Multiplatform publishing organizations are twisting and turning around big changes
With industry changes taking place all over, throughout areas of technology and strategy, we’re frequently reporting on partnerships, reorganization, and diversification within multiplatform publishing organizations.
A recent example involves a partnership between Forbes and Advantage Media Group. According to an article from MediaPost, “Forbes has teamed with Advantage Media Group to launch a new book publishing imprint business called ForbesBooks.”
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The article continues to discuss the offerings of the publishing network. “ForbesBooks’ other advantage is that it gives authors potential access to the media company’s multiplatform network. Authors will have their content published across Forbes’ network and receive cross-platform marketing support. For example, authors and their books will have visibility in the print edition of Forbes magazine, online exposure on Forbes.com, a feature in the new print publication Forbes Book Review and in-person events.”
Jane Francisco expands her role within Good Housekeeping
Another change is coming to Hearst as the company brings Good Housekeeping editor in chief Jane Francisco into an expanded role with women’s content.
According to an article from WWD, “The magazine publisher has elevated Good Housekeeping editor in chief Jane Francisco to head its newly formed “Lifestyle Group,” which is comprised of Good Housekeeping, Redbook and Woman’s Day. The promotion formalizes what is already in place on the business side with Good Housekeeping’s Patricia Haegele as publishing director of the group.”
The article continues: “This is an important endeavor, as it has been no secret that the magazine market targeting Generation X and Baby Boomer women has been challenged (and somewhat stale). Case in point, Meredith Corp. shuttered the monthly edition of Ladies’ Home Journal in 2014 and earlier this year closed its sister glossy More Magazine.”
Teen Vogue focuses on digital
A teen-focused magazine from Conde Nast is now focusing more on digital strategy and less on print frequency. Folio reports, “Major changes are coming to Teen Vogue…Condé Nast announced today a comprehensive reimagining of the teen-focused spinoff of its flagship fashion title, reducing print frequency from monthly to quarterly, abandoning its digest size for a larger, “collectible” print format, and shifting resources to focus on the brand’s growing digital audience.”
This change is coming as the significance of social media is becoming more noticeable to the publisher. “The transformation is a clear indication that, unsurprisingly, a magazine catering to female Gen-Xers and young Millennials sees most of its audience growth coming through social media, primarily on mobile devices, with video leading the charge. Unique visitors to TeenVogue.com jumped 145 percent over the past 12 months, with mobile traffic and video viewers more than tripling, according to data from comScore.”
Time Inc. rejects buyout offer
With a major potential looming, Time Inc. rejects a buyout offer, as Folio shares. “Time Inc. has received a $1.8 billion buyout bid from billionaire Edgar Bronfman Jr., which has reportedly been rejected by the company’s board. The offer was for $18 a share, a 30% premium over the company’s Friday closing price.”
This rejection comes as Time Inc. continues to focus on its abilities as a digital media company. The article continues, “Several changes have come to the publisher just this past year including an editorial restructuring, which saw the creation of editorial groups.”
We’ll continue to report on all major digital publishing organizational changes in the future.
