ASNE Cancels 2009 Convention in Chicago

The American Society of Newspaper Editors has cancelled its 2009 convention that was scheduled to be held in Chicago, April 26-29, ASNE president Charlotte Hall announced today. Hall said ASNE’s leadership had “concluded that the challenges editors face at their newspapers demand their full attention.”

From the ASNE site:

Hall praised the considerable groundwork done by the Society’s Convention Program Committee. She said the committee “had put in place a robust agenda that promised to address critical issues faced by editors.” Also, Hall said that it had become clear that member attendance would have been significantly lower than normal because of the stress within the industry.

“Even though the learning opportunities at the convention would have been valuable, the greatest priority is leading our own newsrooms as we shape the future of the business,” Hall said.

This is only the second time since ASNE was founded that it has foregone holding a convention. ASNE also canceled its convention during the last critical days of World War II in 1945.

This year’s circumstances are quite different than in 1945, Hall said. “This is a uniquely stressful period in our business as we face both structural change and deep recession.”

She said ASNE’s 2010 Convention remains scheduled for April 11-14 in Washington.