The HSPA Board of Directors approved the imposition of a fee to participate in the popular content-sharing program – HSPAInfo.net.
Through HSPAInfo.net, editors can share with their print readers stories produced by other newspapers. Or they can transform those stories with additional work by their newsroom staff. editors also use the shared content as a springboard to create fresh new stories – consider it a brainstorming tool.
HSPAInfo.net has grown to include participation from approximately 90 Indiana newspapers.
“This program has been completely subsidized since its inception by the Hoosier State Press Association,” said HSPA executive director and general counsel Steve Key. “But HSPA circumstances have changed, so the HSPA Board of Directors has decided to institute a small fee for participating newspapers to help defray – not cover – the cost to continue this popular program.”
The fee will be $60 a year for up to two newspapers. That’s either $5 a month for one newspaper or $2.5 a month if you publish two newspapers.
For each additional newspaper in your operation up to six, HSPA will add $30 to the yearly fee:
- $90 for three newspapers
- $120 for four newspapers
- $150 for five newspapers
- $180 for six newspapers.
The maximum yearly fee any newspaper group will pay is capped at $180.
“HSPA regrets the need to impose this user fee on this popular service, but believe its value to our members is greater than the fee instituted,” Key said.
While imposing a fee, HSPA also is improving the service. HSPAInfo.net’s project partner, 1up!, has developed the ability to send a text file directly to your publication’s production servers if you have an FTP directory. This complimentary service will facility your ability to use stories from around the state in your newspaper.
If you have any question about the changes to HSPAInfo.net, contact Key at either (317) 624-4427 or skey@hspa.com.
