In a report on Poynter.org, Mr Crosbie said that the two newspaper organisations met in London on Monday to discuss the merger.
Ifra is based in Germany and represents more than 3,000 publishers around the world. Paris-based WAN represents national and regional newspaper associations and news agencies from 102 countries. A merger would be a great benefit to the news industry, said Mr Crosbie, combining research and expertise in helping the transition online.
An announcement is expected by early February.
More news from dotJournalism:
Mobiles make money
Customisation is the future of news
More media news for newspaper future project
When in Rome, money talks
Towards a multimedia future
Free daily newsletter
If you like our news and feature articles, you can sign up to receive our free daily (Mon-Fri) email newsletter (mobile friendly).
Related articles
- Building audience's trust can help your newsroom become sustainable
- Independent journalist launches new hyperlocal title to serve London communities
- International news publishers frustrated with UK Brexit coverage as audiences demand better information
- How the EJC grants support cross-border collaborative health reporting
- German non-profit CORRECTIV to replicate the successful investigative journalism model used by the Bureau Local
