IMPRESS will be the first truly independent press

regulator in the UK
Supporting Independent Community Journalism

Hyperlocal News Publications and Regulation

Strong journalism in local communities is being kept alive by established and new
hyperlocal publishers. IMPRESS is looking to initially support community and niche
publications who choose to be regulated and gain benefits from being part of the IMPRESS
network.
The fear of being sued can have a chilling effect on independent news publishers. At
present, anyone who is sued for libel, breach of privacy or harassment faces the risk
of ruinous damages and costs if they lose the case. By joining IMPRESS, you will
have the opportunity to arbitrate such disputes, at a low cost. If a claimant refuses
to arbitrate, you should in future be protected from the risk of exemplary damages
and costs, under the Crime and Courts Act 2013, if you belong to a recognised
regulator.
The IMPRESS kite mark will be used by our publishers to show that you are
compliant with our regulatory scheme, and participate in trusted journalism

By joining IMPRESS, for the first time arbitration will be available

as a way of handling disputes.

IMPRESS is now accepting applications from news

publishers who wish to benefit from discounted subscription
rates.
IMPRESS protects publishers, journalists and the public by handling complaints, investigating
alleged breaches of the standards code and providing arbitration for legal disputes. Our team which
has expertise in dispute resolution, complaints handling, media law and business development are
available to support members.
Publishers turnover
From

Annual Fee

To
0

100,000

50

100,000

1,000,000

550

1,000,000

2,000,000

1,500

If you apply to join IMPRESS by 31st March 2016 we will offer 30% discount on the
year one annual fee for publishers in the turnovers bands above

Whats in it for you?

The IMPRESS Kite mark can be used by our members and will show your commitment to trusted journalism through
regulation.

Low fees: IMPRESS is a non-profit company which exists to promote high standards of journalism. The Independent Press
Regulation Trust, a registered charity, has guaranteed to underwrite our costs for four years so that we can offer low fees to
publishers, on a sliding scale based on your turnover.For more information see http://impress.press/about-us/funding.html .
It is important that fees should not act as a disabler for independent publishers wanting to join IMPRESS.

Straightforward complaints-handling: We will share easy to implement processes with our publishers and handle
complaints escalated to IMPRESS. Complaints will always be assessed against the standards code http://impress.press/
standards/

Affordable arbitration: We have worked closely with the Chartered Institute Of Arbitrators, an internationallyrecognised charity, to create an arbitration scheme which allows publishers and members of the public to resolve disputes
without the need for costly legal bills.

Whistleblowing hotline: Journalists and employees will have access to a whistleblowing hotline,

Accessible advice: News publishers, journalists and members of the public can contact IMPRESS at any time and ask for
advice on issues to do with our standards code.

Consultation rights: IMPRESS is an independent body, but we want to listen to and learn from our members. We promise
to consult all our participating publishers on any changes to our articles, rules or budget. This commitment is enshrined in
our constitution.

Networking: By joining IMPRESS, publishers will become part of a diverse network of organisations who share the values
of independent journalism. We aim to respond to your needs. We will also provide training and networking facilities.

For more information from IMPRESS and our March opening offer
please contact:
info@impress.press
Or call 07583 935425