The World Association of Newspapers and IFRA, the leading international associations for print and digital news publishing, have merged into a new organisation, the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA).
The combined new organisation will represent more than 18,000 publications, 15,000 online sites and over 3000 companies in more than 120 countries.WAN-IFRA outlines it is dedicated to be the indispensable partner of newspapers and the entire news publishing industry worldwide, particularly in the defence and promotion of press freedom, quality journalism and editorial integrity, and the development of prosperous businesses and technology.
The merger, which becomes effective on July 1, has been approved by the membership of the two organisations. The new organisation will maintain the two current headquarters in Paris, France, and Darmstadt, Germany.
Gavin O’Reilly, president of WAN and Group CEO of Dublin-based Independent News and Media, will serve as President of the new organisation through 2010.
He says, “Both IFRA and WAN are strong organisations providing key services to our industry. We believe that combining their strengths will allow us to be even more resourceful and effective in responding to the growing needs of our members and industry partners in the fast-moving and evolving media matrix.”
