Yaffa Media, owner of PKN Packaging News, has acquired the premier printing industry publication Print21, the official media platform for peak industry body Printing Industries Association of Australia.
The prominent consumer and B2B magazine publisher bought Print21 from Patrick Howard’s blueline media. The landmark industry publishing agreement delivers a sustainable and long-term future for the well-loved magazine and its online news bulletin. Print21 is the leading news and information service for the printing industry across Australia and New Zealand and is the official publication for Printing Industries Association of Australia.
The agreement was signed last week between Tracy Yaffa, Yaffa Media managing director, and Patrick Howard, publisher and founding editor of Print21. It comes into effect on 1 May with the first issue of the magazine and the online news bulletin.
Tracy Yaffa was quick to reassure readers and advertising partners of Print21 that the title will continue without interruption.
“I welcome the opportunity for Yaffa Media to publish Print21, the printing industry's leading publication. It is a respected title with a proud track record of innovative and well regarded journalism. Patrick Howard and his team will join Yaffa Media and continue to run the day-to-day operations of the magazine. I look forward to deepening Yaffa Media’s involvement with the entire printing industry,” she said.
Patrick Howard confirmed the promise of un-interrupted publishing, welcoming the extra resources and capacity Yaffa Media will bring to the magazine.
PKN publisher Lindy Hughson will add Print 21 to her publishing portfolio, which also includes leading food industry title Food & Drink Business. Patrick Howard will assume the role of associate publisher on Print21, and continue to report on the printing industry, supported by his editorial team.
“Our readers and advertising partners will see only increased value from the transfer of title. Under our new owner we will continue to provide the same insightful journalism our readers have come to expect from our team of expert industry writers on the progress of the printing industry. Our advertising partners can be assured of the same high-level of personal service and attention to their commercial and promotional requirements,” Howard said.
“Over time the benefits of being part of the dynamic Yaffa Media stable will deliver considerable benefits to readers and advertising partners alike as we add more media channels, deeper industry engagement and promotional services to the Print21 masthead.”
The sale was welcomed by Andrew Macaulay, CEO, Printing Industries Association of Australia. “I’ve been pleased to be closely involved in this transaction and Printing Industries wishes both Tracy and Patrick the very best of success in their new venture. I’m confident all our members, along with the entire printing industry, will benefit from the extra resources Yaffa Media will introduce into our industry. Printing and publishing play a vital role in the wider communications sector and this development will only help raise our industry’s profile. I look forward to working closely with the enhanced team on Print21,” he said.
Print21 is a bi-monthly magazine for members of the Printing and Graphic Arts industry across Australia and New Zealand. Now in its 17th year of publication it publishes in print and online with a bi-weekly news bulletin. It is available to industry professionals across the region as well as qualified members of the graphic arts and design communities.
