Magazines Ontario to serve interests of Ontario-based, region-focussed titles

The particular needs of regional, Ontario-based magazines are to be addressed by creation of a new organization called Magazines Ontario.

The new entity will be sheltered under the wing of Magazines Canada in Toronto and will get a budget allocation and staff resources from the national body, but will represent Ontario magazine interests in much the same way as regional magazine associations in British Columbia (BCAMP), Alberta (AMPA), Manitoba (MMPA), Quebec (AQEM) and the Atlantic Provinces (AMA).

Magazines Canada/CMPA has worked closely with these associations on many initiatives including public affairs, professional development, advertising services and governance, said the organization in a press release.

However, "Ontario needs a more defined profile. This was identified in Magazines Canada's longer range planning exercise," said Mark Jamison, CEO of Magazines Canada. "Although Magazines Canada actively pursues many Ontario issues on behalf of dozens of Ontario-based members, it has always done so under the national rubric. That is about to change with the creation of Magazines Ontario."

Magazines Ontario will have a dedicated website (to be launched in midsummer) and a standing committee to address matters relevant to Ontario-based, region-focussed titles (starting in September 2008).