BLACK mobile logo

california

community

A “New Direction”: West Coast Black News Publisher, Dr. John Warren, Elected Board Chair of NNPA

July 7, 2025

Dr. John Warren of the San Diego Voice & Viewpoint was elected as the new leader of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) at their annual convention in Savannah, Georgia, becoming only the third West Coast representative to head the 85-year-old organization. Warren plans to revitalize the NNPA by focusing on regional engagement, bringing back members who have distanced themselves, and making the organization more inclusive rather than "closed and selective. " At the same convention, the Sacramento Observer received the conference's highest honor with the most cumulative points across award categories, while the Los Angeles Sentinel earned three recognitions.

Who is affected

  • NNPA's 230+ African American-owned newspapers and media companies across the United States
  • NNPA members who have "pulled away over the years"
  • Black readers and audiences who rely on these publications
  • The Sacramento Observer and Los Angeles Sentinel (as award recipients)
  • The new NNPA board of directors elected alongside Warren

What action is being taken

  • Warren is assuming leadership of the NNPA with plans to "reinvigorate" the organization
  • The NNPA is organizing major training sessions for the new board of directors
  • The organization is conducting a comprehensive review of priorities, operations, budgets, finance, and programs
  • Warren is working to make the NNPA more inclusive by "opening the organization to all members"
  • Black Press outlets are continuing to transition from print to digital while maintaining their mission

Why it matters

  • The NNPA represents over 230 African American-owned media companies that are vital for covering and centering Black stories
  • There is a perception that the NNPA has been "a closed and selective network" that only serves some members' needs
  • The Black Press has a historic tradition dating back almost 200 years to 1827 with Freedom's Journal
  • These publications "inform and educate" readers on issues important to Black communities
  • The sustainability of Black-owned media is crucial as they navigate the transition from print to digital formats

What's next

  • Warren plans to review the organization's priorities and operations
  • He intends to bring back members who have distanced themselves from the organization
  • The new board will organize major training sessions before beginning their work
  • Warren will focus on helping NNPA members transition from print to digital formats
  • The organization will seek ways to bring more resources and dollars to their sector through innovation and public policy

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint