In a landmark move to counter the dominance of tech giants and AI, the world's two largest publisher associations are merging to create an unprecedented alliance of more than 20,000 media brands
Two of the world's largest media organisations are joining forces. WAN-IFRA, the World Association of News Publishers, and FIPP, the International Federation of Periodical Publishers, will merge on 1 January 2026, creating an unprecedented alliance representing over 20,000 media brands across 120 countries.
The consolidation responds to mounting pressures facing publishers today, from the dominance of tech platforms to the rapid rise of AI. By bringing together news and special interest media under one roof, the merger aims to create a stronger collective voice for defending press freedom and publisher rights while sharing expertise across sectors.
FIPP will maintain its distinct identity within the new structure, continuing its century-long legacy with its own Congress and dedicated services. A new "Consumer Lifestyle and Special Interest Media" community will serve former FIPP members within WAN-IFRA, led by current FIPP CEO Alastair Lewis.
Both organisations emphasised that traditional boundaries between media categories are blurring. News publishers can learn from magazines' commercial expertise and revenue diversification, whilst magazine brands can benefit from news media's digital subscription strategies.