Ready? Set? Relaunch! - The Magazine! Boom!

This past weekend, I was treated to an escape to the beach with some special people to celebrate a few recent wins and recharge my batteries. There’s something so therapeutic about the sound of waves crashing against the shore, the salty breeze on your face, and the freedom to just be—especially when you’re surrounded by those who matter most. But amidst the sand, sun, and sea, it wasn’t just the natural beauty that struck me—it was a surprising and deeply nostalgic encounter that brought joy to my heart.

It all began with a simple walk into an old-fashioned newsagent. I wanted to buy a newspaper—a weekend tradition that I’ve held onto for as long as I can remember. As I stepped through the door, the familiar scent of ink and paper hit me, instantly transporting me back to my childhood.

Growing up, my family gathered around the kitchen table every weekend with giant pages of newspapers spread out, pots of tea steaming, and conversations that ranged from politics to the latest arts and shows. It wasn’t just reading; it was an experience. Each section of the paper would be passed around, discussions would grow louder and more passionate, and the joy of discovering something new was always present.

In those days, glossy magazines were another portal to the world. Every month, they arrived like gifts, full of stories, trends, and ideas that sparked curiosity and creativity. They weren’t just filled with images and articles—they were a window into the wider world, offering a curated experience that you couldn’t find elsewhere. Unlike today’s constant stream of social media, these magazines offered a pause, a moment to reflect, to dive deep into something meaningful.

So, imagine my surprise and delight when, after all these years, I walked into that newsagent and saw something I hadn’t seen in a long time—a fresh stack of glossy magazines. It felt like finding an old friend. There they were, in all their printed glory, offering an escape from the digital noise, a reminder of simpler times.

This moment also reminded me of why I originally started my career and journey with dreams of being a print journalist. The romance of print, the way words and images come together on a page, was where my dreams began. But with the advent of technology, I had to pivot—a pivot that led to a whole new adventure, one that brought me to where I am today. I can’t be ungrateful, as often life takes us on different paths than we initially imagined, and those paths can be just as fulfilling, if not more so.

It was a lesson in itself. We often think that we have to keep up with the relentless pace of digital innovation, but sometimes, what we really need is a step back. The return of print journalism, in all its tangible beauty, is a testament to that. It’s about reconnecting with the joy of reading, of holding something real in your hands, of slowing down.

To the publishers who have made this bold move to revive magazines—bravo! Your courage to go against the grain, to bring back a medium that many thought was fading away, is nothing short of commendable. The importance of PR in this relaunch cannot be overstated. In a world dominated by clicks and shares, it takes a strategic approach to remind people of the magic that print can hold. But more than that, it takes a deep understanding of what people truly need—an escape, a moment of quiet, a chance to dream.

This weekend was more than just a getaway; it was a reconnection with my roots, a reminder of where my dreams began, and a shared experience with special people who make these moments even more meaningful.?

It’s heartening to see that in a world constantly moving forward, sometimes the best things are the ones that take us back.