The Meteor has been independently reporting online since 2016. Amplifying the voices, issues and ideas that are under-represented or ignored by the mainstream.
Our accurate, fair and honest reporting aims to promote positive social change and we are committed to being open, inclusive and diverse in our work.
In July 2019 we incorporated as a co-op, with the aim of creating a trusted and financially viable media source for the people of Manchester. We are a specific form of co-op called a Community Benefit Society, and our emphasis is on benefiting the people we report to.
As a member, you will be able to:
- Vote on what themes The Meteor will focus on investigating.
- Receive reduced price or free access to our events and training.
- Stand as a member of our board of directors.
- Access the Meteor Community Members only area on our website.
- Be a part of a growing community of citizens who support local independent media.
- Receive our monthly email newsletter and member only email updates.
You can become a member by donating a minimum of £1 a month to The Meteor.
Choosing to pay quarterly or annually reduces the transaction fees taken by the payment gateway providers, meaning The Meteor will receive more of your total payment.
We have two options available; our basic rate and an option to set your own amount. If you would like to support our work without becoming a member, head to our Contribute page.
We now also offer Company Memberships.
The Meteor is registered as a specific type of co-operative known as a Community Benefit Society. We are registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under the legal name of The Manchester Meteor Limited, with the registration number: 8151. The Meteor’s entry on the FCA’s Mutuals Public Register is here.
If you experience any problems with completing our online membership process, or have suggestions for improvements, please contact: editor@themeteor.org
The Meteor Making a Difference
The Meteor’s coverage of Manchester City Council suspending the planning committee during lockdown, prompted Greater Manchester Housing Action to deliver an open letter to the council demanding the committee’s reinstatement. The MEN and the Sunday Times also followed up on this story, increasing the pressure on the council to allow full scrutiny of its planning decisions.
Our collaboration in 2019 with The Bureau of Investigative Journalism’s ‘Dying Homeless’ investigation led to national statistics on homeless deaths in the UK being produced for the first time. Award winning journalist Maeve McClenaghan of the TBIJ said:
“The Meteor played a vital role in helping us get to the true figure of how many people were dying homeless. They were able to hone in on Manchester and reveal that at least 15 people had died in the city in 18 months. By taking part in this collaborative investigation the Meteor helped expose the tragic scale of deaths, and ensure those that passed away were not forgotten.”
‘Selling Manchester by the Offshore Pound’, an investigative series carried out with the help of the Centre for Investigative Journalism, highlighted the rapidly growing amount of property in the city owned by overseas companies. We provided an interactive online map covering Greater Manchester showing where these properties were and which companies owned them.
Our reporting in 2017 and 2018 on the lack of affordable housing in the city centre, was followed by coverage of these issues in the MEN & Guardian. This contributed to pressure on the council, who agreed to publish property development viability assessments – enabling greater public scrutiny.
Words from our supporters
Comments from people who donated to our crowd funder and helped us establish as a co-operative.
Manchester desperately needs independent journalism and The Meteor also offers training and wider socially just activities – a force for good in the city
Claire Stocks
Extinction RebellionMuch needed Manchester media with a social conscience. “We do things differently here.” Full support and here’s to your success!
Christina McAlpine
TeacherLove this! Good luck and best wishes. Hope many, many more join in and make this project the success it deserves to be.
Allan Wort
The Media Fund