Cooperative Structure
Means TV is the first worker-owned streaming service to exist and because
of that, we're the first to create a worker-owned structure for such a
company meant to compete in the current digital media lanascape.
It took a year working with cooperative organizations, attorneys and
content creators to develop a structure that was functional and
democratic.
What's a Worker Cooperative?
A worker cooperatives a business that's owned and self-managed by its
workers. Decisions about the business are made democratically, and the
profits distributed fairly.
We are proud members of the
U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives
and strive to follow the
cooperative principles.
The Means TV Cooperative core mission is to:
-
Create a long-standing, centralized, worker-owned media infrastructure
that reflects and empowers the working class
-
Create and distribute worker-owned, anti-capitalist entertainment free
from malicious advertisers and extractive financing
-
Practice economic, cultural, racial, religious, and gender inclusivity
in the operations of the cooperative and in the admission of
worker-owners to the Cooperative
How is Means TV Structured?
The Means TV Cooperative has three membership tiers. All membership
tiers have representation on the Board of Directors and have a say in
how the Cooperative runs and operates. At the end of year all profits
are distributed amongst the members of the cooperative based on their
respective ownership share.
Employee Members
70% of the cooperative's end of year profit
This cagegory is for full-time employees at Means TV. In addition to
equity, all Employee Members can serve on the Board of Directors and
have full voting rights.
Contractor Members
20% of the cooperative's end of year profit
This is a secondary category for those the cooperative works with on
frequent and large-scale projects, but are not involved in the
day-to-day operations of the business. In addition to equity, all
Contractor Members can serve on the Board of Directors and have full
voting rights.
Royalty Members
10% of the cooperative's end of year profit
This category is for filmmakers, distributors, and certain crew on
original productions. It acts as a form of royalties for people who
have contributed significant creative works or entertainment
properties. In addition to equity, Royalty Members can serve on the
Board of Directors and have full voting rights.
