Editor-in-chief of Publishing Perspectives Porter Anderson has passed away

Porter Anderson, the editor-in-chief of the U.S. magazine Publishing Perspectives, which covers global publishing trends, has died. The news was announced by the Publishing Perspectives team.

Porter Anderson was a journalist and former diplomat and served as editor-in-chief of Publishing Perspectives.

He took over the publication in 2016, succeeding Edward Nawotka. Over the nine years of his leadership, the publication became one of the key English-language media outlets covering the global book industry. As colleagues note, Anderson traveled extensively, moderated discussions, reported on new trends, technological changes, and markets, and introduced readers to publishers and authors who shape the industry.

In the past two months alone, he could be seen onstage or among the press at the Frankfurt Book Fair, in Sharjah, and in Shanghai — interviewing the heads of major companies, discussing the future of the audio market, and analyzing the situation in the book sectors of different countries.

Before joining Publishing Perspectives, Anderson worked as associate editor at The FutureBook. He spent more than 10 years as a producer and host for CNN.com, CNN International, and CNN USA, and was a theater and art critic for The Village Voice, the Dallas Times Herald, and the Tampa Tribune. He was also the co-founder of the analytical newsletter The Hot Sheet together with Jane Friedman. In 2019, he received the International Trade Press Journalist of the Year award at the London Book Fair.

Juergen Boos, director of the Frankfurt Book Fair, remarked: “All of us who have known him personally over the past few years, who valued him for his expertise and journalistic experience, loved his humour and admired his high professional ethics and seemingly inexhaustible energy, are saddened and shocked by this news. The void left by his death cannot yet be fully measured.”

Elena Pasoli, director of the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, and Jacks Thomas, guest director of BolognaBookPlus, added: “It is no exaggeration to say that we at Bologna Book Fair are in shock having heard the sad news today of Porter Anderson’s death. Just two weeks ago, he was with us attending our sister fair in Shanghai and contributing to its success with his usual style, wit and unique observations. Porter’s CV was illustrious and his experience, lending perceptive insight, immense. His thorough research, appetite for information and breadth of knowledge always guaranteed thoughtful coverage of our industry.”

The Publishing Perspectives team announced that the publication will continue its work: “It was clear from his writings that Porter had a passion for news, a desire to defend freedoms, and a commitment to sharing important information with readers around the world. We will continue what he began.”

For nine years, the Chytomo team maintained a close exchange of news with Porter Anderson, whose interest in Ukraine never wavered. From the first days of the full-scale invasion, he supported us wholeheartedly. Porter always stood for truth, freedom of expression, and approached the world with a wide perspective and tireless energy. Our entire team is shocked by this news and deeply saddened by his loss. He will be greatly missed.

Photo: London Book Fair