College media Business & Advertising Managers
MISSION & HISTORYOur Mission
College Media Business and Advertising Managers is an essential community that supports the business operations of student media to ensure independent student journalism is relevant and sustainable.
We develop our member organizations and the people within them through innovative training programs, events, and networking opportunities. We provide resources through membership engagement and establish and follow industry standards.
We recognize the success of our members and the individuals that innovate and impact the crucial business operations of college media programs.
OUR HISTORY
College Newspaper Business and Advertising Managers began in 1972 with a small group of schools meeting in Chicago each spring to share their knowledge of the college newspaper business. Since its inception, the CNBAM annual convention has welcomed and aimed to assist both students and advisers involved in the business and advertising operations of student newspapers. After eight years in Chicago, with membership growing, in 1980 the annual conference was held in New Orleans. From then on, the convention has moved around the country; from San Diego to Boston, Seattle to Miami, San Antonio to Minneapolis, and almost everywhere in between, the growing convention has moved around the country to accommodate and attract new newspapers.
In 1982, CNBAM incorporated in Texas as a 501(c)(6) nonprofit. In 2020, the Board of Directors dissolved College Newspapers and Advertising Managers in Texas and formed the new nonprofit College Media Business and Advertising Managers as a 501(c)(3) in Minnesota.
CMBAM teaches and trains its members through sessions led by national industry experts, newspaper & advertising industry professionals, and students & advisers from CMBAM member newspapers both in-person and online. Members also share information and idea exploration throughout the year, CMBAM publishes an online newsletter, hosts this website, and maintains an active email discussion list.
CMBAM runs the premier national awards competition for excellence in business and advertising operations; the prestigious awards presentation is the culmination of each academic year.
The organization is run by an all-volunteer Board of students and advisers from member newspapers who serve staggered terms. People from more than 75 college media groups have served on the CMBAM Board through the organization’s history.