I have to admit that I was sceptical when the Alliance team polled its readers about what we wanted to see in design and format for its new-look magazine. My interest in really reading a large volume of articles was waning, tending to skim for facts I thought I should not miss.

The new format, design, and I would say, increasingly sharp reporting style, proved me wrong, at least if this issue is a portent of what’s to come.

The look is clear and intriguing and relates to the content. It dares to stun and surprise.

Content is grouped logically and aligned with key societal issues, reflecting philanthropy’s unique features, persistent challenges and geographical focus.

The Global Updates section captures what’s happening around the world, succinctly and in a timely manner.

There is a real sense of going in-depth on societal issues, looking outward, providing more general interest in the issue, not too philanthropy-centred, with a nudge to act on what one is hearing.

Somehow, overall, I had a sense there was more information, more facts better highlighted in the Special Feature on Philanthropy and the Media. I felt I was learning more than before, not just having someone’s views.

The Adessium Foundation interview was excellent, an informative case study of a personal and professional approach to family philanthropy, told with candour and dignity.

The line of questioning was suited to the people being interviewed, who told an intelligent and inspiring story of how they decided to ‘make sure that the money is being used for common good’ with strategic daring and modesty. 

I’m looking forward to learning more in the next issue. 

Judith Symonds
Adjunct Faculty, Sciences Po, Paris

For other views on this issue see ‘Private philanthropy’s unique role in backing media‘ by Daniel Bruce.