Media Sponsor, Partner & Trade Agreements

The Chicago Reader engages in a very limited number of “Media Sponsor” or trade/barter opportunities. Please read the following carefully before filling out the form below.

• The Chicago Reader is rarely able to accept 100% barter or trade partnerships. A minimum $500 cash or 50% quantifiable trade value is typically required.
• 60 days of lead time is suggested for all sponsorship requests. We cannot approve any requests with less than 15 days until the event, and are still constrained by factors such as inventory availability, staffing and issue production cycles.
• Editorial coverage is not guaranteed in media partnerships. Our editorial team operates entirely independent from our advertising and marketing departments.
• Branded content is always labeled as “Sponsored Advertising” in print, online, or as “#SPONSORED and/or #AD” on social media.
• The Chicago Reader very rarely has the ability to supply items for gift bags or attendees, including print copies. Chicago Reader staffing of tables at events is limited due to staff availability, and as such, is very rarely granted.
• UPDATE 7-10-23: The Chicago Reader has a limited number of standardized media sponsor packages available for community events.

Request a Media Sponsorship

Please fill out the form below to request a media sponsorship or trade agreement.

If the Chicago Reader is able to accept your media sponsorship proposal, you should hear back from us within 14 days. If you do not hear back from us, we are not able to be a media sponsor at this time.