Its members are the top-level editors of daily and weekly newspapers and news services, as well as journalism educators. The society was founded in 1983 by a group of editors who saw the need for a year-round effort in dealing with freedom of information, ethics, journalism education and other industry issues. The idea of CSNE germinated at the Stanford Editors Conference, which was held annually in Palo Alto for 43 years with co-sponsorship by the California Newspaper Publishers Association. Members come together each year at the annual convention, held in the spring and alternating between Southern and Northern California. The agenda of panels and speakers is geared to breaking news events and trends in the state.
Active participation is encouraged.
Each conference also includes a CSNE business meeting and smaller critique sessions that allow for more individualized discussion. Throughout the year, letters from the board president keep members up to date on the society's activities. CSNE officers and members direct a major portion of their energies toward freedom of information, journalism education and ethics issues as well as sponsoring programs for professional training and development. CJO includes a journalism job bank and the Journalist's Toolbox, two links that continue to grow in popularity and notoriety. Training and staff development programs are offered several times a year.