11 February 2025

Congress 2025: “Madrid is a city that loves magazines”

Ahead of FIPP’s 100th Anniversary Congress, we talk to Andrés Rodriguez, President of ARI, about Madrid as a host city and the future of magazine media.

As Madrid prepares to host FIPP’s 100th Anniversary Congress, the Spanish capital is positioning itself not only as a global business hub but as a beacon for the future of magazine media. At the heart of this transformation is ARI, Spain’s leading magazine association, championing the industry’s evolution and ensuring its continued relevance in a disrupted industry.

“Everyone is noticing Madrid – and we have a dynamic industry with stand-out players,” says Andrés Rodriguez, adding: “ARI is definitely the place for editors.”

Innovation driving growth

Spain’s magazine industry is remarkable for its ability to innovate and expand globally. From RBA’s successful introduction of National Geographic Historia as a key editorial reference, to the international success of ¡Hola!, which is now distributed to over 30 countries, Spanish publishers continue to lead with passion and ambition. Meanwhile, Pronto magazine remains a unique case, demonstrating the strength of local editions in capturing audience loyalty.

The world’s first private club under the Forbes brand, Forbes House, is another sign of how Spanish media is experimenting with new revenue streams and reader engagement, illustrating the potential for blending media brands with experiential offerings. “With over 500 members in its first month, I think we can consider it a big success,” Andrés says.

A landscape of experimentation

According to Andrés, Spain’s magazine industry is undergoing a transformation marked by bold experimentation and a renewed sense of optimism. “Nowadays, we experiencing hope for the future,” he says. This evolution is evident in innovative ventures like Forbes House, with its exclusive membership model and 2,000 sqm of premium space, which has quickly become a symbol of Madrid’s growing influence in the media world.

Beyond new business models, the Spanish magazine market is redefining distribution. “We are in the process of revolutionising distribution, moving towards a more selective search of buyers,” Andrés says.

As international trends reshape consumer habits, he says Spain’s magazine sector is adapting with agility, ensuring that print and digital coexist in a way that enhances reader engagement and profitability.

Madrid: The perfect host

FIPP’s decision to host its 100th Anniversary Congress in Madrid is, Andrés says, no coincidence. “We have worked closely with the Board of Directors to make the date coincide with the city reaching new heights,” says Andrés. “Madrid is a city that loves its magazines. Here, we have a saying, ‘From Madrid to the Sky,’ and now the people present at the congress will experience that.”

Madrid, he adds, offers unique advantages as a media hub. As a bridge between Europe and Latin America, it is a crucial player in the international publishing industry. “It is the capital of Europe at the moment,” Andrés says. “Spain is one of the few countries in Europe showing economic progress, and our hospitality will do the rest.”

Spain’s global influence

As Spanish magazines continue to make waves internationally, Andrés sees the FIPP Congress as an opportunity to showcase the strength of Spain’s media industry to global participants. “For magazine editors, the celebration of FIPP’s centenary in Madrid is proof of the importance of our point of view. It also highlights the significance of Spanish as a universal language and the special creativity of professionals in Spain.”

Madrid’s cultural energy also plays a key role. “Madrid is a city full of life, where people make the streets a place to meet others, as well as share ideas, energy, and unique moments,” explains Andrés. “This is the essence that defines the philosophy of a magazine – a dynamic, open space for debate, reflection, and collective joy.”

ARI’s vision

Looking to the future, Andrés says thatARI is committed to shaping the next era of magazine publishing. “New magazines and the future are already in the hands of the the industry’s rising talent,” he says, describing ARI as “a big park with open doors”, that encouraged innovation and inclusivity.

“Our future depends on our ability to transform ARI into an association for the next generation, rather than just our own. We don’t want to become a museum.”

Andrés adds that Spanish publishers are keen to explore new global trends and redefine the role of print in a digital age. “It is important that editors don’t feel obliged to print – but instead feel able to explore the potential of print,” he says. The goal is not only to adapt but to inspire; after all, he adds: “Life itself is a big magazine.”