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Mediaweek has announced the flagship hire of Frances Sheen to the role of Head of Content, and welcomes new Editor-In-Chief, Emma Shepherd, as the publication begins its exciting new chapter under new owner Vinyl Group.

The changes see former Mediaweek Publisher James Manning wrap up his interim role as Acting Managing Editor, and will see him transition into a role of Editor-At-Large.

Upon completing the purchase of the leading Australian trade publication, which was founded in 1990, Vinyl Group revealed it was searching for a new editor to lead the team into its next era. It is with great pride that Sheen is welcomed into the fold, bringing several decades of experience across some of Australia’s media brands.

A leading voice in the industry for 33 years, the future for Mediaweek will see it remain dedicated to its core pillars: media, agency, marketing and thought leadership. Mediaweek is deeply embedded in the industry that it covers, and today renews its commitment to shining a spotlight on that industry through its talented team of journalists.

Vinyl Group CEO Josh Simons said: “I personally have been a reader of Mediaweek for many years. It’s a publication which has played an important role in the media industry and as the new custodian of the brand, I take that responsibility seriously. With Frances leading the editorial, Mediaweek will not only celebrate the hard work and achievements of those in the industry but also serve as a platform for accountability—holding both the industry and ourselves to the highest standards.”

Frances Sheen’s hire is a major coup for Mediaweek and Vinyl Group, having most recently served as Editor-In-Chief at Seven West Media’s flagship digital news site 7NEWS.com.au, and has also held senior roles including Head of Digital & Social Content, Lifestyle Group at Foxtel and Editor-In-Chief at Pacific Magazines. She will oversee the editorial team as well as working with Mediaweek’s commercial and leadership team, as well as Vinyl Group on the broader strategy of the publication and its growing events portfolio.

Sheen said: “I’m excited to lead Mediaweek into its next chapter as Head of Content. Our focus will be on championing the innovation, creativity, and resilience that define this industry. We look forward to providing fresh insights, amplifying diverse voices, and ensuring that Mediaweek continues to be a trusted resource for media professionals, now and into the future.”

Emma Shepherd brings a wealth of experience in media and communications roles, including as Deputy Editor of trade publication Mumbrella. She has also served as Editorial Content Manager, APAC for The Trade Desk, as a Senior Journalist at Are Media, and was most recently Director of Communications at AFFINITY Group. Reporting to Sheen, Shepherd will be responsible for setting the day-to-day news agenda and editorial product, leading the talented team of journos at Mediaweek as Editor-In-Chief.

Shepherd said: “The opportunity to join Mediaweek and be part of a new era for one of Australia’s leading media and marketing titles was one I couldn't resist. As much as I loved working for AFFINITY, I couldn't pass up the chance to pursue this exciting new opportunity back in the world of journalism. I can’t wait to get started alongside the talented Mediaweek team."

Under Sheen’s leadership, Mediaweek will sit as part of Vinyl Group’s growing trade media arm alongside Variety Australia and The Music Network, putting the business in a unique opportunity to connect advertisers with hard-to-reach decision makers and leaders in the entertainment industry through content, advertising and events across these mastheads.

Mediaweek Ushers In New Era With Key Senior Hires Frances Sheen & Emma Shepherd