1st January 2016 will see the launch of News Media Europe, a new organisation representing and promoting the interests of the modern news media industry in the European Union. News Media Europe will be an inclusive and progressive organisation that harnesses the dynamism and energy of multi-platform publishers across Europe. It will work in close partnership with others representing the creative industries committed to common aims and values.

The establishment of News Media Europe follows the decision of 11 countries to withdraw from the European Newspaper Publishers Association. These include Belgium (Flanders), Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, Republic of Ireland, Spain, Sweden, and United Kingdom.

Between them they represent publishers worth over Euro 12 billion and more than 2,100 titles. News Media Europe is in advanced discussions with a number of other countries about joining these foun-ding members.

The incoming President of News Media Europe, Fernando de Yarza Lopez, CEO of Grupo Heraldo in Spain, said:

“News Media Europe is committed to upholding and enhancing the freedom to publish, and to championing the newsbrands which are one of the most vital parts of Europe’s creative industries. We want to keep the media free from state controls and regulations to ensure that it prospers in a highly competitive global market – which will be good news for jobs and business in Europe. This is a really exciting venture – the first association of publishers fully to embrace the digital world which is the future of our industry. We look forward to working with all the European institutions to promote our values and interests, our contribution to the European economy, jobs and growth, and above all our future.”

NOTES

1. The Presidency of News Media Europe will be made up of four people. In addition to the new President Fernando de Yarzo Lopez, these will be Raoul Grunthal (CEO of Schibsted Sverige), Guy Black (Lord Black) (Executive Director, Telegraph Media Group) and Tom Nauta, (Managing Director of NDP Nieuwsmedia, the Dutch Media Association).
2. A full list of the members of the Board of News Media Europe and further information can be found on its website – www.newsmediaeurope.eu – or on its Facebook page. Follow News Media Europe on Twitter – @NewsMediaEurope
3. For further information, please contact: Martin Kala, managing director. Phone +33 (0) 622 145 368, email: Martin.kala@newsmediaeurope.eu