ABOUT CPA
Local news.
Stronger together.
Since 1878, the Colorado Press Association has brought together the people and organizations behind Colorado journalism. We defend press freedom, help newsrooms meet today’s challenges and connect colleagues working to keep local news strong.
OUR PURPOSE
What we do for Colorado journalism
The Colorado Press Association is a nonprofit trade association serving Colorado’s print and digital news media. We advocate for press freedom and open government, connect journalists and publishers with one another and help news organizations build stronger, more sustainable operations.
Defend press freedom
Advocate for open government, public access and the rights journalists need to serve their communities.
Explore advocacy →Strengthen newsrooms
Connect colleagues, share practical knowledge and help news organizations navigate a changing industry.
Find support for newsrooms →Celebrate journalism
Recognize outstanding work and the people and organizations advancing journalism across Colorado.
Explore recognition programs →OUR WORK
How CPA puts its mission to work
Our work takes different forms, from helping advertisers reach Colorado communities to bringing news professionals together and making public information easier to find.
Colorado Audiences
Through Colorado Press Network, we help advertisers reach local audiences across Colorado through newspapers, digital publications, newsletters and other channels.
Explore Colorado Audiences →Local News Solutions
Produced with Colorado Media Project and COLab, Local News Solutions brings journalists, publishers and industry partners together to share ideas, develop skills and tackle the challenges facing local news.
Explore Local News Solutions →Public Notice Colorado
Our statewide public notice service makes notices published in Colorado newspapers searchable online, helping people find information about decisions affecting their communities.
Search public notices →Meet the CPA team
Terri Glassman
Director of Strategic Partnerships & Revenue
Advertising, sponsorship and newsroom partnership opportunities.
Our history
More than a century of standing together
Founded in 1878, CPA began as a network of newspaper professionals. As Colorado journalism has changed, so has the association, expanding its work in advocacy, professional development and support for news organizations.
1878: An association takes shape.
The early association was a gentlemen’s club for publishers, editors and writers, advancing members’ business interests and social relationships. Early challenges included low participation and the silver crash of the late 1800s. Its work later expanded to legal advocacy and professional development.
1900: A voice of its own.
In 1900, CPA launched its first newspaper, an official monthly called The Colorado Press, which later became The Colorado Editor.
1922: A broader mission.
Edwin Bemis, publisher of the Littleton Independent, became CPA’s president in 1922. He traveled Colorado to meet publishers and advocated advertising to support their newspapers. He created the Colorado Press Clipping Service, launched CPA’s first contest and led legal battles on behalf of newspapers. His ethics column addressed libel and race. He also made press credentials an association responsibility, transferring it from the secretary of state.
After Bemis retired in 1951, CPA continued the programs and practices he helped establish.
Continuing the work.
Today, CPA continues to serve Colorado’s news media outlets through advocacy for media rights and press freedom, professional development and support for sustainable news organizations.
Governance
CPA’s Board of Directors guides the association. Member leadership committees advise staff and make recommendations to the board. Learn who’s involved, how members can participate and who has helped lead CPA.
Let’s strengthen Colorado journalism together.
Whether you work in a newsroom, want to support local news or are looking to connect with Colorado audiences, we’d like to hear from you.