The Jazz Journalists Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the best use of media of all kinds --new and old, online and off-- to tell the story of jazz and develop new jazz audiences. The JJA conducts online training programs for new and veteran journalists and has also produced mini-conferences, panel discussions, "critics clinics," book signings and social events at jazz festivals, educational institutions and performance venues. The JJA sustains a mentorship program for emerging jazz journalists as well as networking and individual consulting services for all members.
The JJA Jazz Awards, given annually since 1996, are awards for excellence in journalism as well as musicianship. Local "Jazz Hero" awards are also given to community jazz activists and local parties and meetups are held in many communities as part of the yearly Awards celebration.
In 2013, the JJA initiated JazzApril, a media project in support of Jazz Appreciation Month (April) and International Jazz Day (April 30). By participating, musicians, journalists and other media makers, businesses and organizations and educators can help spread the word about the social and cultural importance of jazz (and make it clear jazz is fun, too.)
Membership in the JJA is open to all: Writers, photographers, broadcasters, bloggers, videographers and others who cover jazz professionally are invited to join the JJA as Professional Journalist members who can nominate and vote for winners of the annual JJA Jazz Awards. All others concerned with overall media coverage of jazz and related topics, or with supporting the work of the JJA, are invited to join as Industry Associates. Companies, institutions and organizations can join as Supporters.
The JJA is a nonprofit 501.C 3 organization and donations are ordinarily tax deductible.
For the latest information about the JJA, its activities and its members, visit:
JJA News
