The tri-annual magazine is circulated free to 167,135 (Jan-Jun 2010 ABC figure) alumni and friends worldwide, and will be re-launched officially in Oxford on Thursday 28th October.
The partnership will draw on the expertise and skills of Future, one of the UK’s leading magazine publishers, with market-leading positions in games, film, music, technology, cycling, automotive and crafts.
Launched in 1988, the University magazine publicises Oxford’s achievements and its future plans. It covers all aspects of the life of the University and its colleges: research and teaching, cultural events, sport, and undergraduate life. It also includes historical features about the University and its alumni.
Oxford Today will be edited by Dr Richard Lofthouse, an experienced magazine editor with a highly relevant academic background as an Oxford undergraduate, who spent five years teaching at two Oxford colleges from 2000-2005. Richard brings extensive magazine experience to the role, previously as Editor of CNBC Business magazine from 2006-2009 and as Deputy Editor of European Business magazine prior to that. He was also short-listed twice for Editor of the Year by the British Society of Magazine Editors.
FuturePlus has also designed the new Oxford Today website; an extension of the print title, the website will offer engaging content to the alumni base. The site will offer fresh content between issues of the magazine and will include bespoke content ranging from features and quizzes to interviews, career openings, news and events.
Anne Brunner-Ellis, Head of the Publications and Web Office within the University’s Public Affairs Directorate, said: “Oxford Today is an important part of the University’s relationship with its alumni and friends. Having the right publisher is key to its future development and success, both in print and online. FuturePlus have impressed by their understanding of Oxford Today, its exciting potential and the expectations of its discerning audience.”
Jayne Caple, Director of FuturePlus added: “We are really excited to have won the contract with the University of Oxford, and are looking forward to working with them and developing our partnership. This is an important strategic step for FuturePlus, building our portfolio working with education bodies, and strengthening our position as a leading customer publisher.”
The Michaelmas term edition of Oxford Today will be distributed to alumni subscribers on 28th October, with features including an interview with Kumi Naidoo, the executive director of Greenpeace, a look at the 26 British prime ministers who have hailed from Oxford, and an exclusive poem from the new elected Professor of Poetry, Geoffrey Hill.
