This programme uses electronic group discussion to empower small newspapers though information and experience exchange. As of this writing, there are 160 publishers and editors subscribed to SNIE. A limit on the circulation figure of the paper has not been set; some of those editors subscribed may therefore only have a staff of 10, others many more. The moderator of the group is John Schalch, Editor-in-Chief of Capricornia Newspapers in Queensland, Australia. He is assisted by Roxanne Gibbs, Associate Managing Editor of The Nation in Barbados.

This programme relies on collaboration - both on the part of participants themselves and other media organisations. For example, the editorial board of APN News & Media and journalism academics at the Queensland Central University have agreed to support SNIE. Outside Australia, the CPU is inviting editors of small newspapers throughout the Commonwealth, as well as training consultants and university academics and lecturers, to come on board.

Media Development.

The CPU has approximately 750 members in 49 countries, including newspaper groups, individual newspapers, and news agencies throughout the Commonwealth. CPU works to promote, through the press, understanding and goodwill among members of the Commonwealth, as well as to advance the freedom, interests, and welfare of the Commonwealth press and those working within it.