The Bulletin Trust
| Type | Private foundation |
|---|---|
| Industry | Media ownership of The Natopian Bulletin |
| Founded | 1731 AN |
| Founder(s) | Theodora Havel |
| Key people |
|
The Bulletin Trust is a private foundation that owns and governs The Natopian Bulletin, the principal news agency of Natopia. Established in 1731 AN by Bulletin cofounder Theodora Havel, the Trust exists to ensure the editorial independence of the news agency in perpetuity.
History
Theodora Havel established the Trust in 1731 AN, fifteen years after cofounding The Natopian Bulletin with Marcus Lindqvist. Lindqvist had died in 1723 AN, leaving Havel as sole proprietor. Concerned that her death might result in the agency falling under political or commercial control, she transferred ownership to a newly created foundation governed by an independent board. Havel served as the Trust's first chair until her retirement in 1738 AN. She died in 1744 AN.
Governance
The Trust is governed by a seven-member board of trustees. Members serve staggered seven-year terms and are selected by the existing board when vacancies arise. The charter prohibits government officials from serving on the board and bars any single entity from holding more than one seat.
The board's responsibilities are limited to financial oversight, appointment of senior editorial leadership, and enforcement of the agency's ethical standards. The charter explicitly prohibits interference in editorial decisions.
Charter provisions
The Trust's founding charter contains several provisions designed to protect the Bulletin's independence. The agency may not be sold to any government, political party, or entity that the board determines would compromise editorial independence. Advertising revenue may not influence news coverage. The Editor-in-Chief holds final authority over all editorial content and may only be removed by a two-thirds vote of the board for cause.
The charter has been amended twice since 1731 AN, both times to update governance procedures. The core independence provisions have never been altered.
