Future begins 2005 with increased new media focus
5th January 2005
Publisher joins AOP Board and signs content deal with MSN
12/01/05 – Future Publishing has this week announced two major developments for its New Media Group. Publishing Director David Maher-Roberts has joined the Board of the UK Association of Online Publishers (AOP) and the company has also launched a new content deal with Microsoft’s MSN.co.uk portal.
AOP is an industry body formed in 2002 to present a unified voice to industry and Government, specifically to address the issues and concerns relating to all sectors of online publishing. As the latest major media owner to join AOP, Future has joined other online publishers including the BBC, BSkyB, Channel 4 and News International on the Board.
Future currently publishes a wide portfolio of websites including t3, gamesradar, metalhammer, computerarts, and mbuk. Throughout 2005 the company will redesign a number of its sites and is also planning to launch new websites later in the year.
David Maher-Roberts, Publishing Director for Future’s New Media Group says:
“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. 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 says:
“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 crème of the quality content brands, proving how important online has become in the overall media landscape.”
Meanwhile, MSN.co.uk has announced the re-launch of its ‘Computing Channel’, with a new content deal with Future. Renamed ‘Tech & Computing’, Future’s well-known PC entertainment title, PC Format will provide the new-look channel with the bulk of its editorial, including 350 downloads and extensive hardware and PC games reviews, which will be updated regularly. Future’s longest-running title PC Plus will provide supporting content to include consumer-friendly tutorials.
The re-launched channel will sit amongst other established MSN channels such as Cars, Entertainment, Money and Travel – with a potential reach for advertisers of over 15.8 million visitors per month in the UK.
On the MSN deal, Maher-Roberts added:
“We’re delighted to be involved with the development of MSN’s computing channel. PC Format is a leading magazine and website in the PC leisure market. This is a fantastic opportunity to extend its reach and increases its profile to a valuable new audience. This marks the beginning of a series of initiatives and deals that our New Media Group will be announcing throughout 2005.”
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