Canadian Publishing Industry News
2 June 2023,     LONDON, UK

The problem with digital-only news outlets

 

 
The Guardian newspaper is taking a stab at explaining what the demise of Vice and the closure of BuzzFeed’s news division mean for publishing.

According to writer Margaret Sullivan the problem is the internet and a digital revolution that has not settled on any profitable business models yet. “The problem in digital news? The audience, in many cases, was there. But the profits didn’t follow, or at least not in a sustainable way. Digital advertising revenue, once thought to be based on audience size, was going instead to social media platforms, particularly Facebook.”

            Some legacy brands that have digitized their business, but who also retain a large print presence seem to have weathered the storm much better.

2 June 2023,     BOSTON

Retired journalists jumping back in

 

 
It seems old journalists don’t fade away to seaside enclaves but continue to ply their trade. A recent story in Nieman Reports showcases how many retired, award-winning journalists who spent careers at marquee national outlets are stepping in to fill news voids, particularly at the local community level.

2 June 2023,     OTTAWA

How publishers would suffer under Bill C-18
 

Canadian news publishers have outlined the severe challenges they would face if big tech platforms block their content.

Jeff Elgie, CEO of Village Media, told senators studying the bill that Google and Facebook generate more than 50 per cent of his digital company’s web traffic, according to a story in the Toronto Star.

25 May 2023,     OTTAWA

Ottawa Magazine signs off

 

 
After a 25-year run chronicling Ottawa’s city life, Ottawa Magazine published its last issue this Spring.  

Ottawa Magazine’s managing editor, Robert Hiltz, announced the publication’s closure in his newsletter — Ottawa Lookout.

“I’ve also had the pleasure of being the managing editor of Ottawa Magazine,” wrote managing editor Robert Hiltz in late March. “Sadly, this upcoming Spring issue will be the magazine’s last.” The magazine is published by St. Joseph Communications.

Likely culprits for the demise are higher paper costs and shifting consumer habits to online outlets. Ottawa Magazine’s final edition was published in early May.  

25 May 2023,     CALGARY

Alberta Magazine Awards Winners

 

The Sprawl, magazine of the year
The Sprawl, magazine of the year
Earlier in May, Alberta’s magazine industry gathered in Calgary to celebrate the Alberta Magazine Awards, hosted by the Alberta Magazine Publishers Association (AMPA). AMPA presented awards for excellence in magazine content published in 2022 in 18 Showcase categories and four Achievement award categories. Magazine of the Year recipients were also announced for the four Western provinces.

12 May 2023,    

COPA 2023 - Call for Judges
 
The COPAs is beginning the process for the 2023 Awards with the call for volunteer Judges. This 90+ person judging panel has become the Who’s Who of Digital Publishing in Canada.

CALL for Judges Registration Link

 

THE 2023 COPA AWARDS PROGRAM

1. Call for Judges -- May 1

2. 2023 Categories Release - June 1 

3. Call for Entries - July 1 - Canada Day

4. Early Bird Deadline - August 18

5. Entry Deadline - September 30

6. Finalists Announcement - December 1

7. COPA Party - Feb 2024

 

11 May 2023,     TORONTO

New editor at Canadaland

 

Karyn Pugliese
Karyn Pugliese
Canadaland has appointed Karyn Pugliese as its new editor. She will set the editorial direction of the company, and oversee its growing slate of podcasts, including the flagship Canadaland podcast. She assumes her post in early July.
         Pugliese resume includes roles such as executive director of news and current affairs at Aboriginal Peoples Television Network, managing editor of investigations at CBC, and most recently, editor-in-chief of Canada’s National Observer. She is a member of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation in Ontario.

11 May 2023,     GERMANY

First reported magazine created by AI

 

 
You knew this was coming. Two German entrepreneurs have created the first-known magazine written and designed by AI. PANTA RHAI, from the Greek phrase ‘everything flows,’ is a 136-page issue that took two staff members just five days to produce.

            As reported in What’s New in Publishing, the issue was produced by ChatGPT and Midjourney with human prompts. It’s available as a free digital download and is described as a lifestyle magazine that blends ARI with human creativity. Stories include “Can AI Expand your Horizons?” and “The Complexity of Time.”

            The founders reportedly wanted to showcase how AI can be used in product innovation and to prove that the tools are advanced enough.

            Have a look at www.panta-rh.ai.

11 May 2023,     TORONTO

Mel Woods is new senior editor at Pink Triangle Press

 

 
Mel Woods is the new senior editor, audience engagement, at culture magazine Xtra, owned by Pink Triangle Press. In the newly created role Woods will have hosting duties that bring content and advocacy to life on Xtra’s social media channels, including the TikTok channel that launched earlier this month. This will expand the title’s presence in podcasting and video-based storytelling.

11 May 2023,     NEW YORK

Vice Media bought out of bankruptcy
 
 According to various media reports, Vice Media is being bought out of bankruptcy by a group of investors that includes billionaire George Soros for about US$400 million.  The buyers include the Soros Fund Management and Fortress Investment Group.

            The company had been preparing for bankruptcy over the last year. Earlier this year its CEO left the company and two recently the company said it would close Vice World News.
            The purchase has led to speculation that the buyers are poised to bring Vice Media co-founder Shane Smith back to the company in an as-yet undefined role. Smith oversaw Vice Media in its heyday when it was valued at US$5.7 billion.
            Included in the purchase are Vice Studios film and TV production unit, Vice TV, and creative agency Virtual. The company also owns Refinery29, London-based Pulse Films and i-D.

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