Online Media News South Africa

Birth of the Online Publishers Association

After months of extensive discussion a group of leading online publishers met last week to form a new body to represent the online publishing industry - the Online Publishers Association (OPA).

The founding members of the new organisation include: Ananzi, BDFM, e-Media24, iafrica, iol, ITWeb, Johnnic Publishing, Mail & Guardian Online, Moneymax, Moneyweb, MSN SA, M-Web, Ramsey Son & Parker and SuperSport.

The OPA was formed in order to create an organisation that represents the specific interests of high-quality South African publishers to the marketing and advertising industries, the press and the public. As part of its goals, the OPA will help to promote the Internet as an effective advertising medium for marketers. In addition, the OPA aims to demonstrate that online publishing is a sustainable business.

Other online publishers are encouraged to join the OPA in order to make the new organisation as representative as possible.

About the OPA

The Online Publishers Association of South Africa (OPA) is an industry organization dedicated to representing high-quality South African online publishers before the marketing and advertising industries, the press, and the public.

The OPA aims to increase its member's revenues by promoting the Internet as an effective advertising medium for marketers and a sustainable media business for publishers.

Members of OPA ascribe to the highest standards in Internet publishing with respect to editorial quality integrity; and accountability, thereby enhancing the credibility and trust necessary to support sustainable businesses.

The aims of the OPA are:

  • To develop and promote standards across all aspects of the online publishing industry;
  • To help online publishers drive revenue through a variety of means including online advertising, charging for content, sponsorships, and services;
  • To raise the profile and credibility of online publishing.

    The OPA intends to engage positively with all related bodies, to further the interests of a sustainable online publishing industry.

    Criteria for Membership

    Members should satisfy the following criteria:

  • Dedicated to building a sustainable online publishing business;
  • Publishing original or aggregated content on the Internet;
  • Having advertising and sponsorship as primary sources of income, with a dedicated staff driving this revenue;
  • Committed to best practice in publishing.

    If you have any queries, please feel free to contact Russel Yeo on 021 596 8101, or at .

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