About National Journal Group

National Journal serves more than 1,000 government and business leaders with intelligence, insights, and tools they need to save time, increase efficiency, and increase effectiveness.

Known as one of the most trusted sources of information and exceptional journalism in Washington for nearly 50 years, National Journal’s specialists are unmatched in government affairs, advocacy communications and policy brands research.

Our Products

Network Science Initiative (NSI)

Na­tion­al Journ­al’s Net­work Sci­ence Ini­ti­at­ive (NSI) identifies key decision makers and those who influence them. NSI specifically examines the levels of influence and alignment of key stakeholders, identifies lesser known “quiet voices” that have unexpected influence, and maps how these influencers coalesce around policy proposals.

Using quantitative network-mapping data developed initially for counter-terrorism efforts, NSI effectively informs clients on how to best achieve their advocacy goals by targeting precise influencer networks.

Ballast Research

Ballast Research is a custom reputation management service that analyzes organizations’ strengths and influence in public policy through assessments from hundreds of senior federal and state policymakers. Operating as an independent division of Atlantic Media’s National Journal Group, Ballast advises corporations, trade associations, and nonprofit organizations on how to optimize their advocacy investments to become more effective at informing policy outcomes. As an independent division of Atlantic Media’s National Journal Group, Ballast studies a majority of Fortune 100 companies, the trade associations that represent them, and nonprofit advocacy organizations to determine which investments in federal and state advocacy are most effective at informing policy outcomes.

The firm’s annual surveys, interviews, and consulting work — based on the candid views and insights of senior federal and state policymakers — offer a wide array of data and insights that help organizations build, maintain, and strengthen their influence and effectiveness in public policy.

Leadership Council

National Journal’s Leadership Council works with government affairs and public policy organizations to help them be more efficient and effective. The Council’s researchers and experts provide government affairs and communications professionals with the solutions and tools they need to influence the policymakers that matter most.

Leadership Council Membership includes access to National Journal’s suite of trusted journalism including NJ Daily and Hotline; popular time-saving research tools including the Presentation Center, Washington Briefing, and The Almanac of American Politics; and strategic support resources.