Future Signs Up To Association of Online Publishers
Specialist magazine publisher Future Publishing has announced the appointment of publishing director David Maher-Roberts to the board of the Association of Online Publishers, bringing Future into line with its competitors in addressing the issues and concerns relating to all sectors of online publishing.
The AOP was formed in 2002 to present a unified voice to industry and Government. Future joins several other other online publishers in the Association, including the BBC, BSkyB, Channel 4 and News International.
Future currently publishes a wide portfolio of websites to accompany its magazines, including T3, Games Radar, Metal Hammer and Computer Arts. The company has plans to redesign a number of its websites, as well as launching several new ones later in the year.
Commenting on the decision to join the AOP, Maher-Roberts said: “Joining the AOP is a significant step for Future and is a sign of our intent and our increased emphasis on New Media channels. We will announce further initiatives throughout 2005 as our New Media Group develops effective and profitable digital media channels to benefit our core brands.”
He added: “Having a seat on the AOP board gives us important benefits and enables Future to have a stake in helping to shape the future of online publishing.”
Alexandra White, director of AOP was also enthusiastic about the move, adding: “It’s enormously encouraging that Future Publishing has decided to join the AOP Board. Online publishers from different media heritages are increasingly seeing the huge value in putting their experienced heads together to grow the digital media industry and with it, their own businesses. The AOP Board now represents the crčme of the quality content brands, proving how important online has become in the overall media landscape.”
The last major online publisher to join the AOP was Capital Radio, who took up a seat on the board in October. The radio heavyweight brought its portfolio of internet sites, including CapitalFM.com, Xfm.com, and ChoiceFM.com to the Association, significantly boosting its membership (see Capital Joins AOP To Boost Online Content).
Association Of Online Publishers: 020 7400 7562 www.ukaop.org.uk Future Publishing: 01225 442 244 www.futurenet.com
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