CALGARY, October 16, 2009 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Lee Richardson, Member of Parliament (Calgary Centre), today announced funding for Read Alberta Magazines Month (RAMM), a promotion, awareness, and media relations blitz that takes place each October to promote magazines from Alberta.
Organized by the Alberta Magazine Publishers Associations, RAMM activities include MagMobile kiosks, education panels, and launch events throughout the province. The objectives are to raise the profile of Alberta magazines, get the public involved in reading Alberta Magazines, and promote the publishing industry as a career opportunity for post-secondary students.
"A strong magazine sector contributes to our economy, our culture, and our democratic life," said Minister Moore. "Initiatives such as Read Alberta Magazine Month strengthen the industry by helping publications consolidate their readership and reach more Canadians."
"Magazines are an important vehicle for Albertans to access Albertan voices and stories," said Mr. Richardson. "By uniting the efforts of all the province's publishers, Read Alberta Magazines Month is a great way to help readers discover new publications that are of interest to them."
"The funding for Read Alberta Magazines Month is vital to effectively promote Alberta magazines through community events and to provide education for the next generation of magazine professionals," said Colleen Seto, Executive Director of the Alberta Magazine Publishers Association. "Given the tough economic situation, it's particularly critical for Alberta magazines to stay top of mind with readers, advertisers, and emerging contributors as a vibrant and viable cultural industry."
The Government of Canada has provided funding of $90,953 through the Support for Industry Development component of the Department of Canadian Heritage's Canada Magazine Fund.
In February 2009, the Government announced that it would maintain its support to Canadian magazines through the creation of the Canada Periodical Fund, a modern, streamlined program that will replace the Canada Magazine Fund and the Publications Assistance Program. This new Fund, which will be launched in 2010-2011, will continue to invest in industry-wide projects such as Read Alberta Magazine Month to increase the overall health of the Canadian magazine and non-daily newspaper industries.
For more information (media only), please contact:
Deirdra McCracken
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages
819-997-7788
deirdra.mccracken@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
