Prior to joining Time Out, Corner held senior roles at Gay Times for over seven years, including Senior Vice President of Global Content, and was awarded PPA Editor of the Year in 2023.
Corner commented on the promotion, “I’m looking forward to working even more closely with the brilliant UK team and helping to shape the next chapter for Time Out.”
As Big Issue heads into its 35th anniversary year of celebrations, with plans for new development, growth and approach, McNamee has decided to step aside from his role as UK Editor.
McNamee commented “I’m incredibly proud of all we have achieved through the years, as a wider group, but with focus on our editorial output – not least that we have been one of the only key national titles with the editorial base in Glasgow.
When I was first given the privilege of being UK editor I said I wanted to create something that people wanted to read, not that they thought they ought to. And with a team that has changed and evolved, and many brilliant young journalists who have learned their craft then headed into the world, I think we have done that, in print, and increasingly online.
I thank every single one of the reporters, subs, photographers, editors, production editors, designers, freelancers, columnists, and now commercial team. It has been a ride.”
McNamee leaves Big Issue on 31 March, with news on future plans to come soon. The new Editor has not yet been announced.
Officials are regularly engaging with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), which is gathering evidence from technical experts and industry leaders on how online advertising operates in practice.
The ICO is currently considering whether additional exceptions to cookie consent requirements could be justified, particularly for “lower-risk” uses, and is expected to make formal recommendations to the Government this year.
The Government has not yet reached a position on the balance between contextual and personalised advertising, nor has it confirmed a formal comparative assessment of their economic and privacy impacts.
However, ministers have acknowledged that some uses of cookies are lower risk and that privacy-enhancing techniques such as pseudonymisation can further reduce privacy concerns.
Government officials have met with the PPA and other trade bodies – committing to further engagement with stakeholders before deciding whether to proceed with any new exemptions.
Ministers noted that while the importance of the publishing sector and advertising-funded content is recognised, the economic impact of any new regulatory approach will be assessed once the ICO’s recommendations are received.
The PPA has contacted the ICO to request a meeting with its new Director of Regulation to discuss this work and will engage relevant members on next steps as appropriate.
Members wishing to discuss these issues with the PPA Public Affairs team can contact eilidh.wilson@ppa.co.uk
Good Health posts health videos 5-6 times a week across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube created by the expert in-house team, alongside curated content from specialist contributors delivering accessible and science-backed health advice.
The content focuses on healthy eating, wellbeing, fitness, and general health, with current myth-busting content ranging from sleep, gut health, and supplements to weight loss jabs, diabetes, and women’s health.
It also offers trending recipe inspiration, such as Fibremaxxed sweet potato brownies, ‘marry-me’ butter beans, and Tiramisu baked oats.
The content team includes experts such as Melissa Hemsley, Dr Chintal Patel, Jordan Haworth (Mr Gut Health), Divya Sharma (Dr Bowl), Caff Rabess, plus Good Health’s registered nutritionist Melissa Kuman, and Good Food’s Deputy Health Editor, Issie Keeling.
The launch is supported by new research and a Whitepaper from Good Food on ‘How the UK Really Eats’. The study exposes a lack of trust and clarity, particularly among young people, about how to eat healthily.
Commissioned by YouGov, with over 2,100 respondents, the study reveals 26% of UK adults believe nutritional advice is often confusing or overwhelming. Crucially, one in five (21%) do not know which sources to trust, with nearly a quarter (24%) stating they would welcome clearer, more straightforward guidance.
This confusion is leading young adults to unverified sources, making them vulnerable to misinformation. For the 18-24 age group, social media (31%) is their top source for nutritional information, trumping the NHS or Government websites (27%), and well ahead of those who turn to doctors and health professionals (17%) or traditional food media (17%). This is despite only 2% of AI-analysed nutrition video content on TikTok proving to be accurate, according to research from DCU Business School.
Good Health is aiming to challenge this misinformation with accessible science-backed content. Since soft-launching in September, social channels have already gained 9.8m impressions, 4.3m video views, and 480k engagements – as well as 8.26k followers.
Natalie Hardwick, Head of Multiplatform Operations, Good Food commented: “Our audiences prioritise health and with the launch of Good Health we guarantee hype-free, myth-busting content brought by doctors, nutritionists, dieticians, and specialists – giving on-topic advice that our fast-growing community can live by.
The Good Health team takes a deep dive into the latest research, trending social topics and viral recipes, allowing us to act quickly to produce content that’s truly zeitgeist but most importantly – accurate, relatable, and no-nonsense.”
Emma Hartfield, Health Editor, Good Food added: “Good Health is a hugely exciting project, taking health content from Good Food and transforming it into a fast-moving social-first brand to reach a whole new audience. Sticking to our ethos of expert-created, research-backed content, we’re proud to be a brand that our followers know they can trust in the Wild West of online health advice.”
Find out more across Good Health’s social channels: Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Founded 11 years ago, Country Walking’s Walk1000Miles challenge is for anyone of any age, fitness level and experience – it’s free to join, fun and flexible.
The challenge is: walk 1,000 miles in a year, the equivalent of Land’s End to John o’Groats (the long way), averaging just 2.74 miles a day. It has been highly praised by GPs and health practitioners.
Included with the February issue, the Walk1000Miles supplement covers all aspects of the challenge for beginners as well as seasoned walkers to get them started, along with a special progress tracker card to count miles.
Walk1000Miles 2026 is partnering with brands including Scarpa outdoor footwear, Bridgedale world-leading socks, and Ordnance Survey maps and navigation.
Celebrities backing the initiative include actor and broadcaster, Stephen Fry who says: “Walk1000miles is an idea without flaw… and you might find it brings 1000 other benefits too.” Clare Balding, broadcaster, author and presenter of Radio 4’s Ramblings, musician JB Gill, and Julia Bradbury, TV’s best-known walker.
Celebrities from Bauer Media’s audio brands taking part include: Fleur East and Hits Radio Breakfast Show co-hosts Will Best and James Barr, Nicki Chapman Magic Radio Presenter, Kate Thornton Greatest Hits Radio Presenter, BBC Morning Live Presenter Michelle Ackerley, and Royal author and broadcaster Katie Nicholl.
Since the launch, the challenge has amassed more than 100,000 registrations and more than 40,000 members to its growing Facebook community. Anyone can sign up to the Walk1000miles challenge by registering for FREE online at www.walk1000miles.co.uk.
New participants will automatically join the established community, where they can gain tips and advice, mentoring, support and encouragement to achieve individual goals, or join approved sub-groups to share experiences.
Nick Hallissey, Head of Content, Country Walking, says: “You only need to look at the success stories of Walk1000Miles to see the impact. The people who’ve shed pounds, turned the clock back, made lifelong friends, or just surprised themselves by becoming a brighter, shinier version of the people they were. Others have walked their way back from the most debilitating illnesses or found a way to manage bereavement, or trauma, or anxiety. For whatever reason, thousands of people use the same simple phrase: ‘this challenge changed my life’.”
Rachael Beesley, Publisher, Country Walking, added: “Country Walking’s Walk1000miles is a proven initiative to transform people’s lives ‘one step at a time’. Since launch over 100k people have signed up to Walk1000miles, with tens of thousands joining each year to improve their mental and physical health, fitness, weight loss and happiness. With the continued support of our partners, health experts, celebrities and by increasing awareness, we predict Walk1000miles 2026 will be our biggest and best challenge yet.”
Walkers can get a badge, stickers, an inspirational 2026 calendar and new eco-friendly medals from Country Walking’s shop, and there are plenty of resources to download for free at www.walk1000miles.co.uk.
Country Walking is published monthly, priced £6.25, and is available at all major retailers and at greatmagazines.co.uk/countrywalking (print and digital editions).
The move marks a significant leadership shift, as the group sharpens its focus on future-facing growth.
Smosarski will now take full leadership responsibility, previously held by Ella Dolphin who became Deputy CEO of DC Thomson last April.
Under Smosarski’s editorial leadership, Stylist has evolved into a multi-platform powerhouse, pioneering digital transformation and laying the foundations for a subscriptions and memberships business, alongside its original free print publication, which remains at the heart of the brand.
Smosarski said: “I am extraordinarily proud of what we have built at Stylist — a brand that doesn’t just inform and entertain but genuinely helps the women we serve in their everyday lives. Quality content and strong community have always been at the heart of Stylist and, as we look to the future, my focus is on ensuring we build a model where exceptional content leads the way — for both our partners as well as the incredibly loyal audience we serve.”
Ella Dolphin, Deputy CEO, DC Thomson said: “Lisa is a phenomenal leader who has consistently turned purpose into action. The vision for Stylist came from Lisa at very beginning, and I have every confidence she will build the business of the future.”
The Stylist Group will focus on scaling its membership propositions, growing Think Stylist as a dedicated B2B insight and analysis offering for brands, and building on Stylist’s brand partnerships, with recent collaborations including Google, Pandora, Intrepid Travel and Tu.
This is the latest title in the Essential Series, which builds on the success of Take a Break’s existing one-shot titles, servicing new audiences and delivering high-quality puzzle books spanning a variety of topics. Each issue in the series is themed and focuses on hobbies and interests that align with puzzlers, while promoting mindfulness and wellbeing.
John Simmonds, Publisher (Puzzles), Bauer Media commented: “Our Essential Digital Detox Puzzle Book responds to the growing need to step away from technology and find ways to switch off. Research consistently shows that puzzles not only reduce stress but also improve cognitive function, equivalent to being ten years younger. They offer a vital and therapeutic respite from digital overwhelm, which affects millions daily.”
The Essential Digital Detox Puzzle Book, priced £6.99, is available on newsstands nationwide or to purchase online at Great Magazines (www.greatmagazines.co.uk)
This statement was delivered in response to commitments made during the passage of the Data Bill, following sustained engagement from the Make It Fair campaign.
The Secretary of State reiterated the government’s position that any approach must support growth and innovation while also protecting the creative industries. She highlighted the lack of international consensus, referenced the government’s ongoing technical working groups and stakeholder engagement, and confirmed the intention to publish an economic impact assessment next year.
The PPA has secured representation on the government’s technical working group on licensing and is working closely with members to advocate for transparency requirements as a means of supporting the growth of the emerging AI licensing market.
You can read Liz Kendall’s full statement here.
For more information about this, please contact eilidh.wilson@ppa.co.uk
The BBC’s Royal Charter serves as the BBC’s constitution and mission statement. The Charter requires the BBC to act in the public interest, serving all audiences through the provision of impartial, high-quality, and distinctive output and services that inform, educate, and entertain. As the BBC’s regulator, Ofcom monitor the BBC’s adherence to the framework set out in the Charter, including any market impacts on competitors.
The review comes during a challenging period for the BBC, with the threat of a lawsuit from US President Donald Trump, long-standing questions on impartiality and audience trust, and declining licence-fee income amidst a rapidly evolving media landscape that carries increased global competition. The review, which recognises the BBC as “not just a broadcaster but a national institution”, will consider what reforms are necessary to futureproof the BBC.
The review sets out four priority areas for the future of the BBC: that it should be a trusted institution; deliver services for the public good; drive growth across the UK; and receive sustainable and fair funding. Within these areas, a variety of different policies are proposed for consideration. The bulk of the paper is focused on the BBC’s broadcasting and radio/audio outputs.
Most notable for publishers will be proposed reforms to regulation aimed at increasing the BBC’s partnerships and reform of the licence fee, which could open the door for more commercial options such as advertising or subscription models.
The current consultation, known as a Green Paper, will close on 10 March 2026. Once that feedback has been collated, a further policy document, called a White Paper, is expected to be published later in the year. Following another consultation period, and reflecting any changes from that, the final Charter will be granted from 2028. This will replace the current Charter, which is due to expire at the end of 2027.
The PPA will consult members in the New Year and respond to the consultation in due course.
At this year’s PPA Independent Publisher Conference, business leaders in the sector shared an example of one change in their business that delivered real impact, enabling delegates to come away with concrete ideas to adapt and apply to their operations. Read the key takeaways below.
Tracy De Groose, CEO, William Reed
The foundation of growth starts with why – you need a unifying vision and purpose. Move beyond a finite mindset and identify your “category of one”, the unique strengths that set an organisation apart.
Trust is imperative in bringing people with you, and flexibility and agility in how businesses respond to change is essential.
Ludovica D’Angelo, Director of Publishing Operations, Total Politics Group
Silos exist everywhere; they can sit between teams, desks, and even mindsets. Real change comes from building trust and making collaboration part of everyday work.
People in a company are like neurons in the brain – they only work if you connect them. When empathy, humour, and determination lead the way, resistance turns into innovation, ideas flow, and work becomes easier (and more enjoyable).
Jon Bickley, CEO, Anthem Publishing
Print and the newsstand can be a fundamental USP for publishers. As AI and algorithms threaten to strangle online, Anthem has reasserted print’s place at the heart of the business.
He explained how Anthem now structures itself around two clear divisions: Engagement Brands, covering traditional regular magazine brands rich in print, digital, subs, ads and social, and Retail Brands, which drive the vast majority of income from single copy sales, with a strong emphasis on bookazines.
Bickley also emphasised the ongoing strength of the English language in enabling publishers to reach customers and partners around the world.
Bickley also emphasised the ongoing strength of the English language in enabling publishers to reach customers and partners around the world.
Justice Williams MBE, Co-founder & Editor-in-Chief, Black Business Magazine
We’re in the people business, we’re in the relationship business – what if 80% of your revenue could come from 20% of your clients? Think about the 20% that are the wealth creators in your business – this is where influencers do something that we can learn from.
You see, influencers don’t chase everyone. They build an audience, a reputation, and a relationship with brands and partners who can fund their vision. You all have a personal brand, it’s what people say about you when you’re not in the room, and so are you networking? Are you building your visibility for the brand that you represent?
Stay focused on your vision, and think about what brand partners, who share your values, could potentially fund it.
Louise White, COO, Sift
Cutting costs, selling more, and increasing prices are all levers for growth, yet most leaders only focus on selling more. The quiet advantage comes from creating enough value, trust, and differentiation that price becomes flexible. Create a business model which allows you to raise prices with confidence – by 15% per year. It may seem unglamorous, but it works.
Sustainable profitability often starts with the ability to charge more – because you’ve earned the right to.
Mark Beard, CEO, Prospect
The first truly pivotal move we made in becoming a modern multi-channel media company was to give Prospect a presence on Apple News. And since then, we’ve never looked back. Our journalism is featured regularly and prominently across the platform.
Perhaps the biggest surprise though, was the breadth and the depth of the content that has proved popular. So much of the content that’s popular on the Apple News platform is very different to the types of content that’s popular on our own website.
Before, Prospect had absolutely no readership in the US. They now have a million Americans engaging with Prospect content every month. Apple News has helped grow their ABC audited circulation to 40,273, which is the highest circulation in Prospect’s history.