The International Network of Street Papers represents more than 100 street papers in 35 countries
In 1994, about a dozen street papers across Europe joined forces and created the International Network of Street Papers. Two years later, street papers in the United State followed suit, forming the North American Street Newspaper Association. Eventually, in 2013, the networks formally merged, and the INSP became the single global network, now representing more than 100 street papers in 35 countries, in 25 languages, on six continents. Together, these publications empower more than 20,500 vendors each year, with an estimated 4.6 million readers worldwide.
Now in its 25th year, INSP continues to grow. This year, it launched a North American branch, based in Seattle, to provide support for street publications in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Like Street Roots, all street publications are independent organizations, but the global network provides a community for collaboration and innovation. Networking opportunities online and through annual global summits provide support for editorial content, business development and training.
The model is always the same: Vendors buy the paper for a nominal amount – always 50% or less than the sale price – and keep what money they make in sales.
Today, street newspapers face the same pressures as other media, in addition to unique challenges and opportunities associated with working with people on the streets. Publications are grappling with printing costs, an increasingly cashless society, and changing news habits.
“We will always offer the opportunity for someone to earn an income outside of the formal world of employment and social security,” INSP board Chair Fay Selvan said in a recent interview about the INSP. “And so we’re the real safety net. It feels like a real privilege to be part of that, and a real commitment and a passion that we have to make sure this network, and our papers, sustain into the future, because no one else is going to do what we’re doing.”
Street Roots is an award-winning, nonprofit, weekly newspaper focusing on economic, environmental and social justice issues. Our newspaper is sold in Portland, Oregon, by people experiencing homelessness and/or extreme poverty as means of earning an income with dignity. Learn more about Street Roots. Support your community newspaper by making a one-time or recurring gift today.
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