The revival of print magazines in the digital age

In an era where digital screens dominate, with the average person spending about six hours and forty minutes daily viewing content, the relevance of physical print is being revitalised. This is highlighted by Erwin Busselot, Director of Business Innovation and Solutions at Ricoh Graphic Communications, who underscores the importance of effectively engaging audiences.

Katie Vanneck-Smith, the CEO of Hearst, recently discussed the impact of digital transformation on magazines during a recent interview with Campaign. She reflected on how the integration of websites led to the commoditisation of magazines, diminishing the unique experience they once provided. Vanneck-Smith articulated, “Everyone started doing the same thing. The resultant experience was nothing like a magazine experience. It had none of the joy, the space or the serendipity.” She emphasised that print magazines serve as a “creative canvas” and noted a significant resurgence in their appeal, as evidenced by a notable 10% increase in print advertising sales for Hearst during the first half of 2024.

Katie Vanneck-Smith, CEO, Hearst UK


In light of these developments, Vanneck-Smith pondered the future of magazines, questioning how they could be reinvented to forge stronger connections with audiences, a sentiment echoed by the changing preferences of readers, particularly among younger generations.

Roularta Media Group has initiated a “Time to Read” campaign that aims to inspire Belgians to reclaim their reading time and diminish screen exposure. This initiative spans its flagship publications, including Knack, Le Vif, Libelle, and Femme d’Aujourd’hui. As part of the campaign, Knack has introduced a challenge encouraging participants to commit to reading at least one book per month between October and December. The initiative is grounded in findings from a study by Kantar, which surveyed 1,000 Belgians and revealed that 37% of younger adults (aged 18-34) reported reading more than five years ago, with 89% expressing a preference for physical books.

Image: roularta.be


The rekindled interest in printed media aligns with a growing recognition of the cognitive and emotional advantages associated with long-form reading. Notable reading psychologist Frank Hakemulder has researched the adverse effects of excessive digital exposure, noting that it can negatively impact attention spans and cognitive abilities. He warns that the rapid consumption of information may undermine empathy and impede the understanding of complex ideas.

Conversely, print media encourages immersive engagement, allowing readers to delve into nuanced storytelling and layered narratives, thereby fostering critical thinking and empathy. By promoting such content, print media counterbalances the often oversimplified, bite-sized information prevalent in digital formats.

These developments suggest a realignment in publishing strategies towards enhancing audience engagement, as demonstrated by successful campaigns like Roularta’s. Such initiatives highlight reading not merely as a leisure activity but as a vital channel to cultivate an empathetic and intellectually engaged society, positioning print media as an enduring and impactful force in this narrative.

Curated, edited, and published by our team, with stories provided by the AI news platform, Noah Wire Services.

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