Treasurer's Report: A busy start to the New Year

As we step into 2026, the IMA is deep in the trenches shaping the future of our sector. Over the past few weeks we’ve been immersed in strategy, design, research and networking - all aimed at laying the groundwork for a more resilient, community‑focused media ecosystem. It’s been a pretty hectic start, but also a genuinely exciting one.

Below is a snapshot of where we are and what lies ahead.

The big projects

Bulletin – an independent media aggregator

Bulletin is the working name of our flagship app that brings together the highest‑quality, regulated independent publishers in one trusted space. It replaces noisy, algorithm‑driven feeds with a curated experience free from junk and rage-bait.

A Small Language Model (SLM) will generate daily, weekly or twice‑daily bulletins on any topic, drawing exclusively from vetted sources - not the open internet. 80% of platform revenue (ads, subscriptions, etc.) will go to creators as tipping credits, allowing independent media to receive direct support from readers. Instead of endless scrolling, Bulletin will foster groups, clubs, events and civic action and ultimately encourage real‑world connections.

By rewarding impact rather than clicks, Bulletin aims to shift the economic incentives that have long favored sensationalism.

Google collective bargaining

We are finalising the research phase of a coordinated bargaining effort with four independent media associations. Current key activities include tightening the evidence base, expanding participation, securing additional grant funding and polishing our negotiation strategy.

We're is meeting with the News Media Association and discussing the landscape and key threats and opportunities. The coalition also met with South Africa's Association of Independent Publishers to talk to them, about their experiences with working with Google to set up the Digital News Transformation Fund.

The Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA) has also just launched their consultation on the Conduct Requirements (CRs) for negotiations with Google, and we are working to understand how to manage non-financial and any potential financial settlement with Google.

Finally, the coalition has secured legal representation to help us further coordinate our negotiation efforts.

Independent Media Trust networks

The Independent Media Trust is a newly formed funding body/trust, dedicated to supporting regulated independent media and helping change the information ecosystem for the better. Long‑term media reform requires strong, aligned networks. Through the Independent Media Trust, we are connecting:

• People vs. Big Tech coalitions

• The emerging Popular Front

• Media Revolution groups

• AI‑regulation advocates

• BBC reform initiatives

• Wider democratic‑renewal coalitions

These alliances will enable rapid activation for joint campaigns, shared funding and coordinated advocacy.

The Media Freedom Fund

We're creating a long‑term financing model that follows a simple “rule of three”:

1. One‑third to infrastructure (eg Impress)

2. One‑third to regulated independent publishers

3. One‑third to a donor‑voted project pot (participatory budgeting)

This structure ensures that independent media can thrive financially while remaining accountable to the community that supports them.

Other news

Leadership programme

The IMA has joined a four‑month leadership programme alongside major funders and senior cultural sector figures. The programme’s purpose is to develop a shared vision for transforming the media system in 2026. It's a rare opportunity to:

• Gain access to decision‑making rooms traditionally closed to us.

• Shape system‑level thinking and policy.

• Align funding, cultural, and political strategies.

• Position regulated independent media at the heart of democratic renewal.

Preparation for these high‑level conversations is already unlocking doors and creating new collaborative possibilities. We'll be sure to update you as this moves forward.

Looking Ahead

The next three months will be a “foundations building” phase. While the workload is intense, the potential impact for independent media is enormous. We invite members and stakeholders to stay engaged, share feedback and explore partnership opportunities as we move forward together.

Together, we can reshape the media landscape - making it more trustworthy, sustainable, and community‑driven. 2026 is going to be a huge year for media reform. There's a lot of play for - especially around Big Tech and the BBC.

What do the think the strategic priorities are for the sector? And do you want to know about any of these initiatives? Please reach out to us at community@ima.press.