PRESS RELEASE

21 May 2013

Innovation prize launched to stimulate newbusiness models for local media

Co-operatives UK, the trade association for co-operative businesses, has today launched a new innovation prize to stimulate new ownership models for local media.

The prize, Creating Innovation Together, is the first in a series of prizes aimed at encouraging people to explore co-operative models in new business areas.

With a focus in this first instance in recognising and inspiring new sustainable business models for local news and media that draw on co-operative values and principles, there is a £2,000 prize on offer for successful ideas.

Whilst the industry focuses on the revolution being brought about through the rise of online news, this prize puts a spotlight on alternative models, from the New Internationalist to West Highland Free Press, which are succeeding by putting the readers and writers at the heart of journalism.

The prize welcomes applications that:

  • Use co-operative and community owned models;
  • Provide practical ideas, schemes or initiatives for local media provision;
  • Use innovative approaches to address issues around local news and media provision;
  • Connect communities through online and print media.

Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Co-operatives UK, said: “We have seen communities rally around to save their shops, pubs and libraries using the co-operative business model.If we want local media, perhaps it is time to learn from their success and turn the writers and readers into owners.

“We hope that with the help of this new innovation prize we can stimulate and encourage communities to create and find new solutions"

The entry process for the prize is quick and simple. The deadline to enter is Friday 5 July.

The Prize is linked to the “Make Your Local News Work” project which is jointly organised by Co-operatives UK and the Carnegie UK Trust. This is a series of eight free events on co-operative and local media taking place during June 2013.

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For more information contact

Lily Gaffney

0161 214 1763

Notes to the editor

Full details on the prize are available at

More details about Make Your Local News Work is available at

Co-operatives UK works to promote, develop and unite co-operative enterprises. It has a unique role as a trade association for co-operatives and its campaigns for co-operation, such as Co-operatives Fortnight, bring together all those with a passion and interest in co-operative action. Any organisation supportive of co-operation and mutuality can join and there are many opportunities online for individuals to connect to the latest co-operative news, innovations and campaigns. All members benefit from specialist services and the chance to network with other co-operatives.