Free-distribution community papers in Wisconsin will now be supported by the Wisconsin NewsMedia Association. The group is absorbing all programs and assets from the dissolving Wisconsin Community Papers Association. This move aims to maintain advocacy and services for local publishers.
Publishers and content professionals in Wisconsin’s local media sector are set to see a major shift in support services as the Wisconsin NewsMedia Association has agreed to take over the assets, programs, and operations of the Wisconsin Community Papers Association. This transition follows the decision by the Wisconsin Community Papers Association to dissolve, ending its decades-long role as the state’s trade group for free-distribution community papers.
Under the agreement, all remaining assets, educational initiatives, member services, and organizational duties of the Wisconsin Community Papers Association will be transferred to the Wisconsin NewsMedia Association. The move is designed to ensure that free-distribution community papers-often called shoppers-continue to receive advocacy, professional education, and industry support through a statewide organization that represents both print and digital news media.
Free-distribution community papers have long provided local advertising, public information, and community news to households across Wisconsin, serving as a key marketing channel for local businesses. The Wisconsin NewsMedia Association, which represents newspapers, digital news organizations, and other local publishers, offers legislative advocacy, legal resources, professional development, networking, and business services to strengthen independent journalism and community publishing statewide.
Beth Bennett, executive director of the Wisconsin NewsMedia Association, said the organization is committed to carrying forward the mission of the Wisconsin Community Papers Association. She emphasized that community papers remain a vital part of Wisconsin’s media landscape and that the association will provide representation tailored to the unique needs of free-distribution publications.
This transition comes as local news models continue to evolve. For example, a recent initiative will see Village Media’s local news approach brought to 15 US cities, including Wisconsin, as part of a $5 million investment to bolster community journalism. Details on this expansion can be found in the report on new local newsroom launches in Wisconsin and beyond.
Founded in 1853, the Wisconsin NewsMedia Association is the statewide trade association for Wisconsin’s newspapers, digital news organizations, and affiliated media businesses. The group provides advocacy, education, legal resources, professional development, and business services, promoting the essential role of trusted local journalism and community publishing throughout the state.
