Haymarket gives print the flick

Haymarket, publisher of Printing Week, Printing World and Proprint, moves its Marketing Direct magazine online.

In a common sign of the times in publishing, online has won out again in the face of rising print costs and declining circulation figures.

Noelle McElhatton, editor of the UK title, explained the decision as reflective of the future of media: "As online is the present and the future for direct marketing, so too it is for publishing."

Ironically, in the January issue of fellow Haymarket publication, Printing World, an article argues that print is a “more engaging” media. This contradiction has drawn the attention of William Pollard, a reporter for OhmyNews, who noted that:

“In my opinion, there is a problem when editors allow conflicting streams of messaging. Most people in the printing industry and related media recognise that they read Printweek and expect comprehensive information on print technology. It is reassuring to expect some support for print in general but then the online coverage can be confusing, especially as Haymarket is seen to move their own operations. The Web site brandrepublic has elements from each of their magazines so may eventually demonstrate a coherent view. Currently there appears to be some dissonance in Haymarket as an editor brand.”