Author: Tanmay Das

  • Industry experts gather to judge the 2024 PPA Awards

    Industry experts gather to judge the 2024 PPA Awards

    The PPA Awards champion businesses and individuals from every corner of the specialist media sector. The 27 categories recognise innovation and outstanding work – from highly respected editors, world-class writers, marketing experts, and commercial stars, to the designs, digital products, creativity, and events that bring our brands to life. 

    The shortlist will be announced later this month, and the winners revealed at City Central at the HAC on 26 June 2024.

    You can see who was on the 2024 judging panel here. For more details about the PPA Awards, and to book tickets, click here.

  • Immediate launches multi-territory licensing agreement for Bluey Magazine

    Immediate launches multi-territory licensing agreement for Bluey Magazine

    This strengthens Immediate’s extensive children’s portfolio to include 12 territories in the coming year, as there are existing agreements in Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Denmark, Italy, Greece, and France.

    With 12 licence agreements in place, Bluey Magazine is now Immediate’s second most successful international licenced brand, after Top Gear Magazine, the biggest multi plaform car magazine globally.

    Immediate launched the UK edition of Bluey in August 2021, now on its 26th issue, it has a circulation of 37,000, growing its market share from 2.8% to 4.4%. It’s the only title in the top 20 preschool market to grow both volume and revenue year-on-year.

    Bluey Magazine is packed with different ways for young readers to explore activities independently, such drawing, colouring, imagining, creating, and more. In every territory, each magazine includes a sticker sheet and collectable covermount gifts.

    Richard Bentley, Head of Syndication & Youth and Children’s Licensing commented: “We’re delighted to bring Bluey Magazine to new audiences in Germany, Spain, Portugal, and Poland – it’s packed with different ways for young readers to explore activities independently and this expansion is a testament to our strong licensing agreements and our dedication to building successful, enduring brands that resonate with families worldwide. Through it all, we’re dedicated to keeping the true essence of the Bluey brand intact.”

  • Government responds to the PPA’s call to amend upcoming subscription rules

    Government responds to the PPA’s call to amend upcoming subscription rules

    Of particular interest to specialist publishers, the Bill’s proposed laws on cancellation and renewals have been significantly altered.

    Cancellation

    Instead of allowing a consumer to cancel in one “single communication” and “by any means”, subscription providers will have to allow consumers to cancel in a way which is “straightforward”.

    This means that publishers will still be able to direct consumers to new deals during the cancellation process. However, for consumers who sign up online, they must also have the opportunity to cancel online and cannot be automatically directed to a call centre. This will mean, in some cases, a change in subscription management services.

    Renewal notices

    The Government has amended the Bill to avoid a policy that would have resulted in blunt renewal emails that don’t reflect the best of business and consumer experience. While publishers will still be required to send renewal notices, this information can be embedded within emails that give information about the benefits of the service.

    However, we note that embedding renewal notices into subscription tech is not straightforward, and in some cases, not immediately possible. We have raised concerns about this with Ministers, who have acknowledged that it is a serious issue. The PPA is asking that the Government and the Competition and Markets Authority work with us to find a solution.

    As Press Gazette reported, PPA CEO Sajeeda Merali commented: “We are very happy that the Government has responded to industry concerns pertaining to subscriptions. It shows that they have recognised that the subscription business model is incredibly important, and this is backed up by our own market sector report which showed that subscriptions are the biggest growth area for our publishers. We will continue to engage with the Government and regulator to ensure that the policies are implemented in a way that best meets the needs of both businesses and consumers.  And we will support our members as they adjust and navigate the change in regulatory landscape.”

    Once the Bill receives Royal Assent and becomes an Act of law, the Competition and Markets Authority will oversee an implementation phase, where they will determine how to enforce these new rules.

    The PPA is committed to continuing close engagement with the Competition and Markets Authority to ensure a transition that is optimal for publishers’ businesses and their audiences who enjoy access to their content.

    If you wish to discuss this with our team, please get in touch with our Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Eilidh Wilson, Eilidh.wilson@ppa.co.uk

  • PPA submits response to Ofcom consultation on future of postal services

    PPA submits response to Ofcom consultation on future of postal services

    Ofcom is examining the future of the postal service, and considering making alternations to Royal Mail’s obligations, such as reducing the number of required delivery days. Once they have reviewed their stakeholder evidence, they will present conclusions and recommendations to Government on next steps.

    The Guardian has been reporting on the PPA’s involvement in the consultation, citing evidence from our Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Eilidh Wilson, that readers have unsubscribed because of an unreliable service “and that business gets lost”. They also highlighted that moving production lines to allow for changes to posting schedules is not practical.

    More recently, The Guardian reiterated the messaging from our submission that time-sensitive information will be delivered late if Ofcom were to allow for the removal of Saturday deliveries.

    The PPA continues to advocate for the maintenance of the Universal Service Obligation (USO) in its current form and has been closely engaging with Ofcom throughout this process. If you wish to discuss this with our team, please get in touch with our Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Eilidh Wilson,  Eilidh.wilson@ppa.co.uk.

    You can find out more about the consultation here.

  • PPA Festival: agenda highlights

    PPA Festival: agenda highlights

    As the publishing event of the year, the PPA Festival will give you unparalleled networking opportunities and access to industry powerhouses who will explore: AI and new product development, leadership strategies, workplace culture, revenue growth, editorial excellence, and much more.

    Keep reading to find out more about a handful of sessions on the agenda that you might have missed.

    Can the “Forever Promise” transform your business?

    What is it and what impact can it have? Renowned author and host of the podcast Subscription Stories, Robbie Kellman Baxter will share her expertise and experience of consulting global giants such as Netflix, The Wall Street Journal, and Microsoft on their subscriptions and membership strategies.

    Speakers:

    Robbie Kellman Baxter, Author of The Membership Economy & The Forever Transaction

    Gideon Spanier, UK Editor-in-Chief, Campaign, Haymarket

    The creative application of AI

    How to successfully augment the storytelling and creative process with generative and other AI applications. This session will look at accessible ways to weave in tools authentically and ethically – as well as product development. We’ll review the latest tech on the market, so you can improve efficiency and results, and explore the crucial considerations for new product development opportunities.

    Speakers:

    Katja Eggert, Head of Strategic Development, Immediate Media

    Robin Booth, Managing Director, EMAP

    Amplifying diverse voices in podcasting

    An insightful session as Elizabeth, creator of the acclaimed podcast How to Fail, and Chanté Joseph, the voice behind The Guardian’s Pop Culture podcast, come together to discuss the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the podcasting industry.

    With over 35 million downloads of How to Fail, Elizabeth has not only built a successful podcast but also established her own production company, Daylight, dedicated to uplifting female and underrepresented voices. Chanté, with her deep dives into pop and internet culture on The Guardian’s platform, brings a unique perspective on how these narratives shape our lives and culture.

    Elizabeth and Chanté share their experiences and explore actionable ways to ensure that podcasting becomes a space where all voices and perspectives are given the platform to be heard.

    To view the full agenda, click here. PPA members, independent publishers, students, and anyone under 30 receive discounted rates. More information can be found here.

  • New consumer subscription law: what businesses need to know

    New consumer subscription law: what businesses need to know

    Following the imminent consumer law revolution, join Lewis Silkin as they take a deeper dive into the proposed new rules for subscription contracts under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill.

    As the Bill enters its final phase, this is an opportunity to find out more about the latest developments and to consider some of the practical questions for businesses tasked with implementing changes.

    Areas covered include:

    • What is ‘key pre-contract information’ – and where do you put it?
    • When should reminder notices be sent – and what should they say?
    • What does “easy exit” cancellation look like?
    • What will the consumer have to pay if they cancel?
    • What are the consequences of getting it wrong?
    • Will there be a transition period to give businesses time to adapt?

    To register your place, click here.

  • Landmark EU AI act

    Landmark EU AI act

    The Act sets out to ensure organisations and developers are utilising and deploying their AI systems safely and ethically. It adopts a risk-based approach to AI regulation, the greater the potential risk to users, the greater the compliance obligations.

    Under the Act, generative AI models are an example of general-purpose AI (GPAI). These providers must comply with the Copyright Directive and publish a summary of the content used for training. Companies must also label AI-generated content. Companies that will be under this provision include the likes of OpenAI (the owners of ChatGPT) and Microsoft’s Copilot.

    The PPA is pleased to see generative AI being addressed and regulated, and has been involved in numerous lobbying efforts to bring this issue to the attention of the right stakeholders in the UK.

    With the proximity of a general election, it is unlikely that any AI-related legislation will be proposed at this stage. But given the current Government has expressed a commitment to innovation rather than legislation, there may be a rush to follow in the footsteps of our European counterparts.

    In relation to Rishi Sunak’s comment on not rushing to regulate AI, Peter Kyle MP, Shadow Secretary of Science, Innovation and Technology said: “to secure these benefits [of AI] we must get on top of the risks and build public trust. It is not good enough for our ‘inaction man’, Prime Minister, to say he will not rush to take action, having told the public that there are national security risks which could end our way of life.”

    If you would like to read the full act, see here. For an interactive version, see here.

    The PPA will monitor the situation and keep members updated. If you’d like to discuss this further, please speak to our Public Affairs team at Eilidh.wilson@ppa.co.uk or natasha.anku@ppa.co.uk.

  • New publisher and associate members join PPA

    New publisher and associate members join PPA

    Publisher members:

    Camping and Caravanning Club

    Camping & Caravanning’s award winning monthly magazine is filled with travel features, reviews and advice to help members get the most out of their favourite pastime.

    Digital Frontier

    Digital Frontier is a tech-focused media and events company that steps beyond the daily news cycle to produce deeply reported stories on the future of business, finance and culture.

    Investors in Healthcare  

    Investors in Healthcare is the official journal of the European Healthcare Investors Association, the largest association of private capital providers investing in healthcare companies in Europe. A digital first resource delivering sector focussed news, data, and analysis. Investors in Healthcare cover M&A deals, capital raising, and investment rounds in the healthcare and life science sector of Europe and the Middle East. They also publish news stories and research on the latest developments in the market and run interviews with some of the key players shaping the future of the industry.  

    Business Leader

    Business Leader are on a mission to help established businesses across the UK unlock their full potential. A destination for business insight, tools, community, and mentoring, Business Leader provide a place for leaders to learn, network, and grow. They have a commitment to inspire breakthroughs and bridge the support gap for companies, via their magazine, podcasts, newsletters, events and communities.

    Associate members:

    Simon Kucher

    Simon Kucher focus on unlocking better growth for their clients, increasing long-term sales, value, and profit. They achieve this by optimising every lever of their commercial strategy – product, price, innovation, marketing, and sales.

    Merit

    Merit invest in the best tech skills and expertise to develop data solutions using transformative technology including AI, robotics, ML, and big data processing. This ethos sits at the heart of Merit, giving their clients access to disruptive innovation, helping them realise the full potential of future-focused, tech-driven solutions.

    HH&S

    HH&S provides marketing solutions and subscription fulfillment to publishers.

    The Viveri Group

    The Viveri Group is a full-service B2B company, offering a suite of interactive services to enable businesses to engage and monetise their audiences using digital billing capabilitie

    Workbooks CRM

    Workbooks core CRM services extend beyond sales, marketing and customer services to include powerful marketing automation, event management, order management and fulfilment, invoicing and supplier management functionalities.

  • PPA Scotland Roundtable: commercially viable events – key takeaways

    PPA Scotland Roundtable: commercially viable events – key takeaways

    Events professionals and publishers gathered to discuss the importance of ensuring the commercial viability of events.

    Ruby Sweeney, Founder of The Events Hub, and Nina Holmes, Head of Events, Newsquest Events Scotland & Northern Ireland led a lively discussion and generated some useful actions.

    Ruby Sweeney stressed the need to set and define event goals, and to identifying different customer profiles to best meet their needs. She urged attendees to get creative and make every event as exciting for attendees as possible.

    Nina Holmes challenged the audience to consider what they offer sponsors that others can’t and how to create interesting angles on themes to prevent them becoming an echo chamber.

    Takeaways included:

    • Plan ahead – try to ensure you aren’t reactive to events.
    • Events within events – consider holding a micro event off the back of other core events in your sector. Delegates may already be in the same place. What else can you add?
    • Feedback – capture as much delegate feedback as possible is key to driving plans for the coming year.
    • Use trusted suppliers – using suppliers who work across different events in different sectors can help inspire fresh ideas.
    • Widen your network – don’t just speak to people who already know who you are. Are there events on which you can collaborate with other publishers? Look at who has won awards/judged/spoken at other events in your sector, how can you get them to attend your events and bring a new network with them?
    • Hot topics – what is your most read content, or most regularly accessed resource? This can guide your event planning.
    • Back to basics – think about the time of year and location for your event. Make sure you are making these accessible to the widest possible majority.

    To be kept up to date with similar events, sign up for the PPA newsletter here.