This week Local Independent Online News Publishers (LION) announced it exceeded its first-year recruiting goal by 50%. Currently the group has 75 members, even though it had aimed to recruit 50 in 2012.

LION began accepting member applications in last fall, and most members have shown support for the group by paying their dues three years in advance, according to LION board chair Dylan Smith. The Patterson Foundation underwrote LION's organization, incorporation and recruiting -- and matched up to half of the dues for initial members. More applications are pending, and Patterson will continue to underwrite a portion of the dues of new members through the first months of 2013.

LION members represent communities all over the nation, and a diversity of business models. Learn more about LION and apply to join.