NEW YORK -- March 19, 2003 -- TrendWatch Graphic Arts today issued a special report that emphasizes the importance and growing application of cross-media publishing. By definition, cross-media publishing is the publishing of a message or communication via multiple media outlets, such as printed materials, electronic medias and/or the Internet. According to the report, cross-media publishing, once considered a futuristic approach, has become a staple of domestic business-to-business and business-to-consumer communications. The report, titled "Cross Media: Reformatting the Future" is available for online purchase at the TWGA eStore in PDF format. For more information, go to the TWGA website (www.trendwatchgraphicarts.com). Researcher's Quote... "We used to think we were in the printing and graphic arts industries, but as media outlets swell to unprecedented numbers, we must now think of ourselves as being in the business communications industry," stated Vince Naselli, Director, TrendWatch Graphic Arts. "As little as 10 years ago, businesses were limited to print, TV and radio as communication outlets to the masses. With the growing application of wireless and Internet technologies, communication options now include PDAs, electronic billboards, blimps, cell phones, and even gas station pumps which can all be more effectively targeted to more defined audiences and communicate quickly-updated information and promotion. More than ever, the use of multimedia and cross-media strategies are critical to successful business communications. Print and creative service providers must be prepared to meet their clients' evolving needs or risk losing their business." According to the Report... -- More than half (53%) of all design and production firms, and 61% of publishers currently work on cross-media projects; -- 46% of catalog publishers see "cross-media communications campaigns" as a sales opportunity; -- Only 6% of web design, development, and production firms see "getting more print media work" as a sales opportunity (down from just six months ago); -- "Streaming video" was a sales opportunity for 15% of Internet design and development firms in our most recent survey (an all-time high for this opportunity). -- And still, only 2% of printers see "adding cross-media services" as a sales opportunity; About the Report... In addition to presenting and offering statistical analysis of TWGA research data, this report also: -- Details the history of cross media, where it came from, and why it's an issue; -- Examines the basic approaches that creative professionals have taken to effect a cross-media workflow; -- Analyzes the extent to which creative firms are challenged by, and see sales opportunities in, developing content for new media; -- Statistically forecasts what is going to drive or impede the cross-media issue in the future. Methodology... The foundation of this report is based upon data compiled from TrendWatch Graphic Arts' own proprietary historical databases for design and production firms, publishers, and Internet design and development firms.. Availability... The 141-page TWGA "Cross Media: Reformatting the Future" report is available for purchase by visiting the secure TrendWatch Graphic Arts eStore online at www.trendwatchgraphicarts.com or by phone at 866-873-6310. The price for the report is $1595. TrendWatch Graphic Arts eStore customers can download this report in PDF Acrobat format immediately after purchase.