EMMA’s third biennial magazine “Empowering Citizens” launched yesterday at the EMMA Media Night

The 3rd EMMA Magazine was launched last night at the EMMA Media Night in Brussels. The magazine’s theme is “Empowering Citizens”, an idea that was reflected in the keynote address of industry leader Anna Jones, CEO of Hearst Magazines UK, who spoke about empowering women in the publishing industry. 

Approximately 140 representatives of Europe’s magazine industry, the European institutions and other industry stakeholders gathered at the prestigious Bibliothèque Solvay in the heart of the European Quarter of Brussels to celebrate the diversity and innovation of Europe’s magazine sector. 

“Europe’s magazine landscape is very dynamic, highly innovative and diverse,” said Auke Visser, President of the European Magazine Media Association, which hosted the event. “Our members publish news and current affairs magazines, special interest titles, business-to-business publications and scientific journals. With more than 360 million regular readers and over 50,000 highly trusted media brands, this press sector plays an important role in informing, educating and entertaining citizens in our democratic society.”

In addition to the keynote address by Anna Jones, the guests also had the opportunity to hear from five of the 56 authors featured in the EMMA Magazine: Jens Henneberg, Executive Vice President and Editorial Director of Bonnier Publications (DK); Marco Pratellesi, Editor-in-chief at l’Espresso Online (IT); Reinhilde Alaert, Global Segment Manager Newspaper at Agfa Graphics (BE); Dr. Robert Epstein, Professor of Psychology at the University of the South Pacific (Fiji); and Paul Lee, founder of Ecuiti LLC (USA). Each author briefly presented the topic of their article, which ranged from exploring the technological advances in the sector to the necessity of developing an appropriate regulatory framework to address the consequences of a shifting media landscape. 

The Magazine 

By emphasizing the role of the press in empowering citizens, the 2014/2015 EMMA magazine seeks to highlight the recent accomplishments of Europe’s magazine media and to discuss the relevant policy decisions that could impact the future of the industry. In the post-digital revolution, press publishers are adapting to new challenges for their business models. From investment in the European start-up scene to the growth of augmented reality technologies that supplement the power of print, from the expansion of online platforms to the improvement of digital subscription models, there are many success stories to be heard from the various corners of the continent. 

Among this year’s 56 diverse authors are:

•  Audra Martin from The Economist, writing on the topic of Digital Strategy.
• Stephan Rühling from Vogel Business Media, on ‘Boosting Europe’s Knowledge Economy.’
• Rüdiger Ditz of Der Spiegel, outlining ‘Germany’s digital reference medium.’
• Daniel Knapp from IHS, who looks at ‘Technology Disruption for Magazine Media.’
• Lassi Kurkijärvi, head of SanomaLab in the Netherlands who details the Sanoma Accelerator Programme and European start-up culture.
• François Coruzzi, CEO of ELLE International Media Licenses, writes about the development of a magazine brand.
• Robert Epstein, Professor of Psychology at the University of the South Pacific, explores how search engines and social media platforms can influence voters and, perhaps, undermine democracy.

This magazine is available online here. If you would like to request a print copy, please contact Karin Fleming: karin.fleming@magazinemedia.eu. The EMMA Media Night was realized due to the support of EMMA’s partners: Agfa Graphics, Bertelsmann, Landmark Global, Lucas Ooms Fonds, and Sappi Fine Paper Europe. The European Voice acted as media partner. 

Press Contact: 

Karin Fleming 
Communications and Administration Officer
EMMA