Reporting in AfricaPrint notes Novus Group’s latest Print Media Report covering March 2024 to March 2025 paints a sharp picture of South Africa’s changing print landscape, marked by major newspaper closures, shifting reader habits, and surprising resilience in niche segments. Legacy titles such as Beeld, Rapport, City Press, and Daily Sun have ceased publication following strategic shifts at Media24, while Soccer Laduma experienced a significant circulation drop. At the same time, community newspapers like the Zululand Observer and custom titles such as TFG Club magazine have bucked the trend, recording notable growth despite industry contraction.

According to Novus Group Director Joe Hamman, these shifts mirror global trends, with audiences migrating to digital platforms and social media for news consumption. Instagram-native brands like Cool Story Bru highlight this new direction, while publishers exploring hybrid models—blending targeted print with digital-first content—are finding new footholds. Alongside changing reader behavior, the report notes increased interest in eco-friendly printing, AI-driven workflows, and print-on-demand services as publishers look for sustainable ways to stay relevant.

“The question isn’t if print will survive, but how,” Hamman said. “Our research shows that precision—through custom content, targeted distribution, and digital integration—is key to future relevance. South African publishers ready to innovate now will shape the next chapter of the industry.” The full report is available for download through Novus Group’s website.