Magda and I have discussed the possibility of newspapers (which are generally for-profit enterprises) restructuring to not-for-profits and how that would affect their operations. News today highlighted a case of a new operation going the other direction.
Stories covering chain owner Quebecor’s planned pullout of the co-operative The Canadian Press repeated the news that the membership organization is seeking investment and ownership and thence to go for-profit.
Quebecor Inc. says it is pulling out of The Canadian Press news co-operative next year as it continues to develop its own in-house news agency that started sharing content among its media outlets earlier this year.
[...]
The decision comes as The Canadian Press undergoes its own structural changes.Throughout its 91-year history, the organization has been a not-for-profit co-operative with a membership restricted to daily newspapers that not only pay fees but also agree to provide content for the news service.
The Canadian Press announced earlier this year that it intends to restructure itself by seeking investment from media companies and other potential investors who would become owners in a for-profit business.
Under the new structure, all of the newspapers currently in the co-operative would be considered clients, which would offer them more flexibility to choose which services they buy.
– Quebecor moves forward with in-house news service; plans exit from Canadian Press The CP 11 Mar 2009
The CP report may be a little off on the reasons. A not-for-profit can offer services to paying clients. Though different structures do affect operations, a bigger reason is likely the desire for investment and resources that the change would allow.