Recently BIV, which covers busines intelligence for B.C., had a look at how cultural and creative industries have fared during the pandemic, including publishing.

About 20 B.C.-based magazines have folded since the outset of the pandemic, while 300 to 325 remain in business, says the publication.

Executive director of MagsBC, Sylvia Skene, told BIV that monetization campaigns based on authentic outreach and engagement have worked for a number of magazines. The association also wants to ensure controlled-circulation magazines are eligible for the Canada Periodical Fund and more funding is made available for publishers who want to upgrade their websites.

Book publishers are facing the double whammy of declining sales, down about 30% to 40% year-over-year in 2020, and the loss of international rights sales events such as the Frankfurt Book Fair and the London Book Fair.