Peninsula News seeks members
The non-profit group that owns Peninsula News is seeking new members to join in its activities.
Peninsula News is operated commercially by Mail Order Mall under licence from the community-based non-profit association, Peninsula Community Access Newspaper Inc.
"The association's main role is to set policy and standards, to help with editorial content and to review performance," said president Mr Mark Snell.
For instance, the association's policy of 75 per cent news and only 25 per cent advertising was the reverse of the ratio usually adopted by commercial operators, he said.
"We believe this has been one of the major reasons for the success of the paper."
Monthly meetings were held on Wednesday evenings in the week following publication of the paper.
"These meetings allow the community to take an active interest in shaping the paper," he said.
The newspaper was started as a means of providing some "social infrastructure" to help build more of a sense of community on the Peninsula.
It allowed residents to know about the activities of others on the Peninsula, as well as to publicise their own.
Mr Snell said he felt it was particularly important that the community could read about council and government decisions that would determine the quality of life of Peninsula residents.
The newspaper provided an opportunity for training and work experience for youth and the unemployed.
It also provided an avenue for retired people to continue to contribute to and be recognised by the community.
"Association members could give feedback on how well the paper was performing these roles," said Mr Snell.
They were also encouraged to take an active role in editorial planning meetings for each issue, as well as writing, reporting and taking photos or being involved in other capacities.
The association will hold its annual meeting on Wednesday, March15.
Members are wanted who are willing to fill committee positions.
All are welcome to attend.
Annual membership costs $5.
For further information, phone Mark Snell during business hours on 4342 5333.
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