RIYADH: The Ministry of Culture’s Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission recently organized a virtual meeting to discuss the challenges facing literary magazines. Held in the presence of magazine editors, specialists and interested parties, the meeting, titled “Supporting Art and Literature Magazines,” began with a presentation led by the commission’s CEO Mohammed Hasan Alwan. It was about a program aimed at the necessity of digital transformation and publishing, and building a sustainable business model. “We believe in our ability to produce purposeful and creative magazines,” Alwan said. “This meeting is considered a starting point for forming appropriate support packages and innovative methods to encourage specialists and those working in the field, and to help them overcome obstacles ahead of them.” The professionals in attendance expressed their concerns and the challenges of owning and running a magazine. Issues raised included high cost versus low profit, difficulty in issuing a publishing license, delay in license processing, lack of professional printing presses and sales channels, and difficulty in reaching a wide range of readers. Those attending shared their opinions and highlighted the importance of providing a new and innovative approach to drive vitality in the field, and the need for supportive initiatives for literary magazines. The meeting was part of periodic sessions organized by the commission aimed at consolidating communication with specialists and providing a space for them to express their views. The sessions are also set to provide space for magazine editors, specialists and those interested in the sector to present their proposals, and to be listened to. This can greatly contribute to the development of the art and literature magazine sector and to participate in its growth and improvement.