Democracy

There are two types of members: Journalists and readers.

The journalist members, who run the Great Central Gazette, can elect the journalist directors.

The reader members, who read The Gazette and have become paying subscribers, elect the reader directors.

There are equal places reserved on The Gazette's board of directors for journalists and readers. There are two additional spots for independent directors. Independent directors are appointed for expertise in areas like law or accounting.

Every year, readers can stand for election to our board at our Annual General Meeting (AGM) unless the board decides to call it early. The AGM is also where we make big decisions about the future of The Gazette.

We regularly poll our members on various topics throughout the year in The Newsroom, our member newsletter.

Anyone can join The Gazette. No one is obligated to join just because they live in Leicester. We understand not everyone will be able to afford membership or want to take part.

We operate on a one-member, one-vote basis. Membership is democratic, and everyone has an equal say. This contrasts with most corporate newspapers, which are run as one share, one vote.

Learn more about co-ops

What is a co-op

Many of us have heard of co-ops, but do you actually know what one is? High street convenience stores are the most well-known type of co-op here in the UK, but they’re not the only type of co-op.

Co-operatives UK

Co-op values and principles

From the outside a co-op may look like any other business – it’s what happens inside that makes them different. All co-ops are based on the same principles and they share a set of values.

Co-operatives UK

Types of co-ops

Co-ops are found everywhere and together they contribute over £38 billion to the UK economy. Learn more about the different types of co-ops and who owns them.

Co-operatives UK