Publishers Association comment on coronavirus

Stephen Lotinga, CEO of the Publishers Association said:

“The escalation of the coronavirus situation is causing a range of very significant challenges across publishing businesses. We are doing everything we can to support the industry at this extraordinarily difficult time. We have established a page on our website and are issuing regular member briefings. We are also collating business intelligence from publishers which will inform our interactions with Government.

“Despite the challenges they are facing, publishers are doing a huge amount to help. Lots of educational resources have been made available free to schools and families. Academic publishers are fast-tracking publication of scientific research relevant to the pandemic and ensuring it is widely accessible. Many publishers are promoting bookshops at a time when retail businesses are under strain.

“These are unprecedented times and everyone at the Publishers Association stands ready to support our members in any way that we can. As many in the industry have commented, the vital nature, purpose and power of books is only heightened by recent global events.”