Is there another way to fund journalism outside the "free" market? It's a question often asked since the newspaper business model began to falter.
It has become more acute since newspaper publishers began to downsize, outsource and relocate in order to preserve profit margins.
In the face of the beleaguered chains' decline, there have been some interesting experiments. In south Wales, the Port Talbot Magnet was launched last year by seven local journalists and is now a 20-strong co-operative.
The West Highland Free Press in Scotland has had an alternative ownership structure for almost 40 years (see here).
But could these really be replicated elsewhere? What, in practical terms, is to be done on a large scale?
These kinds of question will be discussed at a conference in London on Saturday, "Can the Media be co-operative: alternatives to corporate media ownership."
It is organised by the National Union of Journalists, a group called Co-operatives UK and Goldsmiths College.
The speakers include BBC Newsnight's Paul Mason, Granville Williams of the Campaign for Press and Broadcasting Freedom and Professor Natalie Fenton of Goldsmiths.
The conference will consider three options – the co-op/mutual model; the role of public policy and public subsidy; and charitable/foundation trust set-ups.
It takes place at Goldsmiths College in New Cross from 10.30-4.30pm. To register, go to cooperativemedia.eventbrite.com
Tom Davies, chair of the NUJ's development committee, has written a preview on the New model journalism website.
