When it comes to local media, Australia is pretty spoiled. On the surface, it can be easy to compare our entertainment industry to that of larger countries, which have had these markets for centuries longer than Australia has. But if you look deeper, peel away the surface of endless surfing-focus magazines and those countless floral and yoga championing publications, there is a very diverse range of media created here. Some of my favourite publications, those I follow closely on Substack, my inbox dinging with excitement each time a new article comes through, are below. Some are a bit niche, some are a bit more established, but what all these Australian publications have in common is that they’re founded on the same vision: connecting and creating the future of media.
1. beat
beat is an icon of Melbourne gig guides. If you follow their entertainment suggestions, you can feel like a tourist in your own city, Melbourne coming to life with so many acts from so many different corners of the industry. beat is a well established digital publication and has a lot to offer, from travel itineraries to entertainment reviews, restaurant recommendations, and interviews with local creatives. Visit their website and find new ways to fill up your weekend!
2. Pleasure Principle
While not necessarily a magazine, Pleasure Principle is a locally-based digital publication of sorts. From their aesthetically-pleasing Instagram of esoteric photos to their curated and reflective essays, Pleasure Principle shows the world how creativity and intellectualism go hand in hand.
I personally love the tone and style of Pleasure Principle, and how their essays are about seemingly simple topics which evolve into an analysis of human behaviour and psychology. If you love reading essays and find creative non-fiction an underappreciated art, check them out. While a small team, Anna and Bella are underrated writers of indie media.
3. Rally
Rally is a magazine that champions diverse voices in a genuine and impactful way. In no way performative or surface-level, Rally is a locally-produced magazine showcasing how activism and journalism can be a meaningful union. Their first issue highlights the lived experiences of people living with disabilities and invisible illnesses, which you can read online. Rally is an independent magazine that promises a big future of big impact.
4. SLOW journal
As the name suggests, SLOW journal is all about emphasising the slow yet important aspects of life – connecting with nature, connecting with your loved ones, learning more about what makes you unique, and nourishing your body and mind. Publishing a physical magazine every June and December, SLOW journal truly is a pioneer of local media: they’re bringing publications back, one independently-created magazine at a time. Focusing on real experiences about land, culture and the journey of knowing yourself, SLOW journal is perfect for those of us who want to take a second and see what really matters. This magazine is also environmentally-conscious, planting one tree for each product sold.
5. Moi
Sex, pleasure, satisfaction, confidence, connection. Moi has it all. As they state on their site, Moi is a magazine about pleasure, focusing on what women enjoy and how they can enjoy it more. Combining creative writing, non-fiction and artistic elements, Moi fleshes out a nuanced exploration into the world of sexual and personal pleasure, highlighting all the ways we can enjoy what life has to offer.
So, what does the future of media look like to our featured magazines?
According to Moi…
“The future of media is bright and we will see the continuation and beautiful expansion of the niche publication. It’s an open opportunity for innovation, creativity and invention where more voices can be heard, stories can be told with integrity and where engaged communities can grow. Magazines can change the world.”
According to Rally…
“To us, the future of media is multimedia and deeply intentional, meeting people where they are while resisting the pull toward clickbait and fast trends. Our digital world often flattens nuance and so we need stories that are human, honest and built on lived experience. Media should be a space for substance, not noise.”
Read more of our Inspiring Profiles here.
