The chairman of the Newspaper Society’s Independent Publishers Forum John Robertson is reviving a conference for its members and other independent publishers.
Robertson, who is deputy chairman of independent publisher the Newbury Weekly News Group and a former president of the Newspaper Society, said: “The conference will concentrate on the strengths of independent publishing. It is a recognition of the value of readership and editorial excellence in the regions.
“Independents have a committed involvement in the local community through truly local newspapers. There is a great commonality in what we want to achieve.”
The speakers will discuss and share ideas on editorial content as well as circulation and advertising.
The Newspaper Society used to hold annual conferences for the IPF but due to dwindling numbers following the consolidation of the industry and takeovers of small publishers, they stopped. Due to popular demand within the independents the conference has been re-introduced and around 70 delegates are due to attend.
The conference will be open to all independent publishers and if successful will be held annually.
Other organisers include chief executive of the Maidenhead Advertiser, Jeremy Spooner, director of operations at the Slough and Windsor Observer , Amanda Gee and Tiffany Barker, assistant chairperson of the Garnett Dickinson Publications which includes the Rotherham Advertiser , The Rotherham Record and the Dearne Valley Weekender .
The event is due to take place on 15 March in the Midlands.
By Sarah Lagan
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