Membership category established for online products

A new membership category for online only newspapers has been approved by the Kansas Press Association Board of Directors.

The new division of members will be under the Associate Member category. Those who join KPA will have all the privileges under that membership category, but won't be able to serve on the KPA board or vote on issues at the annual meeting.

"We've studied this issue off and on for a few years, but it came to the point where we had to move one way or another or risk having a competing organization arise and serve this group," said Doug Anstaett, KPA executive director.

Here are the requirements for digital-only newspaper membership:

* The product is available to the general public.

* It is primarily devoted to local or general news and other editorial content and sells advertising.

*Content is updated regularly, no less than once a week, with unique news content.

* The product does not primarily serve as a platform promoting the interests and/or opinions of a special interest group, individual or cause.

* The product has been operating for at least one year before the application date.

* The product abides by copyright laws.

Annual dues will be $600 per product, with no group discounts available.

A separate, digital-only newspaper division will be established in the annual Awards of Excellence program.