Johannesburg – Currency, a new online business news publication, launched on Friday, defying industry trends as other media organisations scale back.
Dedicated to “explaining the economics of your world”, Currency’s team comprises former staffers and award-winning journalists from Financial Mail, Bloomberg and Business Day.
The team includes ex-FM editor and Steinheistauthor Rob Rose; corporate governance expert Ann Crotty; Former BDTV anchor and FM money editor Giulietta Talevi; former FM deputy editor Shirley de Villiers; former editor of Business Day Wanted Sarah Buitendach; and ex-Bloomberg South Africa bureau chief Vernon Wessels.
Despite its small size, the team has big ambitions.
Currency aims to investigate companies that cut corners, celebrate those building something exceptional, and explain why policies like National Health Insurance are problematic.
“Our pleasure section – because what is business without pleasure – will be the best out there,” Rose said in a newsletter to subscribers.
Currency’s growth will be phased over the next six to 18 months to ensure sustainable development and to maintain high standards of reporting.
Planned initiatives include hosting events with top speakers, exclusive subscriber-only evenings, the creation of Currency News Labs to mentor black graduates in business journalism, and a division focused on financial literacy.
The news organisation is committed to delivering stories that empower people to take control of their finances while providing business intelligence that’s both fun and informative.
Currency will release its main weekly edition every Friday through newsletters, with daily updates on key or interesting events on its website.
“At Currency, we’ll only give you the news you need to know, explain why it matters, and provide the intelligence behind the noise. Business news should be sexy, fun, and enlightening. Knowledge is currency, and we’re here to help you boost yours,” Rose said.
Currency offers five free articles per month, after which readers can subscribe to the website for a special launch price of R29 per month for the next six months or R500 for an annual subscription. Visit www.currencynews.co.za for more information.
