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<p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b>ABOUT TDNA</b></p>

<p class=MsoNormal> </p>

<p class=MsoNormal>On Jan. 24, 1921, fourteen men, representing sixteen Texas
daily newspapers, met in a hotel room in Waco and planted the seed that has
grown to become the Texas Daily Newspaper Association - the largest
single-state organization of its kind in the nation.</p>

<p class=MsoNormal>M.E. Foster, founder of the Houston Chronicle, was named
chairman and A.E. Clarkson of the Houston Post was named secretary.</p>

<p class=MsoNormal> </p>

<p class=MsoNormal>It was agreed that a permanent organization should be formed
and on March 10, 1921, at the Adolphus Hotel in Dallas, the Texas Newspaper
Publishers Association became a reality.</p>

<ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc>
 <li class=MsoNormal>The organization founders were:</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>Mr. Clarkson, who was named president;</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>Walter Dealey of the The Dallas Morning News, named vice
     president;</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>Robert H. Cornell, Houston Chronicle, named secretary-treasurer;</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>Kendall Brooks Cressey, Austin American-Statesman;</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>Tom C. Gooch, Dallas Times-Herald;</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>P.C. Edwards, Dallas Dispatch;</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>E.S. Fentress, Waco Tribune Herald;</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>B.B. Donnell, Wichita Falls Times;</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>Thomas E. Gaffney, Galveston Times;</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>Frank G. Huntress, San Antonio Express & Evening News;</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>Ward C. Mayborn, Houston Press;</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>Former Governor W.P. Hobby, The Beaumont Enterprise;</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>G.B. Dealey, The Dallas Morning News</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>C.E. Lombardi, The Galveston Daily News</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>W.H. Bagley, Fort Worth Record and Wichita Falls
     Record-News; and</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>G.J. Palmer, Special Commissioner, Houston.</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal> </li>
</ul>

<p class=MsoNormal>The motivating force for the organization was the growing
impact of the labor unions in the graphic arts industry.</p>

<p class=MsoNormal> </p>

<p class=MsoNormal>To manage the work of the TNPA, G.J. Palmer, formerly
general manager of The Houston Post, was retained, with the title of special
commissioner. The primary work of Mr. Palmer and the organization was
counseling publishers on negotiating labor contracts and giving cooperative
support to newspapers facing work disruptions.</p>

<p class=MsoNormal>The decades that followed saw the following highlights in
the TNPA/TDNA story, a story that defines the successes and the essentiality of
the association in establishing its hallmark:</p>

<p class=MsoNormal> </p>

<p class=MsoNormal><b>1921-1940</b></p>

<ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc>
 <li class=MsoNormal>Frank R. Ahlgren succeeded the late G.J. Palmer as special
     commissioner and the first office was opened in Houston.</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>TNPA and Southern Newspaper Publishers Association agreed
     to operate a joint office in Dallas, headed by Joseph G. Camp. The
     membership reached 41 papers.</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>Harry B. Adsit, who replaced Mr. Camp, served until
     November 1938 and was succeeded by C.W. Tabb.</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>TNPA played a major role in bringing about the
     construction of the Southland Paper Mill in Lufkin.</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>TNPA agreed to subsidize the Southwest School of Printing
     in Dallas. The school's main function was to train production personnel.</li>
</ul>

<p class=MsoNormal><b>1940-1950</b></p>

<ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc>
 <li class=MsoNormal>In the early 40s, the association considered merging with
     the Texas Press Association, but elected to maintain its separate
     identity.</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>In 1946 the association broadened its interest in the area
     of newspaper production by establishing a printing laboratory at Dallas; increasing the school of engraving facilities; conducting a study of the
     tele-typesetter; and supporting the reforestation work of the Texas
     Forestry Association.</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>In October 1949, the membership voted to change the
     organization's name to the Texas Daily Newspaper Association, effective
     February 1950.</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>Following the resignation of Harry Adsit, Mike Murray
     served as acting secretary of the association until the reorganization was
     completed in 1951.</li>
</ul>

<p class=MsoNormal><b>1950-1960</b></p>

<ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc>
 <li class=MsoNormal>TDNA canceled its agreement with the SNPA and became an
     autonomous association. In 1951 a general reorganization was approved, a
     new constitution and by-laws affirmed, and the headquarters moved to Houston. The membership stood at 33 papers.</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>June 1, 1952, John H. Murphy was named secretary-manager,
     with offices in the Milam Building next door to the Houston Chronicle.</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>By 1954, the membership had grown to 52 papers. A bulletin
     service was started and plans were initiated for an advertising sales
     promotion program.</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>The program began in 1955 and continuing market research
     was sponsored, which produced the "Texas Markets & Media"
     studies - the first data on the readership, brand preference and
     demographics of the Texas newspaper audience.</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>TDNA led in the work of moving the Southwest School of
     Printing from Dallas to Sam Houston University.</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>TDNA joined the Texas Circulation Managers Association in
     establishing the "Newspaper in Classroom" program.</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>Editorial and Advertising seminars were established, and
     the association's college student intern training program expanded, at one
     time placing 150 students and TDNA papers.</li>
</ul>

<p class=MsoNormal><b>1960-1970</b></p>

<ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc>
 <li class=MsoNormal>Membership had grown to 71 papers. Working relationships
     between the American Newspaper Publishers Association, the Bureau of
     Advertising and other organizations within the newspaper business and the
     TDNA were established.</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>For the first time since its founding, the association had
     a well-rounded program of activities: advertising sales promotion;
     editorial and advertising seminars; intern program; recruiting;
     information services; and, for the first time, moved into the area of
     legislation.</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>The association incorporated as a non-profit organization,
     with 73 member papers in Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma.</li>
</ul>

<p class=MsoNormal><b>1970-1980</b></p>

<ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc>
 <li class=MsoNormal>March 1971, the association celebrated its 50th
     anniversary, meeting in its birthplace - Dallas.</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>September 1973, the association held its first meeting on
     foreign soil, with 190 members attending at Guadalajara, Mexico.</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>TDNA and other Texas media undertook their first
     cooperative legislative effort, as a result of the "Sharpstown
     Scandal," to get the Texas Open Records Act enacted.</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>Supported by State Controller Bob Bullock and Speaker Bill
     Clayton, TDNA led the effort that resulted in the Legislature repealing
     the sales tax on newspapers.</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>TDNA and Texas Press Association joined in efforts that
     succeeded in getting laws enacted that protect news media from evidentiary
     searches and the right to take legal action against violations of the Open
     Meetings Law.</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>Public Utility Commission ruled in favor of TDNA against
     Southwestern Bell's application to enter electronic publishing in Austin.</li>
</ul>

<p class=MsoNormal><b>1980-1990</b></p>

<ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc>
 <li class=MsoNormal>In 1984, John Murphy announced his voluntary retirement as
     executive vice president, ending 32 years of service during which the
     membership grew from 33 to 93 member papers.</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>TDNA and TPA established a media law hotline staffed by
     the Austin law firm of Clark, Thomas, Winters, and Shapiro, and attorney
     Mary Joe Carroll.</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>In December 1984 Philip A. Berkebile, formerly general
     manager of the Nebraska Press Association, was named executive vice
     president of the organization.</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>In March 1985, TDNA headquarters moved from Houston to        Austin.</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>TDNA joined six other media organizations to form Texas
     Media, a coalition to represent news media in Freedom of Information
     matters.</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>Legislature again enacted laws allowing sales tax on
     newspapers, effective January 1984.</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>In 1987, after vigorous legislative efforts by TDNA and
     TPA, the Legislature repealed the sales tax on newspapers.</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>With relocation of TDNA offices to Austin, the association
     made legislative involvement a primary activity.</li>
</ul>

<p class=MsoNormal><b> </b></p>

<p class=MsoNormal><b>1990-2000</b></p>

<ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc>
 <li class=MsoNormal>The 90s began with the most intense and controversial
     legislative proposals the Texas newspaper business had faced in all of its
     prior years. Fortunately, by relocating the headquarters to Austin, the association was "on the grounds" and performed with traditional
     effectiveness.</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>The first issue was a bill that proposed the imposition of
     severe restrictions and fees governing the recycling of newsprint and
     other products used in the production of newspapers. The same legislature
     considered a bill to renew the sales tax on newspapers. Both were
     defeated.</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>In 1993 a Senate bill, supported by Southwestern Bell
     Telephone Company and related allies, proposed the deregulation of the
     telephone company and the fast-moving telecommunications industry. If it
     had ecome law, the bill would have given SW Bell virtually a blank check
     and unlimited freedom to enter the electronic publishing field, free of
     Public Utility Commission's regulation of rates, profits or area of services.</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>May 1995, House bill 2128 - the so-called
     Telecommunications Bill - was passed by the legislature, limiting SW Bell's delivery of electronic information and keeping it under control by the PUC.
     During the prior two years TDNA and TPA, at high cost in money, time and
     effort, battled SW Bell and its allies, striving to protect not just the
     interest of newspapers but also consumers, competitive phone companies and
     others who would have been severely affected if SW Bell had achieved its
     goal.  This legislative session also revamped the Texas Open Records
     act to include "information" in an electronic medium and
     established uniform costs for that information not to exceed "actual
     costs."  The Act's name was also changed to the Texas Public
     Information Act.</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>Following the demise of Texas Media after internal
     disagreements before the 1995 session, TDNA and TPA formed the Legislative
     Advisory Committee to consider legislation important to the newspaper
     industry. Tony Pederson of the Houston Chronicle was the first chairman.</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>In 1997 over 300 individual pieces of legislation sought
     to affect the newspaper industry.  Dolph Tillotson, <i>Galveston
     Daily News</i> Publisher, was named chairman of the Legislative Advisory Committee. 
     House bill 951 was passed to clarify technical corrections in the Public
     Information Act.  The bill also established e-mail requests for
     public information as valid requests.</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>During the 1999 legislative session two major pieces of
     open government legislation passed.  House bill 156 revoked an often used
     loophole in the Texas Open Meetings Act that allowed governmental bodies
     to meet behind closed doors when receiving comments from
     "staff."  Also, Senate bill 1851 established a public
     information sign to be posted by governmental bodies that informs requestors
     of their rights under the law.   The bill also shortened the time
     period for requests of Attorney General's opinions.  In short, the
     bill made the Act more user-friendly.</li>
</ul>

<p class=MsoNormal><b>2000-Today</b></p>

<ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc>
 <li class=MsoNormal>During the 77th Legislature in 2001, TDNA and TPA closely
     followed about 200 bills. It was a successful session, with TDNA/TPA
     helping defeat bills that would move public notice to the internet and
     close records from public scrutiny. With <i>Bryan-College Station Eagle</i>
     Publisher Donnis Baggett chairing the LAC, TDNA/TPA also helped pass HB
     371, which extends the Open Meetings Act to community action agencies and
     HB 1544, which clarifies access to motor vehicle records and helped settle
     litigation over these records. During the session, TDNA also resolved a
     situation with the Comptroller?s office that could have resulted in
     newspapers having to charge sales tax for ads that are placed on the
     internet. As a result of meetings between the Comptroller and TDNA members
     and staff, a ruling was issued that clarifies all advertising is exempt
     from taxation whether it is online or in the newspaper.</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>In 2003, TDNA/TPA worked on 157 bills during the 78<sup>th</sup>
     regular session, opposing 91 of those. The organizations won on the vast
     majority of those bills, either derailing them or having them amended.
     Four special sessions followed the regular session as lawmakers fought
     over congressional redistricting being pushed by Republican Congressman
     Tom DeLay. During the first session, TDNA successfully derailed a proposal
     to make the governor?s working papers confidential. During the fourth
     special session, which mainly addressed budget and school finance issues,
     a proposal to tax circulation and insert printing was defeated.</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>TDNA and TPA joined with the Texas Broadcasters
     Association on a legislative initiative for the first time since the
     demise of Texas Media when the 79<sup>th</sup> Legislature convened in
     2005. The initiative was a shield bill for journalists, renamed the Free
     Flow of Information Act. Texas newspapers had traditionally opposed a
     shield bill but a changing legal climate convinced LAC members that the
     time was right to try to pass a new law to protect sources and notes from
     subpoena. Due to a late start, the bill did not pass but progress was
     made. A new business tax was passed by the Legislature in a 2006 special
     session and Texas newspapers, taking a position that they just wanted
     equal treatment, began paying the ?margins tax? in 2007.   </li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>In December 2005, Philip A. Berkebile retired as executive
     vice president of the organization. Ken Whalen, who began at TDNA as
     legislative director in 2000, was appointed the third executive vice
     president since the 1950s. </li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>Further progress was made on passing the Free Flow of
     Information Act during the 80<sup>th</sup> Legislature in 2007, with the
     bill passing the Senate by a 27-4 margin only to be killed on a
     legislative technicality in the waning days of the session. A proposal
     championed by the <i>Dallas Morning News</i> and TDNA/TPA to amend
     constitution to require record votes on all bills was approved by the
     Legislature, and by voters that fall. The LAC considered some 300 bills
     and had its usual high success rate in supporting and opposing
     legislation. An initiative to move public notices to a state-contracted
     website was killed in a House committee. Fred Hartman of Hartman
     Newspapers was LAC chairman. </li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>At the end of 2008, Darla Thompson retired from TDNA after
     23 years of service, the last five as Director of Member Services. Cyndi
     Brown was hired as Member Services Director in September 2008.</li>
 <li class=MsoNormal>TDNA is currently technology focused and continues to
     embrace new educational ideas and delivery methods for its members.</li>
</ul>

<p class=MsoNormal> </p>

<p class=MsoNormal> </p>

<p class=MsoNormal>Since its inception TDNA has been dedicated to fulfilling
its creed - Service and Leadership - not only for newspapers, but in the best
interest of the people of Texas.</p>

<p class=MsoNormal> </p>

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