Membership is in the name of the newspaper, and all employees of member newspapers have full membership rights and privileges. There are five different classes for membership. All membership applications must be approved by the executive committee. Active membership is limited to newspapers of general circulation issued in South Carolina and having periodical mailing permits. Active membership shall be held and recorded in the name of the newspaper and shall entitle the owner, publisher, editor, and any person actively engaged in the business to participate in the association meetings and activities.
Active membership entitles a newspaper to one vote.
Individual membership is limited to person who do not qualify as active members but whose past or present vocation lies in the field of journalism or the teaching of journalism. Memberships is social only and members do not have a vote. Associate members may include representatives of syndicates, trade journals, advertising and public relations firms, government agencies, and manufacturers and distributors of printing supplies and equipment. Collegiate membership is limited to publications staffed by the students affiliated with any accredited college or university located in South Carolina and who have met the further qualifications as specified by the Collegiate Division. Honorary members may be elected from time to time by vote of the Executive Committee.