Founded in 1955 as The Newspaper Comics Council, the organization changed its name to The Newspaper Features Council in 1985 when it expanded its membership to include columnists in addition to newspaper cartoonists. After 1985, its members included editorial cartoonists and columnists, newspaper executives, and syndicate executives. Before closing its doors in 2002 due to relatively low membership and declining member turnout for its meetings, The NFC was a not-for-profit organization which relied on membership dues to keep its operation running. Most major syndicates were members of and involved with the NFC. It provided a forum where members could discuss concerns in the industry, exchange information, and plan and implement projects to support syndicated features. The NFC was involved in the Cartoonists For Literacy program, where member cartoonists promoted literacy through the use of comics. The NFC also created "Your Career In Comics," a book which introduces the reader to the comics industry. They held meetings and seminars for the benefit and promotion of syndicated cartoons. One of the founding members and advocates for the NFC was Milton Caniff, best known for his comic strips "Terry and the Pirates" and "Steve Canyon." Mort Walker, creator of "Beetle Bailey", was also heavily involved in The NFC.
From the guide to the Newspaper Feature Council Records, 1960s-1995, (The Ohio State University Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum)
