Media24 plans to exit five magazines

Media24 CEO Esmaré Weideman says this is in line with the company’s strategy to strengthen its position as Africa’s leading digital publisher while continuing to run a highly successful print media business. “We regularly review our portfolio of excellent print and digital brands – some flourish, others battle in a constantly changing media landscape. As an innovative and responsible business we will continue to respond effectively to consumer needs and preferences, explore new print and digital opportunities and partner with advertising clients in viable content segments,” she says.

Print media remains a core focus for Media24 with many of the company’s brands remaining best in class. Media24 publishes nearly 140 newspapers and magazines, with seven of its newspapers and six of its magazines in the top 10 as measured by the Audit Bureau of Circulation. It publishes the country’s biggest newspaper, Soccer Laduma, and biggest daily newspaper, Daily Sun, while its stable of community newspapers continues to expand. Its magazine portfolio includes the country’s four biggest consumer titles – Huisgenoot, YOU, Kuier and Move! Magazine.

Weideman says South Africa mirrors international publishing trends with some content genres having rapidly moved online. “Motoring content, for example, has successfully migrated to the internet and Wheels24 has become a premier destination offering readers quality motoring content where and when they want it. In the fashion segment we have repositioned W24 for a millennial audience with fresh fashion, beauty and wellness content which has seen an immediate uptake from the audience traditionally catered for in print by titles such as Grazia.”

Ishmet Davidson, head of Media24 Print Media, says staff at the affected magazines are being consulted about potential closures. “As part of the process we are considering all available options. Some of these publications may be sold, or the international titles may find new licence holders in South Africa. As a last resort, these titles will be closed.”