A Transformation of Our Own

Dec 24

The ACCJ Journal expands from print to become a digital platform in 2022

By C Bryan Jones

Transitions have been a way of life over the past two years. The coronavirus pandemic has forced companies to rethink how they operate, how they manage staff and workflows, and how they communicate. The ways in which we share information have also been evolving thanks to the internet, social media, and shifting consumption preferences. This, of course, began before Covid-19 forced an acceleration in digital transformation, but the crisis has made things that had been optional a necessity.

From my perspective, this evolution in workstyle and communication has been most welcome. That’s because, for me, it is old hat. I spent 2006–15 working entirely remotely. I embraced cloud-based workflows and project management tools in 2006 as well. And I began podcasting in 2010, launching a podcast network that involved hosts and content production spread across many countries. I was ahead of the curve, and I’ve been waiting a long time for what I consider normal to become so for everyone.

Finally, though the catalyst is an unfortunate one, we are here.

Turn the Page

The winds of change have also rustled through the pages of The ACCJ Journal. Since bringing the magazine in house at the start of this year, we’ve made some adjustments and additions that have allowed us to better meet the needs of chamber members and communications. This has been a prelude to a bigger shift.

As we head into 2022, The ACCJ Journal will undergo a transformation of its own as it moves beyond being simply a print magazine to become a digital platform. While we will continue to produce periodic print editions with focused themes, our primary medium will be digital.

This will benefit the ACCJ and members in many ways. Perhaps the biggest benefit is flexibility. The pace of activities, discussion, advocacy, and business quickens all the time. Providing adequate and timely coverage can sometimes be difficult when tied to a cyclical print schedule. Through The ACCJ Journal digital platform, we’ll be able to react at the right time and share the messages and views of the chamber more effectively.

We’ll also be bringing stories to life in ways not possible on the printed page. This year, we added audio to The ACCJ Journal with narrated versions of stories available for streaming on our website and as a podcast. In 2022, we’ll be expanding this with more audio-first content and video which supports ACCJ advocacy and global business in Japan. And where the written word is concerned, a wider range of options will help us provide leaders with the best tools for achieving their goals.

Next Chapter

It’s an exciting time to be a publisher, and I’m looking forward to bringing many approaches that I have long used for other publications to The ACCJ Journal. But make no mistake: as the magazine spreads its wings beyond print, it carries with it a 58-year history of supporting the chamber. And it’s that history on which we will build a publication that’s fully at home in this age of digital transformation.

I’d like to close out the year by thanking you for supporting The ACCJ Journal—especially those who so generously give their time to share expertise and insights with our writers and readers. Although there will be fewer print editions of *The ACCJ Journal*, I know that this latest evolution of the publication will bring even greater access to the incredible knowledge of our members and the broader business community.