The Visual Media Association (VMA) will resume the operational management of Print21, one of Australia's longest-standing print and visual communications industry mastheads, ensuring the continued delivery of independent news, analysis and industry information to the sector.
The Print21 masthead has a long and important history within the Australian print industry. Originally established under the ownership of the former Printing Industries Association of Australia, ownership of the title subsequently transferred to the VMA as part of broader industry consolidation and transition.
In recent years, Print21 has been successfully operated by Yaffa Media, which has provided editorial, publishing and commercial management of the title, while maintaining its position as a recognised industry publication.
Under the new arrangement, the VMA will assume operational responsibility for the masthead from late July, ensuring its ongoing sustainability and preserving an important voice for Australia's print, packaging and visual communications sectors.
Kellie Northwood, chief executive officer of the VMA, said the decision reflects the Association's commitment to maintaining strong industry communication platforms, while supporting a voice to industry and informed industry discussion.
“Print21 has been part of the industry's fabric for decades. This announcement is about securing its future and ensuring the sector continues to have access to a dedicated news and information platform that serves the interests of industry,” she said.
“The masthead has been carefully stewarded over many years, and we acknowledge the contribution made by Yaffa Media in maintaining and growing the publication since 2017.”
Northwood said the arrangement mirrors successful models operating across the industry, where Associations provide stewardship of sector publications, while maintaining editorial integrity and industry relevance.
“Across Australia we see strong examples of industry-owned publications supporting specialist sectors,” Northwood explained.
“Labels Plus Magazine, for example, is jointly owned by industry and publishing partners and operates as the official journal of the label and flexible packaging sector, similarly so for Visual Impact Magazine among others.
“The continued presence of dedicated industry media is important to informed discussion, business growth, innovation and the sharing of ideas across our sector and we will continue to work with our partners on developing best-fit solutions across information platforms for the industry.”
Under the VMA’s management of the publication, Print21 will continue to provide industry news, business insights, technology coverage, workforce issues, sustainability developments, and market intelligence relevant to the print and visual media industries.
Maintaining editorial credibility, industry relevance and reader confidence will remain central to the publication's future direction, Northwood confirmed.
“Print21 has always served the broader industry, and that remains its purpose. Our role is to ensure the platform continues to exist, continues to evolve with industry need, and continues to provide value to the businesses and people that make up Australia's visual media industry,” she added.
Further details regarding editorial structure, publication schedules and future initiatives will be announced in coming months.