Tribune – news, features and comment from Britain's left-wing magazine

by Keith Richmond

SEVERAL potential purchasers have expressed an interest in taking over Tribune following the decision by its union owners that the magazine should close.

A meeting of the board – made up of a consortium including Unison, Amicus Unite, T&G Unite, ASLEF, Community and the CWU – is to consider the next step on any transfer of ownership at a special meeting next week.

There has been a strong response from readers to the editor’s appeal last week to test support for a co-operative based on individual contributors.

Editor Chris McLaughlin has held preliminary talks with the Co-op on the setting up of a Tribune co-operative.

But early indications are that the timescale required to create a co-op properly and legally is greater than the time the magazine has to find a solution to its current financial problems and to ensure continuity of publishing.

Purchase by a single proprietor now appears to be the most likely option if closure at the end of this month is to be averted.

The move follows a decision by members of the board two weeks ago that, in the absence of any decision on a £200,000 two-year development plan tabled in April, Tribune should be subject to an orderly closure with the discharge of outstanding commercial debts and liabilities and for expressions of interest to be invited from potential purchasers.

Mr McLaughlin said: “We have been very much encouraged and grateful for the tremendous response from supporters wishing to participate and invest in a co-operative project.

“It is great to know that we have such a loyal readership who share with us the firm belief that the labour movement needs its independent weekly voice.

“I would like to thank everybody who has responded to the appeal for the co-operative idea to be tested. The strength of support shows that it is clearly a popular option and one that may yet be pursued in the future. However, I am advised that to constitute a co-op properly would take many months, which we do not have.

“So I will be making a recommendation to the board, based on detailed talks with potential buyers, to agree to a sale that will guarantee continuous publishing and safeguard the jobs of the staff.

“With the assistance of the unions, which rescued the magazine four years ago and which now have the chance to launch it into a new phase of life, I am increasingly optimistic that we can reach a solution that will see Tribune survive and thrive.”