PRESS RELEASE
Berlin Declaration on the Future of the Digital Press FAEP / VDZ Berlin, 17 March 2011 – European magazine publishers announced the release of the Berlin Declaration, a 5 point appeal to policy and decision makers at national and European level, following the Digital Innovators Summit in Berlin on 14/15 March 2011. The document stresses the need to allow publishers to rely on the most appropriate business environment at a time characterized by constant shifts in consumption patterns. Concluding the discussions at the Digital Innovators Summit 2011, VDZ Secretary General Wolfgang Fürstner stated: “Dedicated to providing readers with reliable and quality journalism, not just in print but also on all types of devices, publishers are investing hundreds of millions of Euros in developing digital content offerings. The return on these investments is, however, at risk from both onerous business conditions and legislative threats.” The current reality is that the many publishers now initiating new paid-for solutions are faced with technological giants that may want to control the various dimensions of content distribution. The result could be publishers losing some core competencies, such as price setting, as well as their valued, direct relationships with readers (notably via subscription management). FAEP President David Hanger commenting on the legislative threats said: “Current political discussions regarding legislative changes at national, European and international level pose various threats to the future of digital press. For example, quality content is at risk by the weakening of existing copyright rules; changes to data protection rules risk creating unnecessary barriers to press distribution; and lack of action to address unfair business conditions imposed by dominant players means most publishers, which are small and medium sized enterprises, will struggle to develop sustainable online businesses.” In order to be able to properly adapt to their readers’ shifting consumption habits, publishers call for support for the following 5 key conditions for success: 1. Maintenance of existing press freedoms is the minimum prerequisite for any reasonable media policy. 2. Freedom to experiment and manage innovative business models. 3. Strong copyright protection is essential for a vibrant press. 4. Reduced VAT rates for digital as well as printed press. 5. Fair competition and transparency in the digital world. Ahead of the “Internet G8”, which will take place in France in May 2011, European publishers are actively shaping their own future, but also call on politicians to find the right balance of rights and obligations between the various players of the digital value chain, taking into account the very important and unique contribution of the press to the digital ecosystem. Please find the Berlin Declaration on this website: www.berlindeclaration.eu
Contact: FAEP Max von Abendroth Executive Director Email: max.abendroth@faep.org Phone: +32 2 536 06 04
VDZ Peter Klotzki Director of Communications Email: p.klotzki@vdz.de Phone: +49 30 72629 8162
The European Federation of Magazine Publishers, FAEP, is the voice of Europe's periodical press. FAEP represents 15.000 publishers throughout Europe (the vast majority being Small and Medium Sized Enterprises) publishing over 50.000 magazine titles in Europe. www.faep.org
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The Association of German Magazine Publishers, VDZ, is the umbrella organisation of German magazine publishers. VDZ is the top organization of German magazine publishers and their online offers. It represents some 400 publishers, and – with a market share of more than 95% – many small and medium-sized publishing houses. www.vzd.de