Co-operative Press members vote to change membership structure

Members of Co-operative Press, publishers of Co-operative News, have voted to change the co-operative’s membership structure.

Currently, individuals and organisations can become members after the purchase of a £10 share. But, following a recommendation by the board of directors, members overwhelmingly approved a change on 17th June that requires members to also purchase a subscription.

At a special general meeting in Wakefield, Elaine Dean, chair of Co-operative Press, said: “Previously you did not have to be a reader to be a member, and vice-versa. This change is part of our membership strategy to ensure the Press is fully linked to its members.

“We want the Press to be a fully member-led co-operative. Our readers should be our members, and those members should have the chance to help shape the editorial content and strategic direction.”

Later this year, following approval of the rules from the Financial Conduct Authority, a new membership subscription will be launched by Co-operative News. A base subscription level will include a digital subscription, while the printed magazine will be an optional extra.

Anthony Murray, executive editor of the News, added: “It will now be more meaningful to be a subscriber member of Co-operative News. We want our members to have an active say in all that we do. Towards the end of the year, we will be launching a number of initiatives to ensure we are member-led.

“We also believe that strength is in numbers and with an increase in the number of voices supporting the Press from around the world, we can be better at what we do.”

Tell us your name and email address to find out more about the membership scheme:

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• Click here to find out more about the membership changes.
• Full coverage from Co-operative Congress 2016