FIPP CEO calls for publishers to come together amid the rise of AI
As FIPP’s centenary World Media Congress got into full swing in Madrid today, the trade association’s CEO, Alastair Lewis, used his keynote speech to call for unity across the media industry to face the challenges and embrace the opportunities presented by the rise of AI.
“We need to come together, collaborate, and recognise the real threads that bind us: human-curated quality content, trustworthiness, and the power to engage and inspire audiences with real value,” he said, speaking to a packed room at Círculo de Bellas Artes, the focal point for this year’s event, which started with a stunning flamenco dancing performance.
“Only through working together – at events like this and within organisations like FIPP – can we set industry standards, fight for fair compensation for our content, and combat threats like bot scraping, zero-click search, AI slop content being mass produced, and the unscrupulous stealing and reuse of our work from underneath our noses.”
In the year FIPP celebrates 100 years of uniting global media leaders and technology innovators, approximately 500 delegates from more than 40 countries have gathered in Madrid to network and listen to more that 50 industry experts.
Reflecting on FIPP’s rich history, Lewis told delegates the trade association has become more vital than ever as the media landscape keeps evolving at pace.
“In all our 100 years, I don’t believe there has ever been a more important time for FIPP to exist,” he said. “To share best practice and knowledge globally. To unite publishers, media owners, national associations, tech platforms, and suppliers in standing up for the values and principles we hold dear.
“Despite there being 500 of us here, in this moment it doesn’t feel like a crowd full of strangers. It feels like a room full of colleagues, partners and friends – a community who share the same passion and commitment, and who are here to learn from one another, be inspired and to find new ways to grow and new partners to do business with. That is what makes FIPP truly special.”
Lewis also announced FIPP plans to merge with WAN-IFRA, the World Association of News Publishers. FIPP will keep its identity – continuing to run the annual Congress and all of its existing events, training, consulting and networking services – while building a community for magazine publishers within WAN-IFRA.
“For you, this means greater access to knowledge, expertise and contacts from across the global network of news publishers and being part of a bigger network with greater reach,” Lewis said. “More potential partners and collaborators from an even greater spread of countries and with fellow media owners facing the same important challenges the world over.”
Lewis’s speech included a screening of an award-winning film produced and directed by Harriet Schrier, a FIPP Board member and CEO of the Magazine Media Association in the Netherlands (MMA).
Identifying three takeaways from the movie he believed would set the tone for all conversations at the FIPP World Media Congress, Lewis pointed out that human-curated content remains indispensable; that authenticity, trust, and community are our core values; and, while magazine media continually adapts, its essence persists.
“Technological change has transformed workflows and challenged old models, but magazine publishers have shown remarkable resilience and reinvention,” he said.
“Through innovation, the core principle remains: magazines are a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration, with a human-first approach essential to maintaining quality and connection in a digital world.”
Lewis implored those attending this year’s landmark FIPP Congress to make the most of the networking opportunities.
“For 100 years, FIPP has been, and is still much more than just a trade association – it is a network, and our key job is to be a hub in the centre that enables connection between our members and across borders,” he said.
“Whether magazine or news publishers, digital pureplay businesses, supplier company or technology provider, we have the full network represented here over the next 2 days and I urge you all to use this time, in this wonderful location, to grow YOUR network – to meet new people and share ideas on how you can grow your businesses together.
“I am especially pleased to welcome representatives and members from more than 40 countries, and we have delegations here today from our National Association members spanning Japan, China, the Nordics, South Africa, Latin America, Canada, and many more.”
