Microsoft, Nordic Multimedia Organisations Reflect New Media Environment
Twenty-two new members have joined the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) since the beginning of the year, reflecting growing support for the expanding activities of the leading global service organisation for news media.
The new members include Microsoft Corp. and two multimedia organisations that represent print, broadcast and digital media in Scandinavia: Utgivarna in Sweden and Finnmedia in Finland.
"WAN-IFRA has become an agent of media transformation, be it business models, strategic organisation or technology," said Vincent Peyrègne, the CEO of the organisation that represents18,000 newspapers, 15,000 online sites and 3,000 companies in more than 120 countries.
"Our growing membership reflects the realities of our market: news media organisations and other industry players are seeking solutions, on all publishing platforms, and need our services more than ever. We are upgrading our networks, our training and research initiatives, our conferences and seminars, our consulting services, and our press freedom and media development projects as a result. We are delighted that these efforts are being recognised and exploited by our members."
"We are excited to join WAN-IFRA, as it provides a valuable resource to meet the ever-evolving needs of the media landscape," said Bob De Haven, general manager, Worldwide Communications and Media Industries, Microsoft Corp. "Microsoft is committed to delivering a wide-ranging portfolio of technologies, partners and solutions to our clients, and joining WAN-IFRA will position us to continue reaching those goals."
Other new members in 2013 include: Viestilehdet OY, Denmark; Jang Group, Pakistan; Saxotech, Denmark; Gulf Press Association, Bahrain; bdnews24.com, Bangladesh; Associated Newspapers of Zimbabwe, Australian Jewish News; Kristeligt Dagblad, Denmark; Aylesford Newsprint, United Kingdom; Grupo Crónica, Argentina; Periódico A.M. y Al Día, Mexico; Empresa Editora El Comercio S.A., Perú, PCS, United Kingdom; D-Share, Italy; Milliyet, Turkey; Operative, USA; Badische Neueste Nachrichten, Germany; Samori Media Connection, Belgium and Marketeers, Indonesia.
WAN-IFRA, which also includes 78 national newspaper and media associations within its membership, is also launching a new global News Publishing Directory that connects publishers, suppliers, agencies, associations, institutions, universities and more.
"WAN-IFRA is uniquely placed to offer a global directory of the media industry, bringing together publishers and key publishing-related organisations with leading technology suppliers who specialise in the news publishing industry," said Mr Peyrègne.