ITP suddenly closes Campaign Middle East

by Staff, Brand Republic 09-Feb-07, 10:30

LONDON - Dubai-based publisher ITP has, in a surprise move, cancelled the publication of Campaign Middle East, along with a related awards ceremony due to take place on Monday.

ITP has been publishing Campaign Middle East in the region under licence from Haymarket since April 2005.

Robert Corder, editor-in-chief of Campaign Middle East, confirmed ITP's actions to Haymarket yesterday. ITP has yet to inform Haymarket of the reasons for the actions taken. Haymarket representatives are continuing to try to make contact with management at ITP for an explanation.

Tim Bulley, Haymarket licensing director, said: "Up to this point, we have had a successful partnership with ITP. We're surprised by what they've done and are unclear of their motives. Until otherwise communicated to us by ITP, Haymarket is committed to publishing Campaign Middle East with them. We are willing to work with them to resolve the situation."

Since its launch nearly two years ago, Campaign Middle East has developed a strong editorial reputation, together with a successful awards programme. This year's awards attracted almost 800 entries and were judged by high-profile industry figures from around the world and locally.

Robert Serafin, managing director of ITP, informed staff on Wednesday of the closure of the magazine and the cancellation of the awards show. However, he declined to explain why.

Haymarket's Campaign magazine was launched in the UK in 1968 and is today considered to be the most authoritative weekly title for the advertising and media industry.

Haymarket licenses more than 105 magazines globally in 31 different languages, successfully working with more than 60 third-party publishers to publish its magazines outside of the UK.