American Society of Magazine Editors' National Magazine Awards The National Magazine Awards , the Oscars of the magazine industry, are sponsored by the American Society of Magazine Editors and administered by the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. The American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) is a non-profit professional organization for editors of consumer magazines edited, published and sold in the U.S, as well as the editors of online magazines. Established in 1963, ASME currently has about 900 members nationwide. Among other things, ASME provides an opportunity for magazine editors to network with their peers. ASME works to preserve editorial independence and speaks out on public policy issues, particularly those pertaining to the First Amendment.