A long-serving board member of the World Printers Forum, Gierth brings a wealth of experience to his new role.
In his day-to-day position, he serves as Director of Production and Strategic Procurement at Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung and as Managing Director of Medienservice, the logistics arm of Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.
At this milestone moment, the World Printers Forum took the opportunity to ask Andreas some key questions about the future of the community and his vision for the printing industry.
WAN-IFRA: The Printers Community within WAN-IFRA boasts a rich history. How do you envision its future trajectory?
Andreas Gierth: The Printers Community within WAN-IFRA is an indispensable part of the global media landscape. Its history demonstrates how newspaper printing has evolved over decades – from technological innovations to new business models. Looking ahead, I see the community becoming an even more interconnected ecosystem that shares knowledge, best practices, and technological advancements.
Topics such as sustainable printing, automation, and the integration of digital solutions into production processes will play a central role. The community will continue to be a platform for tackling challenges and leveraging opportunities that modern newspaper printing offers.
The World Printers Summit is set to take place in Munich. What has been your experience with these summits, and why should industry professionals attend?
The World Printers Summit is a unique platform that brings together professionals from across the printing industry. My previous experiences with these summits have been extremely positive: they provide an excellent opportunity to gain valuable insights into current trends and challenges within the industry. What stands out is the combination of expert presentations, panel discussions, and the chance to directly connect with leading suppliers and industry colleagues.
I strongly encourage anyone involved in the printing and publishing industry to attend this event. The summit is not only a platform for knowledge exchange but also a space where forward-thinking partnerships are formed.
What is your vision for the future of the printed newspaper?
I am firmly convinced that the printed newspaper will continue to play an important role in the years to come. While the market for print products is shrinking, the printed medium remains an indispensable part of daily life for many readers. Its physical presence, tactile quality, and the opportunity to take a deliberate moment to read are values that will persist even in a digital world.
My vision is to make the printed newspaper even more sustainable and efficient. At the same time, we should emphasise its strengths – such as credibility, depth, and the ability to foster focus. I see the printed newspaper as part of a hybrid model that intelligently combines print and digital offerings to meet the diverse needs of readers. With innovations in printing technology and a clear focus on sustainability, the printed newspaper will remain relevant well beyond 2030.
The World Printers Forum extends its gratitude to Andreas Gierth for his candid responses and looks forward to working with him on future initiatives.
