I was a member and got it for insurance purposes. The insurance they offer is priced on the steep side. During my time with them I didn't get any hits for work. Their monthly magazine was nice but that's about it.
I'm a member for four years or so, but not sure why...guess from my past stringer days. It brought a few calls a year. But being a stringer is more or less zero or neg money...lost money every time out. For some reason, I keep paying, the magazine is good. As for your situation, can't say if it is worth it or not...if you do a lot of newspaper stuff, then it is more important, if for no other reason, than to support thier lobby efforts and the industry in general...which is a pretty reason in and of itself.
I'm a member (in fact I just renewed for my second year). I joined because since I'm a freelance photog if I end up with any legal trouble they have a legal fund to help, they give discounts for various kinds of insurance, and also discounts on other items.
