across the state, INBA continues to take an active role in educating, defending, and promoting fellowship among those in our industry. INBA also plays an important role in preparing the next generation of electronic journalists for this complex and ever-changing business.
Your support of INBA allows the organization to continue to offer its members many benefits. Here are a few of them:
- A monthly newsletter, tuneIN, which includes updates on INBA activities, industry news, and alerts about critical issues affecting electronic journalists in Illinois.
- Our Freedom of Information/Open Meetings Committee tracks and, when necessary, fights FOIA and OMA violations.
- The Legislation Committee monitors bills that affect our industry as they are introduced.
- INBA, with assistance from the IBA, funds the free-to-members FOIA/OMA hotline. Members may call Springfield attorney Don Craven for advice on Freedom of Information Act or Open Meetings Act issues.
- INBA.net provides several resources like The JobFile and communication tools.
- You’ll make fewer mistakes with our Pronunciation Guide to Illinois Place Names.
- Twice-annual conventions and professional development seminars offer sessions to help us improve our skills. The INBA Crystal Mic Awards are given at our fall convention.
- INBA has awarded the Illinoisan of the Year Award since 1959, with past presidents selecting each year’s winner.
- We’ve awarded more than 200 scholarships totaling more than $190,000 since the first one was given to Alan Morris in 1963. Scholarships now are funded through the INBA Foundation, formed in 2003 as a 501(c)(3) organization.
- Students at six universities have formed Students-in-the-INBA chapters, and participate in the annual SINBA Awards competition given at the spring convention.
- Professionals in INBA offer mentoring and critique services to students.
- INBA established a 12-point Code of Ethics as guidance for all members.
- There is a discount on dues for newsrooms that sign up five or more members.
