BEA’s Individual Membership
Connect with the people driving the future of media. BEA membership gives faculty and industry professionals access to a nationwide network, leading journals, conferences, hands-on learning, and year-round opportunities to collaborate, publish, and grow professionally.
Publish, Present, Connect.
We offer more than a membership.
Whether you’re teaching, researching, or working in the media industry, BEA membership helps you stay connected and ahead of what’s next. Gain access to exclusive resources, professional development, networking events, conferences, and a community committed to advancing media education.
Resources That Work for You.
Key Benefits of Membership
Professional Development
Enhance your skills with workshops, webinars, and conferences designed to advance your career.
Publications
BEA publishes three peer-reviewed journals, Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media (JOBEM), Journal of Radio & Audio (JRAM) and the Journal of Media Education (JoME). JoBEM is considered one of the leading publications in the Communication field.
Join up to four of BEA's 19 Interest Divisions
Each offer newsletters, paper competitions and networking for research, curriculum and job opportunities.
BEAi
The intelligent new home for BEA members. From research collaborators to insightful teaching tools, books on storytelling to JoME journal articles, convention participation to meeting minutes, grant opportunities to T&P guidelines. BEAi helps you find what you need instantly.
Discounted Rates
Discounted registration, sponsorship and advertising rates at the BEA annual convention (co-located with the NAB Show) in Las Vegas every April and other conferences and events. Only current BEA Individual faculty, Emeritus & Students members receive the discounted registration rate, not faculty of BEA Institutional Members.
Awards & Research
Showcase your work through BEA’s prestigious awards, research competitions, creative competitions, and grant opportunities designed to elevate your professional impact.
Membership Options
Your Professional Network Starts Here
Expand your professional network with BEA Individual Membership. In addition to the benefits above, members receive access to the BEA Membership Directory, a free Taylor & Francis online journal, and exclusive e-newsletters with the latest deadlines and event updates.
NOTE: All Memberships are based on the calendar year, January 1st through December 31st. Renewal process starts mid-September each year. Dues are not pro rated.
Faculty & Staff
Individual Membership- Full-time and adjunct faculty or academic staff at institutions in the United States.
Industry
Individual Membership- Industry professionals in the field of Media.
International
Individual Membership- Full-time faculty at institutions in a country outside the United States.
Emeritus
Individual Membership- Retired Professors over 65 years of age.
Join BEA Today!
Unlock the full potential of your media education career by becoming a member of BEA. Connect with peers, access exclusive resources, and stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of media. Sign up now and start benefiting from all that BEA has to offer.
FAQ
Who can become a BEA Individual Member and how do I join?
BEA Individual Membership is open to faculty and staff, international faculty, retired (Emeritus) faculty, and media industry professionals who support excellence in media education, research, and creative achievement. Annual membership fees vary based on membership type.
You may sign up for BEA Individual Membership by click here and selecting your desired membership type from the join options. Complete the associated form, submit payment, and you’re ready to go!
Can faculty outside the United States join?
Yes! BEA welcomes international members and provides year-round access to publications, virtual resources, and professional opportunities, regardless of where you teach.
What are the biggest benefits of joining?
BEA Individual Membership gives you opportunities to advance your scholarship and creative work through research grants, paper competitions, awards, and the Festival of Media Arts. Submit your research and creative work for peer review, gain valuable feedback and professional recognition, and compete for funding and awards that can strengthen your academic portfolio and support your professional growth.
BEA’s faculty creative competitions have specifically been positioned as a venue for juried peer review, while its research paper competitions use peer review and its Festival recognizes faculty creative work.
Do I have to attend the annual convention to benefit from membership?
Nope! Members receive valuable benefits year-round, including publications, networking opportunities, research resources, competitions, grants, and member communications.
What publications are included with membership?
Taylor & Francis FREE journal – (only available online). You must click here to register for your personal code and get access to the free journal online only. Contact Taylor and Francis Support directly if you need additional assistance accessing your free journal.
Does BEA offer grants or awards?
Yes. Members can apply for research grants and participate in numerous research and creative competitions, as well as awards recognizing excellence in scholarship, teaching, and service.
Research Awards/Grants and creative competitions:
Leibner Cooper Award
What's the difference between Individual and Institutional Membership?
Individual Membership is designed for faculty, international faculty, retired (Emeritus) faculty, and media industry professionals. It provides personal access to BEA member benefits, including discounted conference registration, publications, awards and grant opportunities, Interest Divisions, networking, and the Member Directory.
Institutional Membership is held by a college or university, not by individual faculty members. While it demonstrates an institution’s support for BEA and provides free student membership for all undergraduate students at the institution, faculty do not automatically receive Individual Member benefits or discounted member registration simply because their institution is a BEA Institutional Member. Faculty who want personal member benefits should purchase an Individual Membership.