Port Talbot MagNet's first AGM is next week, and it is open to anyone who would like to come along and find out more
Port Talbot MagNet is holding its first annual general meeting next week, and it will be open to anyone who would like to come along and find out more about the project.
There will be presentations about the year so far, including a close look at traffic to the community news website, which officially launched in April. Finance, fundraising and future plans will also be on the agenda.
The board will launch an appeal for help from the community, asking for ideas, volunteers and donations to help secure the future of dedicated local news for Port Talbot.
“We are committed to making Port Talbot MagNet a sustainable service for Port Talbot, and ensuring it is a force for good in the community,” says director Rachel Howells. “We believe that local news is essential for the prosperity of a community, and we have big plans for Port Talbot MagNet.
A recent board meeting: (from left) journalists Simon Davies, Ken Smith, Andrew Pearson, Rachel Howells, Mike Witchell. Photo by Ingrid Bousquet
“We can’t do it alone, though – we need the people of Port Talbot behind us, sending us their stories, vounteering with us, and helping us to fundraise. We want to cover council meetings, crime and courts, community news, the arts, business news and local campaigns, but that takes resources, and we hope our appeal will bring the solid support from local people that Port Talbot is so well known for.”
The website is run as a media co-operative, and so there will also be an opportunity for community members, journalists, and anyone who is interested in becoming more involved in the running of the news service to join as a co-op member. The membership fee is a minimum of £5, though larger donations are welcomed.
A new board of directors will be appointed at the meeting. Most of the current board are expected to indicate their intentions to stay on, but nominations for new directors are also welcomed.
“Members are entitled to one vote each, which they can exercise in the annual meeting, as long as they have joined up before the night,” says director Ken Smith.
“People are welcome to join on the night itself as well – membership is open to anyone with an interest in the news service,” he added.
If you would like to find out more about becoming a co-op member or put yourself forward for nomination as a director, please email porttalbotmagnet@gmail.com before 6pm on Tuesday 27 September. The AGM is at Blanco’s Hotel, Port Talbot, from 6pm-8pm, on 28 September. Tea and coffee will be served.
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