The MRC has been fighting for a democratic and accountable media since 2011. Until now, we’ve had an elected Chair and a Coordinating Committee, alongside lots of loose relationships with organisations working for similar goals (more detail on this here). Now want to formalise those relationships and build the organisation by opening up to a wider membership.

At the Media Democracy Festival on 25 March 2023 the Media Reform Coalition will relaunch as a membership organisation. Thereafter MRC activities will be undertaken by Working Groups overseen by a new Coordinating Group.

The intention is to (1) strengthen our relationship with new organisations by attracting representatives of organisations as members and (2) increase our capacity by (a) bringing in new experts and activists and (b) allowing for some circulation of personnel involved in core MRC activities.

All attendees at the Media Democracy Festival, as well as existing coordinating committee members, and representatives from regular partner organisations, will be encouraged to join MRC and an inaugural meeting will be scheduled. 

Following the inaugural general meeting quarterly online general meetings will be scheduled, with one in-person AGM held at the annual Media Democracy Festival.

Members will be required to agree to a statement of organisational values and vision and invited to pay a monthly membership fee to support core activities, though it will also be possible to join for free. Members of other organisations can join in an official or personal capacity.

The current chair and vice chair will remain in place. A new Coordinating Group will be formed consisting of the Chair, Vice Chair, a (newly appointed) Treasurer, any paid staff members, and five other MRC members, serving for six months, with an option to stand down or serve another term at the relevant general meeting. 

The Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer will be elected by the membership at general meetings and expected to serve for two years, with new members being appointed to these roles at the relevant general meetings.

Authority for the direction and strategy of MRC is decided by the membership at general meetings. Between meetings, immediate decisions are made by consensus of the Co-ordinating Group. 

The intention is that the Coordinating Group will mainly coordinate and supervise the activities of Working Groups. Working Groups can be temporary or more enduring. They will consist of MRC members and will be dedicated to a particular task or activity appropriate to MRC’s vision and focus (as determined by the Coordinating Group). Working Groups can be formed by members at any time, with the approval of the membership, which will determine its purpose and remit. 

Every Working Group must nominate a member who is responsible for coordinating the Working Group, liaising with/sitting on the Co-ordinating Group if necessary, and reporting back on activities to MRC general meetings.

MRC is largely run on a voluntary basis but we are grateful for funding to pursue specific research projects, disseminate research findings and undertake advocacy work to promote our core values. We acknowledge support from the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust, Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust, Open Society Foundations, MeCCSA, and the Andrew Wainwright Reform Trust. Donations from members are used to cover core organisational activities.

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