Associated Media Publishing , one of SA’s most well-known independent media houses, is closing shop permanently. AMP CEO Julia Raphaely announced in a press release that the company will cease trading and publishing its magazine titles from 1 May 2020. The revelation follows weeks of retrenchment negotiations and the recent closure ofThe company was launched in 1982 by Julia’s mother, Jane, who chaired the now-defunct business. Her daughter took over during the last turbulent decade.
“This is the most difficult decision I have ever had to make,” says Julia. “For the last 38 years, AMP has been one of SA’s leading publishers and our titles have been part of many peoples’ lives. It is a big blow for magazine media brands in SA as they hold a special place in our country. We never thought this day would come, but were left with no choice.”
It is not clear if operations will be tied up via liquidation or a fire sale of the stable of international titles, asis still awaiting AMP’s response in this regard and will update the details in due course. Reg Rumney, an independent media consultant, says this is the first closure of such a prominent publishing house in the country, especially with such a long history. “It is very symbolic,” he says.
We are led! We are sinking.
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