Ending your Our Media membership made easy

About Our Media

Our Media is a UK-based subscription service that provides members with access to a curated selection of independent journalism, documentaries, and investigative content. Founded as an alternative to mainstream media outlets, the service focuses on progressive politics, social justice issues, and in-depth reporting that often goes unreported in traditional news sources. The platform delivers content through streaming video, podcasts, and written articles, all accessible through their website and mobile applications.

The service has built a loyal following among subscribers who value independent media and want to support journalism that isn't reliant on corporate advertising or billionaire ownership. Members gain unlimited access to the entire content library, which includes exclusive interviews, documentary series, and investigative reports covering topics from environmental issues to workers' rights and political accountability.

Most importantly, Our Media operates on a membership model rather than traditional advertising revenue. This means subscribers directly fund the content creation, which the organisation argues allows for more editorial independence. However, this also means that cancelling your subscription requires following proper procedures to ensure you're not charged for additional months beyond when you want to stop your membership.

Keep in mind that whilst Our Media provides valuable content for many subscribers, circumstances change. People move on from services for various reasons, and understanding how to properly cancel is essential to avoid unwanted charges and ensure a clean break from any subscription service.

Plans, features and pricing

Our Media offers a straightforward pricing structure designed to make independent journalism accessible whilst maintaining sustainable funding for their operations. Unlike many media services that have multiple tiers with varying access levels, Our Media keeps things simple with their membership options.

Standard membership options

The service typically offers monthly and annual payment plans. Here's what you need to know about each option and what they include:

All membership tiers include the same core features: unlimited streaming access to their entire video library, full access to written articles and investigations, podcast downloads, and the ability to watch on multiple devices. There are no premium tiers or restricted content based on your subscription level, which simplifies the decision-making process for potential members.

What's included with membership

Additionally, members receive access to live-streamed events, early access to new documentary releases, and the ability to participate in member forums and discussions. The platform supports streaming on computers, tablets, and smartphones through their website and dedicated apps for iOS and Android devices.

One thing to note: Our Media occasionally offers promotional pricing for new members or special campaigns. If you signed up during a promotional period, your pricing might differ from the standard rates listed above. This can affect your cancellation timing if you're trying to maximise the value you've already paid for.

Understanding the value proposition

The annual membership represents a saving of approximately £14 compared to paying monthly for twelve months. However, this upfront commitment also means you need to be more strategic about cancellation timing if you decide the service isn't for you. Monthly members have more flexibility but pay a premium for that convenience.

Most importantly, all memberships auto-renew unless you actively cancel them. This is standard practice across subscription services, but it's the primary reason why understanding the proper cancellation process is so critical. Missing your cancellation deadline by even a day can result in being charged for another full billing cycle.

Terms of service and cancellation policy

Before diving into the cancellation process itself, you need to understand Our Media's terms of service and what they mean for your membership. This knowledge will help you time your cancellation correctly and avoid common pitfalls that can cost you money.

Legal requirements under UK law

First, it's essential to understand your rights as a UK consumer. Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, you have a 14-day cooling-off period when you first sign up for a subscription service. During this period, you can cancel and receive a full refund for any payments made, provided you haven't extensively used the service.

However, once this 14-day period expires, you're subject to the company's standard cancellation terms. Our Media, like most subscription services, doesn't offer refunds for partial months or unused portions of annual memberships. This means timing becomes absolutely critical when you decide to cancel.

Notice periods and billing cycles

Our Media typically requires notice before your next billing date to prevent automatic renewal. The exact notice period should be specified in your membership agreement, but standard practice in the industry is anywhere from 24 hours to 7 days before your renewal date.

Keep in mind that if you're on a monthly plan and your renewal date is the 15th of each month, you need to ensure your cancellation is processed before that date. For annual members, you need to track your annual renewal date carefully, as it's easy to forget when you only think about the subscription once a year.

Why people cancel Our Media

Understanding common cancellation reasons helps you make an informed decision and ensures you're cancelling for the right reasons rather than issues that might be easily resolved. Many members cancel because they're consolidating subscriptions to reduce monthly expenses. In today's economy, subscription fatigue is real, and people often find they're paying for more services than they actively use.

Additionally, some subscribers find that the content focus doesn't align with their interests as much as they initially thought. Whilst Our Media provides excellent investigative journalism, it has a specific editorial perspective that may not resonate with everyone long-term. Others cancel because they've watched the content that interested them and prefer to cancel and potentially resubscribe later when new content is available.

Technical issues occasionally drive cancellations, particularly streaming quality problems or app functionality concerns. Financial circumstances change as well, and a £7 monthly subscription might become less affordable during difficult times. Finally, some members simply find they don't have time to consume the content regularly enough to justify the ongoing cost.

Refund policies you should know

Most importantly, Our Media generally doesn't provide pro-rata refunds. If you cancel halfway through a billing cycle, you'll maintain access until the end of that paid period, but you won't receive money back for the unused portion. This is standard across the subscription industry but catches many people by surprise.

For annual memberships, this policy becomes even more significant. If you cancel after six months of a yearly subscription, you won't receive a refund for the remaining six months. Your access will continue until the annual period ends, but the money is non-refundable. This makes the cancellation decision more consequential for annual members.

Cancelling by post - the complete guide

Now we reach the most critical section: how to actually cancel your Our Media subscription using postal mail. Whilst this might seem old-fashioned in our digital age, postal cancellation remains the most reliable and legally robust method for terminating subscriptions in the UK.

Why postal cancellation is your best option

First, let's address why you should consider cancelling by post rather than other methods. Postal cancellation, particularly using Recorded Delivery, provides indisputable proof that you've sent your cancellation request. You'll receive a tracking number and signature confirmation when your letter is delivered, creating a paper trail that protects you if any disputes arise about whether you cancelled on time.

Additionally, a formal letter demonstrates clear intent and creates a legal record of your cancellation request. Email systems can fail, online portals can malfunction, and verbal communications can be misunderstood or disputed. A properly sent letter with proof of delivery eliminates these variables entirely.

Keep in mind that companies are legally obligated to process cancellation requests received by post. Under UK consumer protection laws, they cannot insist you use only online methods or phone calls. This gives you control over the cancellation process and ensures you're not dependent on their systems working correctly.

Where to send your cancellation letter

The postal address for Our Media cancellations is absolutely critical. You must send your cancellation letter to the correct address, or it may not be processed in time. Here is the exact address you need:

• Our Media
• PO Box 74955
• London
• SE1P 5WF
• United Kingdom

Most importantly, verify this address is still current before sending your letter. Whilst this is the registered address for cancellation correspondence, companies occasionally update their administrative addresses. You can confirm the current address by checking your most recent billing statement or membership correspondence.

Essential information to include

Your cancellation letter needs to contain specific information to be processed correctly. Missing any of these details could delay your cancellation or cause it to be rejected entirely, resulting in additional unwanted charges.

First, include your full name exactly as it appears on your Our Media account. If there are any discrepancies between the name on your letter and your account name, it could cause processing delays. Next, provide your complete membership details, including your email address associated with the account and any membership number if you have one.

Additionally, state clearly and unambiguously that you wish to cancel your membership. Use direct language like "I am writing to cancel my Our Media membership" rather than vague phrases like "I'm considering ending my subscription." Ambiguous language could be interpreted as an inquiry rather than a definite cancellation instruction.

Include the date you're sending the letter and explicitly state when you want the cancellation to take effect. Most people request cancellation at the end of their current billing period to maximise the value they've already paid for. For example: "Please cancel my membership effective at the end of my current billing cycle on 15 March 2024."

Keep in mind that you should also request written confirmation of your cancellation. This creates an additional layer of documentation and ensures you'll receive acknowledgment that your request was processed. Include your postal address where they should send this confirmation.

Using Recorded Delivery for proof

Next comes the crucial step of actually sending your letter. Never send a cancellation letter by standard post without tracking. The small additional cost of Recorded Delivery (typically £1.85 from Royal Mail) provides invaluable protection and peace of mind.

When you send via Recorded Delivery, you receive a reference number that allows you to track your letter's journey. More importantly, the recipient must sign for the letter upon delivery, providing definitive proof that Our Media received your cancellation request on a specific date. This proof is essential if you need to dispute any charges that occur after your intended cancellation date.

Alternatively, Special Delivery Guaranteed by 1pm offers even stronger proof and faster delivery, though it costs more (typically £6.85). This option includes compensation if delivery fails and provides a precise delivery time, which can be valuable if you're cutting it close to your renewal date.

Timing your cancellation correctly

Most importantly, timing is everything when cancelling by post. You need to account for postal delivery times and the company's processing time when determining when to send your letter.

As a general rule, send your cancellation letter at least 10 working days before your next renewal date. This provides adequate time for Royal Mail to deliver your letter (typically 1-2 working days for Recorded Delivery) and for Our Media to process your cancellation request before the billing system runs.

If your renewal date falls on a weekend or bank holiday, add extra buffer time. Billing systems often process renewals in the early hours of the renewal date, so a letter arriving on the actual renewal date might be too late to prevent that cycle's charge.

Additionally, be aware of potential delays during busy postal periods, such as around Christmas or during industrial action. If you're cancelling during these times, add even more buffer time to ensure your letter arrives safely and on time.

How Postclic simplifies the process

Whilst you can certainly handle postal cancellation yourself, services like Postclic streamline the entire process and eliminate common mistakes. Postclic allows you to create your cancellation letter digitally, then handles the printing, envelope preparation, and posting on your behalf using tracked delivery methods.

The primary advantage is convenience combined with reliability. You don't need to find a printer, purchase envelopes and stamps, or visit a post office. Everything happens digitally from your computer or phone, but you still get all the legal protections and proof of delivery that postal cancellation provides.

Additionally, Postclic formats your letter professionally and ensures all necessary information is included. This reduces the risk of your cancellation being delayed due to missing details or unclear wording. You receive digital proof of postage and delivery confirmation, which you can store electronically for your records.

Keep in mind that using a service like Postclic is particularly valuable if you're time-constrained or concerned about making errors in your cancellation letter. The small fee for the service often pays for itself by preventing costly mistakes that could result in unwanted additional charges.

Tips from former members

After processing thousands of subscription cancellations, certain patterns and best practices emerge that can save you time, money, and frustration. Here are the insider tips that former Our Media members wish they'd known before cancelling.

Document everything meticulously

First and foremost, create a cancellation file where you keep every piece of documentation related to ending your subscription. This should include a copy of your cancellation letter, your Recorded Delivery receipt with the tracking number, screenshots of the tracking information showing delivery, and any confirmation correspondence you receive from Our Media.

Additionally, take screenshots of your account status before and after cancelling. Capture images showing your current billing cycle, renewal date, and membership status. If any disputes arise later, this documentation will be invaluable in proving your case.

Most importantly, keep these records for at least 12 months after your cancellation. Billing errors can sometimes take months to appear, and having comprehensive documentation ensures you can resolve any issues quickly and definitively.

Monitor your bank statements carefully

Next, don't assume your cancellation worked just because you sent the letter. Continue monitoring your bank or credit card statements for at least two billing cycles after your intended cancellation date. Billing systems can malfunction, and occasionally cancellation requests are processed incorrectly.

If you notice a charge after your cancellation should have taken effect, contact your bank or card provider immediately. Explain that you cancelled the subscription with proper notice and provide your documentation. Under UK law, you may be entitled to a chargeback if the company charged you after receiving your valid cancellation request.

Consider the timing of annual memberships

For annual members specifically, set a calendar reminder for at least six weeks before your renewal date. Annual subscriptions are easy to forget about, and by the time you remember, you might be past the cancellation deadline. That reminder gives you plenty of time to decide whether to renew and to send your cancellation letter with adequate buffer time if you choose not to continue.

Additionally, review your usage about two months before renewal. Are you actually watching content regularly? Have you accessed the service in the past three months? This honest assessment helps you make an informed decision rather than automatically renewing out of habit.

Remove payment details after cancellation

Keep in mind that once your cancellation is confirmed and your final billing period ends, consider removing your payment details from the Our Media system if possible. This provides an additional safeguard against accidental future charges and gives you peace of mind that the financial connection is completely severed.

If the platform doesn't allow you to remove payment details directly, you might consider updating them to a virtual card number that you can then deactivate, or contacting your bank to block future charges from that merchant. These steps might seem excessive, but they provide certainty that no unexpected charges will appear.

Understand that access continues until period end

One common point of confusion: when you cancel, your access typically continues until the end of your paid period. Don't expect immediate account closure. If you cancel on the 5th but your billing cycle runs until the 30th, you'll maintain full access until the 30th. This is actually beneficial, as it means you're getting full value for what you've paid.

However, this also means you need to be clear in your cancellation letter about when you want the cancellation to take effect. Specify "at the end of my current billing period" to ensure you're not leaving any paid-for time unused.

Learn from common mistakes

Most importantly, learn from the mistakes others have made. The most common error is sending the cancellation letter too close to the renewal date, resulting in one additional unwanted charge. The second most common mistake is not using tracked delivery, which leaves you without proof if the company claims they never received your letter.

Additionally, many people forget to request written confirmation of cancellation. Without this confirmation, you're relying on the company's internal systems and have no independent verification that your cancellation was processed correctly.

Know your consumer rights

Finally, familiarise yourself with your rights under UK consumer protection law. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 and Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 provide significant protections for subscription services. Companies cannot make cancellation unreasonably difficult, and they must provide clear information about how to cancel.

If you encounter obstacles or unfair practices during the cancellation process, you can escalate to Citizens Advice or the relevant consumer protection authorities. Most issues resolve before reaching that point, but knowing your rights gives you confidence and leverage if problems arise.

Final considerations before cancelling

Before you definitively cancel, consider whether a temporary pause might better serve your needs. Some subscription services offer the ability to pause your membership for a month or two rather than cancelling entirely. Check whether Our Media provides this option, as it might be preferable if you're going through a temporarily busy period or tight financial month but plan to resume membership later.

Additionally, calculate whether you've genuinely extracted value from the service. If you're cancelling purely for financial reasons but you regularly use and enjoy the content, consider whether the £7 monthly cost might be worth keeping compared to other discretionary spending. Only you can make this judgment, but ensure you're cancelling for the right reasons rather than a knee-jerk reaction to subscription fatigue.

Keep in mind that cancelling and resubscribing later is always an option. Unlike some services that penalise former members, media subscriptions typically allow you to rejoin at any time at current pricing. If you're unsure, cancelling now and potentially returning in six months when your circumstances change is a perfectly valid strategy.

The cancellation process itself is straightforward when you follow the proper procedures, use tracked postal delivery, and maintain thorough documentation. Thousands of members successfully cancel subscriptions every month by following these steps, and you can too. The key is being methodical, allowing adequate time, and keeping records of everything. With these practices in place, you'll have a smooth, hassle-free cancellation experience and complete peace of mind that no unexpected charges will appear on your statements.