Magazine Publishers of America
The MPA Board of Directors, in conjunction with the MPA Government Affairs Council (GAC), held its annual Washington Day on April 28, at the Capitol View Business and Conference Center. The Board and the GAC heard from a provocative lineup of legislators from both sides of the aisle, as well as a senior official from the Obama administration. The night before, John Fox Sullivan of National Journal and John Q. Griffin of National Geographic Society, hosted an opening Board dinner. They were joined by special guests House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and Ron Brownstein, political director of the Atlantic Media Company.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE MEETING
The Honorable Rob Nabors, Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget, has been responsible for steering President Obama’s proposed budget through Congress and helping to shape the economic stimulus package that Congress approved earlier this year.
“I’ve been told you guys have an interest in postal reform,” he quipped upon arrival.
He spoke extensively about the need to restructure the Postal Service. “We’re dedicated to finding a way to make everything (in the postal system) work.”
As Chairman of the Communications, Technology and the Internet Subcommittee, Representative Rick Boucher (D-VA) will play a key role in shaping the future of online advertising, which he discussed with the MPA Board.
“I personally like (behavioral) advertising,” he said. “Properly used, behavioral advertising is a beneficial thing. I want the online experience to be secure. I want to bolster electronic commerce.”
Boucher, a champion of the Shield legislation that just passed the House, also spoke passionately about the need to protect reporters and their unidentified sources.
Representative Edolphus Towns (D-NY) has been a good friend to the magazine industry, especially on postal issues and direct-to-consumer advertising. He serves as the Chair of the House Committee on Oversight and Government, which has jurisdiction over the USPS.
“Magazines play a unique role in our society and let me say thank you for that,” he noted. “Your industry must stay ahead of the curve so you don’t suffer the same fate as the newspaper industry.”
Representative Eric Cantor (R-VA), acknowledged as one of the most influential Republican Members of Congress, discussed the stark challenges facing the country. “We have to address the unemployment issue,” he implored. “Fifteen people a minute are losing their jobs. That can’t sustain an economic rebound.”
Cantor also spoke frankly about the state of the Republican party. “The Northeast is a wasteland for Republicans,” he said.
Representative Darrel Issa (R-CA) urged magazine publishers to defend their copyrighted works.
“I’m saying that you’re not protecting your copyright,” said the Congressman, who was a technology industry leader before being elected to public office.
“You are content producers and you are not being protected.”
Luncheon speaker, Postmaster General Jack Potter, led off with a simple message to the publishing community: “Thank you for mailing. Mail. Mail. Mail. Keep it coming.”
While outlining the challenges facing the Post Office, he remained bullish about its future. “I have no problem saying there will be a Postal Service in America for decades to come,” he said.
“But it won’t be the Post Office of the 60s or 70s. It will be a modern Post Office. It may not even have as much brick and mortar.”
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