James Yaffa, Tracy Yaffa, Lucy Yaffa.
In 2025, Yaffa Media celebrates 100 years of publishing innovation and leadership, cementing its position as one of Australia’s most successful and enduring independent media companies.
Established in 1925 by David Yaffa, the company has evolved from a small syndication business into a dynamic, multi-platform media powerhouse, continuously adapting to industry shifts while maintaining its independence.
A Legacy of Entrepreneurship and Growth
David Yaffa’s vision for media innovation began in the early 1920s when he secured syndication rights for international news, photographs, and comics. This pioneering move made YAFFA a widely recognised credit line in Australian newspapers. His entrepreneurial spirit saw him build strong relationships with media giants such as Keith Murdoch and Frank Packer, cementing the company’s influence in the industry.
By 1928, the business had launched Newspaper News, a publication dedicated to the media and advertising sectors, further strengthening Yaffa’s ties with industry leaders. As the company expanded, it moved into printing, securing major contracts with publications such as Reader’s Digest, Time, and the ABC’s Weekly magazine.
In the 1960s, under the leadership of David Yaffa Jnr, the company transitioned into magazine publishing, acquiring and launching a diverse portfolio of both business-to-business and special-interest titles. By the early 2000s, Yaffa published 37 magazines across numerous industries including packaging, aviation, photography, fashion, and advertising.
Adapting to a Changing Media Landscape
Recognising the digital transformation of media, the company rebranded in 2015 as Yaffa Media, reflecting its evolution beyond print.
“We are no longer just magazine publishers,” says managing director Tracy Yaffa. “We are creators of engaging media across multiple platforms – print, digital, podcasts, events, and social media. Our focus is to be market leaders in every industry we serve, providing meaningful content and opportunities for our audiences and partners.”
This shift has led to significant diversification. The acquisition of events company Two de Force in 2007 allowed Yaffa Media to expand into conferences, awards programs, and industry roundtables. The company has since developed a broad suite of services, including webinars, white papers, custom publishing, video production, and strategic marketing initiatives.
“Our strategy became one of going deep into the industries we serve,” explains Tracy Yaffa. “Now, whether it’s a conference, a breakfast event, an awards program, or a content marketing solution, we have the expertise to deliver valuable opportunities for our clients and communities.”
A Family-Run Business with a Future Focus
Still independently owned, today Yaffa Media is led by Tracy and James Yaffa, ensuring the company remains true to its family-run roots. In his previous role as publisher of AdNews, and now head of Yaffa’s cycling events division, James has been instrumental in expanding the company’s reach. “Our ability to adapt and diversify has been the key to our success,” says James. “We are deeply invested in each industry we serve, and that connection allows us to stay relevant and create meaningful content and experiences.”
Representing the fourth generation, marketing & events director Lucy Yaffa has a keen eye on the future. “Technology will continue to transform how we create and distribute content, but our commitment to serving and connecting with our communities remains constant,” she says. “As an independent company, we have the agility to take risks, innovate, and evolve quickly.”
As Yaffa Media embarks on its second century, it remains committed to adaptability, quality, and excellence – values that have defined the company for the past 100 years and will continue to drive its success into the future.
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