The National Press Club: Your Press Club
"The sanctum sanctorum of American journalists…It's the Westminster Hall, it's Delphi, it's Mecca, the wailing wall (for) everyone in this country having to do with the news business; the only hallowed place I know of that's absolutely bursting with irreverence."
—Eric Sevareid, Former CBS Commentator
Speaking about the National Press Club
"It's got a grand tradition. Ever since I was a kid deciding to become a reporter at age 16 I have wanted to be able to belong to the National Press Club. Now that I've joined I feel like I've arrived."
—Alison Bethel
Executive Editor
Legal Times
"There are so many great things about the Club: It's a magnet for events where news happens. Plus it ensures I never have to worry about a decent place to take a source to lunch or hold a meeting, or use a weight room and fitness center without having to stand in line."
—Clarence Page, nationally syndicated columnist and Chicago Tribune editorial board member
The National Press Club was founded in March 1908 to promote free press and provide benefits to journalists. Today the club boasts membership of nearly 4,000, from bureau chiefs to cub reporters, from journalism professors to first-year students. In addition, the club includes public relations professionals and others who deal with the media on a regular basis. We have members in all 50 states and overseas.
The NPC has a lot to offer, whether you live and work in the D.C. Metropolitan Area or elsewhere.
Career Enhancement
- Let the staff of the Eric Friedheim Library assist you with your research
- Use your NPC Directory of Membership to contact colleagues
- Get involved and meet other members via the NPC's 30 committees covering areas such as Professional Affairs, Book and Author, and Communications and Marketing.
- Enhance your computer skills for less at classes in the Eric Friedheim Library; topics include Computer-Assisted Research and Reporting, and Web Writing and Editing
- Network with other members at the Reliable Source Lounge
Resident Member Benefits
Professional Opportunities
- Attend VIP receptions and get one-on-one access to NPC Luncheon speakers
- Be one of the reporters on the dais for an NPC Luncheon
- Get access to 'Members Only' NPC Newsmakers events with guest speakers
- Be involved in NPC professional development activities; recent events include Book Promotion 101, A Look into the GAO, Political Profiling and Blogging for Beginners
- Stay on top of technology by attending the NPC's tech events, such as the Future of Electronic Government, and Technology and Terrorism.
- Join our Young Members Committee for its intimate 'Breakfast of Champions' series, featuring journalism luminaries such as Tom Brokaw, Helen Thomas and former Washington Post columnist Bob Levey
- Take advantage of the NPC's reciprocal agreements with 50 clubs around the country and the world — including some with overnight accommodations)
Discounts
- Join the State Department Federal Credit Union, open to all NPC members, and take advantage of their quality financial services and competitive rates
- Purchase discount tickets for NPC Luncheons, one of the most prestigious and influential news venues in the United States
- Not able to attend a luncheon? Get a free transcript or join in via streaming video, both free to NPC members
- Take advantage of deals on NPC Book and Author Events
- Benefit from special pricing on room rentals at the NPC
- Shape up with discounted health club dues at all Washington Sports Clubs
- Take advantage of long-term care insurance offered to NPC members
Outstanding Social Events
- Take part in NPC Wine Dinners and other social events
- Join the Travel Committee on regional, national and international trips. Recent events and/or destinations have included Hershey, Pa., the Preakness in Baltimore, a tour of wineries in Virginia and theater in New York, as well as San Juan, Prague, Vienna and Northern Spain.
- Run or walk in the annual NPC 5K (3 miles) — get the chance to win great prizes and support the Ellen Persina Scholarship Fund, which provides college scholarships for minority students who aspire to careers in journalism.
- Join us every morning in the Reliable Source for a complimentary breakfast buffet and each Friday evening for the free taco buffet
- Work out in the NPC Fitness Center
- Entertain at The Fourth Estate, The NPC's fine dining restaurant
Non-Resident Member Benefits
Think there's no benefit to joining the NPC unless you're in Washington, DC? Think again!
Career Enhancement
- Network with colleagues you find in the NPC Membership Directory
- Enhance your resume with an NPC membership, which instantly sets you apart from the other candidates
Resources to help you work smarter, not harder
- Let the staff of the Eric Friedheim Library assist you with your research over the phone and via e-mail
- Submit questions for luncheon speakers in advance, via the NPC website
- Watch streaming video of any NPC luncheon on the website — a free benefit offered only to members
- Download transcripts of NPC events for free from the NPC website
Other Benefits
- Join the State Department Federal Credit Union, open to all NPC members, and take advantage of their quality financial services and competitive rates
- Discount rates on a number of health insurance options
Make the NPC your home base when you're in Washington, DC
- Small, comfortable seating areas where you can work
- Lounge to meet with colleagues and sources
- Computers with Internet access
- Full library
- Media wall of televisions to keep up on breaking news
- Casual and affordable meals at The Reliable Source
Other amenities to make your stay enjoyable
- Fine dining at The Fourth Estate Restaurant
- Fitness center
Let the NPC Help You When You're Traveling
- Take advantage of the NPC's reciprocal agreements with 50 press clubs around the country and the world - including many with overnight accommodations
- The Eric Friedheim Library research staff is always just a phone call or e-mail away
- With members all over the country and the world, you've always got a local contact, wherever you are