The Latvian Association of Journalists was established on November 24, 2010 by 56 founding members.

The main goals of the association are to improve the professional environment of journalists, to defend freedom of speech and press, to facilitate discussions about professional and ethical problems, to defend the professional, economic and social rights of journalists, to develop and improve mass media laws, to take care of the professional training and development of members, and to help journalists to engage in lifelong learning.

The everyday work of the LŽA is overseen by a board of seven members who are elected at general meetings of members.

The LŽA has an Ethics Commission that is elected at general meetings of members.

The LŽA currently has 129 members who represent newspapers, magazines, radio and TV stations and the Internet media.  Some members are faculty members at universities.