By Kerry Ashdown

3S Media, previously known as Shorten Publications, was founded by John Shorten in 1960. In 2002, his daughter, Elizabeth Shorten, took over as Managing Director, and in 2005, she changed the name to 3S Media. According to Elizabeth, the name change was made in order to embrace the changes in the publishing world, embracing not only print, but also newsletters; online and mobile medial. 3S considers itself a modern-day publishing company offering print and electronic solutions for business communities. With its 49-year track record, it is considered to be one of the largest business-to-business publication houses in South Africa today.

Originally created as an expansion of Shorten Publications, 3S Media currently print 10 titles that serve the needs and range of the business-to-business sector, with many of these publications produced in partnership with professional institutions. Since its creation in 1960, the company has launched and acquired many new publications in the business and technical fields, and has also branched into electronic community publishing. According to Elizabeth, the aim is to provide the highest quality print and electronic information for business communities, arming them with the intelligence they need to expand their knowledge and grow their markets.

3S Media holds numerous accolades for its hard work and dedication to the industry. These awards include a CESA Award for IMIESA; Water & Sanitation Africa; and Local Government Supplier magazines, as well as a PICA for Resource and Emergency Services SA, and two Highly Commended awards for SA Irrigation and Transport World Africa. Elizabeth has also been awarded two Mondi Awards and the SAACE Excellence Award for Journalist of the Year.

The company's 10 titles include: Emergency Services SA. This title is the official magazine for the South African Emergency Services Institute. It is said to be the only magazine that focuses on full spectrum fire; rescue; disaster management; and emergency health care services in South Africa. This publication is printed bi-monthly, with a print run of 3 412.

Occupational Risk Management has continued to provide occupational health, safety and environmental management professionals with the relevant information for their communication needs since 2005. The monthly magazine has a circulation of 2 854.

Enterprise Risk is a monthly publication with a total circulation of 2 917. The title aims to assist its readers in identifying and measuring risk preventative methods, thus ensuring against enterprise exposure.

IMIESA, the official magazine of the Institute of Municipal Engineers of Southern Africa, focuses on infrastructural development and service delivery. This 32-year old monthly publication has a circulation of 4 661.

Inside Mining focuses on the latest news and developments in mining and exploration in southern Africa. The title will feature well-known industry experts, Dr Willem Smuts and Aki Wilhelm. Inside Mining magazine also has a business relationship with www.miningne.ws, a global website for the mining industry. The monthly magazine has a print run of 3 105.

Meetings SA is a bi-monthly business magazine focusing on ideas to energise meetings and to transform businesses. This publication has a circulation of 4 833.

Transport World Africa focuses on improving transport of people and goods throughout the continent. The magazine is printed bi-monthly, with a circulation of 3 658.

Water & Sanitation Africa is the official magazine of the Waste Institution of Southern Africa. The magazine focuses on complete water resource and waste-water management. This publication is printed bi-monthly, with a circulation of 4 535.

Resource is produced quarterly, with a circulation of 3 745. This title promotes integrated waste and resource management, towards cleaner production.

Local Government Supplier, IMIESA’s annual yearbook, aims to provide a unique networking platform to its readers and advertisers facilitating service delivery.

In 2007, 3S launched a new company, Akanya Media, with Rachel Gitari as Managing Director. Akanya was created with the aim of producing custom publications for corporate members; government departments; and state-owned entities with fully black empowered staff. The company produces eight annuals a year.

Next year, 3S will celebrate its 50th birthday. With 49 years’ industry experience, 3S Media has earned its place in the business-to-business sector.

For more information, call 011 531 3300; log onto www.3smedia.co.za; or email [email protected].