PPA is one of the UK’s largest and most effective trade associations, and is one of the leading magazine trade bodies worldwide. Our job is to promote the interests of the UK magazine and business media industry in every way possible. We are at the heart of a network of national and international alliances across the creative industries, protecting our members from damaging restrictions on press freedom and on the freedom to advertise; safeguarding our members’ intellectual property; fighting for a cost-effective postal distribution system; defending our members against unnecessary regulation, and promoting the editorial and financial health of our industry. We have a strong interest in training and development, and (as well as our own training and qualifications) we accredit twelve university courses in the UK. We are part of the European and worldwide magazine organisations, and we are part of the funding bodies for the Press Complaints Commission and the Advertising Standards Authority. We are also one of the issuers of press cards to journalists.
The UK magazine and business media industry and the digital revolution
PPA has nearly 200 publishing company members, who together publish more than 3,000 consumer, business and customer magazines. Nearly all magazine brands publish online; many of them use audio and video content on their websites. Blogs, Twitter, webinars and virtual fairs are all part of the magazine world. Publication to smart phones is beginning; digital paper and e-inks are being developed. PPA member companies also produce a range of directories, and organise conferences, exhibitions and awards. A number of the larger companies also have TV and radio brands linked to their publishing interests. Magazine brands are now multimedia, cross-platform brands, investing in and living the digital revolution.