National Press Club member Wesley G. Pippert told the annual meeting Oct. 10 that visitors must adhere to its press-freedom ideals. "If you rent rooms here, it's open to the press," he said.
 Pippert |
Pippert retired in 2012 after a 30-year career with UPI. His last station was senior Middle East correspondent based in Jerusalem. He directed the Washington, D.C. program of the Missouri School of Journalism from 1989-2012.
Washington Post columnist Dana Milbank blasted NPC for allowing use of its facilities for a meeting Oct. 8 of government contractors and government officials that barred press coverage although the press had been sent a release about the meeting.
Robert Ford, former ambassador to Syria, and Caitlin Heyden, spokeswoman for the National Security Council, were at the meeting sponsored by the International Stability Operations Assn.
Milbank said that if such meetings are to be held, they should take place at “a Marriott ballroom” and not NPC.
A committee is now studying what the future policy should be, the annual meeting was told by Myron Belkind, president.
Members Vote Dues Increase
Members approved an increase in dues of $1 per month for all membership categories except spouse, student, intern and retired. Members over 35 have been paying $596 yearly while PR and service people paid $744.
Treasurer Tommy Burr said the two percent dues increase was modest compared to the expected six percent rise in expenses.
He said NPC is on “solid financial footing.”
It has experienced “ups and downs” financially this year, Burr said. It took in a record $1.44 million in June. But July and August were different, with $180,000 and $300,000 losses, respectively, he said.
NPC made a profit of more than $300,000 this year and has $2.11 million in reserves and cash, he said. It has no long-term debt, $145,000 in short-term debt and is on track to meet budget goals.
“Having a successful business side has helped us continue our mission of being the world’s leading professional organization for journalists,” Burr said.
Club Membership Secretary Marc Wojno reported that total Club membership is 3,173, which is 19 more members than this time last year but 53 fewer than in January.
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