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Category: Industry News

  • Take a Break launches puzzle book to boost mental wellbeing

    Take a Break launches puzzle book to boost mental wellbeing

    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)

  • New legal restrictions on advertising food and drink products come into effect

    New legal restrictions on advertising food and drink products come into effect

    From 5 January 2026, ads for “identifiable” less healthy food and drink products will be banned from appearing:

    • on television and on-demand programme services between 5:30am and 9:00pm 
    • in paid online media at any time

    The final rules reflecting each restriction are accompanied by advertising guidance on their implementation, which you can read here.

    Advertisers must ensure that their ads comply with the new rules. This applies to all new ads and existing ads appearing on or after 5 January 2026.

    The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) strongly encourages advertisers to use the secondary advice resources and to seek further advice through their Copy Advice service. For broadcast clearance matters, advertisers should contact Clearcast.

    You can read the Committees of Advertising Practice regulatory statement here and their consultation outcome and guidance here.

  • EUDR latest: One year delay with exemption for magazines adopted by European Council

    EUDR latest: One year delay with exemption for magazines adopted by European Council

    On 18 December, the European Council formally adopted a targeted revision of the EU regulation on deforestation-free products (EUDR).

    To reduce administrative burden, certain printed products (such as books, newspapers, magazine, printed pictures) were removed from the scope of the regulation, reflecting the limited deforestation risk associated with these items. The revision streamlines the due diligence requirements and postpones the application of the regulation for all operators until 30 December 2026, with an extra six-month cushion for micro and small operators. 

    This means that publishers and their partners can pause efforts to achieve compliance with EUDR while the exemption of printed products is formally adopted, which should go ahead at the end of 2026.

    The revised regulation will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union and enter into force three days after publication. It is stressed that the revisions will not legally take effect until they are published in the Official Journal.

    Overall, this is good news for the publishing sector. It appears that there will no longer be any obligations under EUDR for publishers and our value chain partners. The PPA will monitor the situation and provide updates should any changes occur.

    For more information, see the official press release here, or contact charlotte.jeffreys@ppa.co.uk.

  • Government delivers update on AI and copyright progress 

    Government delivers update on AI and copyright progress 

    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  

  • Government launches BBC consultation

    Government launches BBC consultation

    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. 

  • Business leader spotlights: how to truly impact your business

    Business leader spotlights: how to truly impact your business

    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.

    “Adopt an infinite mindset”

    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.

    “Breaking silos builds stronger businesses”

    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).

    “Stop chasing rainbows”

    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.

    “The 80/20 rule: focus where it matters”

    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.

    “Sustainable success comes from pricing power, not just sales”

    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.

    “Make the bold move early”

    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.

  • Supporting the next generation of talent in 2026

    Supporting the next generation of talent in 2026

    At the recent PPA Member Reception, two of the PPA’s Next Gen Board, Poppy Nash, Managing Editor at Who What Wear, Future and Alex Laybourne, Head of Marketing for Subscriptions and Live Events, Haymarket, shared the plans for 2026 to promote the sector.

    Careers fairs

    One Next Gen working group is looking to help bridge the gap between education and the world of work, reaching young people at the critical moment they decide their future. “By nurturing these connections now, we hope to build a sustainable talent pipeline for all our businesses.”

    The Next Gen Board is kicking off the new year at a large-scale careers fair with the mission to help shatter the ‘image problem’. Right now, young talent thinks Publishing is mainly about becoming a journalist. Chatting to attendees will help show that the sector offers careers in data, digital, product, video, technology, and AI… the list is endless.

    As a sector we have to compete for this talent, showing the Computer Science grad why a media brand is more exciting than a bank. To do this, the Next Gen Board is looking to build a network of ambassadors – the people inside PPA member companies – to be the face of this campaign.

    They are inviting members to get involved on social by creating ‘day in the life’ videos and digital case studies that prove this industry is the place to be. There are opportunities to be at the career fairs, from donating branded merchandise for goodie bags, to boards or visuals that will help bring the industry to life.

    The Next Gen Board is also working on a pilot work experience scheme, designed with publishing and media at its core. The aim is to dismantle the idea of “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know”.

    The Next Gen Board will handle the administration to allow members to focus on the inspiration. They are seeking organisations to co-create a solution that helps give first access to the best talent.

    Get involved

    If you are interested in contributing through content, donating merch, or being a part of the work experience pilot, please get in touch at nextgen@ppa.co.uk.

    You can find out more about the PPA Next Gen here.

    Last year, the PPA Next Gen Board launched Find Yourself in Publishing, a campaign to highlight opportunities for people considering their options and career path. It features real-life stories from those working in the sector and how they got there, tips on how to write a good CV, links to current job vacancies, and a quiz to help suggest roles that might be a suitable skills match for a career in publishing.

  • AI firm ProRata strikes licensing agreement with publishers

    AI firm ProRata strikes licensing agreement with publishers

    Under the partnership, publishers will receive revenue when their content appears in ProRata’s answer engine, Gist. The agreement is opt-in, so content won’t be surfaced without their consent. 

    ProRata is committed to a 50-50 ad revenue share with publishers. That 50% share, in turn, will be proportionally divvied up between each publisher whose content is cited in a response. 

    Annelies Jansen, Chief Business Officer, ProRata said: “The standards we set today for generative AI use, practice, and regulation will determine human benefit from both commercial and creative standpoints. 

    “We’re optimistic that this agreement will showcase the possibilities around how content owners and generative AI firms can work together to deliver a healthy, sustainable ecosystem.” 

    ProRata aim for the partnership to “establish a replicable framework for media associations worldwide seeking fair and transparent collective licensing solutions.” 

    As part of the ProRata partnership, DPCMO members will also get the option to incorporate Gist Answers into their website to serve as a chatbot. focused only on that site’s content.  

    Karen Rønde, Chief Executive Officer, DPCMO said: “By building a sovereign, responsible AI ecosystem, Denmark is setting a precedent for how media sectors can take collective control in the generative AI era – on fair terms and with full respect for creators’ rights.” 

  • Good Housekeeping UK launches brand-new standalone TV listings magazine for Christmas 

    Good Housekeeping UK launches brand-new standalone TV listings magazine for Christmas 

    A brand-new print product, The Good Housekeeping Christmas TV Guide features two full weeks of TV listings covering terrestrial, freeview and satellite channels, plus viewing recommendations for every day. 

    The guide is geared to modern families for whom watching TV is a central part of their bonding at Christmas. Its launch aligns with research that shows 65% of GH readers claim watching a TV show or film during the festive time is what ‘makes Christmas Christmas’*. While 88% agree that Good Housekeeping makes them ‘feel Christmassy’, and 75% state that reading GH has become a ‘Christmas tradition in itself’**.

    The Good Housekeeping TV Guide incorporates 192 pages packed with everything for the ultimate festive viewing experience, including exclusive celebrity interviews, behind the scenes specials, a festive film guide, quizzes and puzzles for a wide range of ages, the must-stream shows of Christmas 2025, and a look ahead to the programmes that will shape 2026.   

    Also inside the magazine, the GH Kitchen team gift readers with recipes for easy TV dinners, meals to please a crowd, and cocktails inspired by the nation’s favourite TV shows and films. The Good Housekeeping Institute’s expert testing team have also selected the sofa snacks worth indulging in and interiors inspiration.   

    In addition to in-store support, retailers will also be backed by an extensive marketing campaign that includes TV advertising on ITV for a week from the on-sale date, as well as promotions through all GH channels and targeted social media activity.  

    Good Housekeeping / Good Housekeeping Institute MD, Liz Settle, said: “We’ve seen TV content become the fourth power pillar of GH this year – along with recipes, cleaning & decluttering and product reviews. So, when our research showed how watching TV together is such a big part of bonding at Christmas for this generation of GH women, and with GH in print doing so well, we saw an opportunity to do something new. You already trust GH with your Christmas dinner, so now you can trust us with your Christmas telly too!” 

  • Hearst UK announces dedicated luxury division

    Hearst UK announces dedicated luxury division

    This strategic move centralises all luxury client-servicing functions, previously serviced through local and UK-based global teams.

    The Luxury Hub will serve as a single, cohesive point of access for Hearst UK’s luxury partners, simplifying collaboration and enabling a more unified approach across multi-maison initiatives, watches and jewellery, and global brand partnerships.

    The move to consolidate this expertise and operational excellence under one division will enable greater efficiency for delivery, deeper strategic alignment, and enhanced opportunities for luxury brands seeking to connect with Hearst UK’s highly engaged audiences.

    The Hub will be led by Hearst UK’s Chief Luxury Officer, Jacqueline Euwe.

    Jacqueline Euwe said: “Hearst UK’s new Luxury Hub strengthens our commitment to excellence, collaboration and creativity within the luxury sector. It is the next step in providing our partners with an elevated experience, under one unified team, to deliver premium solutions.”

    Katie Vanneck-Smith, CEO, Hearst UK, added: “As we look ahead to 2026, our role as a partner continues to further evolve in terms of ease of navigability. We want to provide a seamless, always-on relationship for our clients. The Luxury Hub embodies this, and I’m excited for the next chapter.”

    The Luxury Hub will be effective from 1 January 2026.

    Image Credits:

    • Bazaar WOTY: Oliver Holms
    • Esquire Better Men: James D Kelly
    • ELLE Style Awards: Dave Benett / Getty Images