Wan-Ifra and FIPP merge in major media alliance

The merger will unite a network of over 20,000 media brands and technology companies across 120 countries, with the aim to foster a stronger collective voice to strengthen press freedom, advocate for publishers’ rights and boost innovation.

By establishing a powerful, unified platform, the organisations hope to address shared challenges, in the face of a transforming global media landscape, and combine knowledge and learning going forward.

“This is a pivotal moment for our industry,” said Ladina Heimgartner, president of Wan-Ifra. “Welcoming FIPP into the Wan-Ifra family creates an unparalleled global community for all media.”

Heimgartner continued: “In an environment where consolidation is key to building strength, this merger fortifies the entire media ecosystem. Together, we are better positioned to champion the values of independent journalism and create new opportunities for growth and innovation that will deliver enhanced value to all our members.”

Content creation, audience engagement, monetisation strategies and technology adoption were identified as common hurdles the merger hopes to address through sharing best practices and working together, the associations highlighted.

FIPP will retain its unique identity, assured FIPP chair Yulia Boyle, including its Congress and dedicated services, as she referred to the merger as the most “significant step” in the organisation’s 100 year history.

Other established FIPP events, training programmes, and unique content will be integrated into Wan-Ifra’s portfolio of member offerings.

All members will also gain access to an enhanced knowledge hub on the Wan-Ifra website.

Boyle said: “This merger gives us greater strength in numbers to shape our industry’s future, establish critical frameworks, and present a united front when engaging with global challenges and partners. In the digital age, everyone is in the same business of creating quality content and building sustainable models around it.”

A new community called 'Consumer Lifestyle and Special Interest Media' will be established within WAN-IFRA under the direction of current FIPP CEO, Alastair Lewis, which will serve as a home for former FIPP members and provide a focused environment for networking, knowledge sharing and collaboration.

Lewis commented: “Wan-Ifra and FIPP are doing what needs to happen in the face of seismic challenges and opportunities for the content industry: share what works, learn together, and compete smarter.”

Vincent Peyrègne, CEO of Wan-Ifra, added: “This integration is designed not only to preserve the best of both organisations but also to create a combined entity that is far greater than the sum of its parts.”

Founded in 1925 in France, FIPP is a membership association that organises an annual FIPP World Media Congress to discuss latest industry trends. Among its members are The New York Times, The Economist, National Geographic and Hearst Magazines International.

Wan-Ifra represents 3,000 news publishers and technology companies and 60 national publishers’ associations, comprising 18,000 publications, with a mission to protect journalist and publisher rights.

(Source: PrintWeek)