Frankie (magazine)
| Company type | Magazine |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | October 2004 |
| Founder | Louise Bannister, Lara Burke |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
Area served | Australia, Worldwide |
Key people | Shannon Jenkins (Editor), Alice Buda (Creative Director), Claire Mullins (Partnerships Director) |
| Products | Magazine, Books (frankie press), Annual calendars and diaries |
| Owner | Nextmedia |
| Parent | Nextmedia |
| Website | www |
Frankie, presented as frankie, is a bi-monthly publication from Australia that explores music, art, fashion, photography, craft, and cultural topics.
In 2012, it earned the titles Australian Magazine of the Year and Australian Fashion Magazine of the Year, outperforming rivals such as Vogue and Harper's Bazaar.
History and profile
The debut issue of frankie appeared in October 2004, founded by editor Louise Bannister alongside creative director Lara Burke. By early 2008, Bannister transitioned to the role of publisher while Jo Walker assumed editorship; Walker advanced to editor-in-chief in 2016 before leaving in 2018. Sophie Kalagas then took over as editor until August 2021, when assistant editor Emma Do succeeded her.
In February 2021, the magazine celebrated the release of its 100th edition.
Currently owned by Australian publisher Nextmedia, frankie became part of Nextmedia's portfolio following their acquisition of Morrison Media from Pacific Star Network in September 2018 for AUD $2.4 million. Prior to this, Pacific Star Network had purchased Morrison Media and its flagship imprint "frankie press" in 2014 for AUD $10 million; this deal included frankie, the men's title Smith Journal, as well as books and annual publications. Founders Bannister and Burke exited before Pacific Star Network’s takeover.
Initially headquartered in Queensland, the magazine shifted its base to Melbourne in 2013.
Readership
Since launching, the magazine’s readership expanded swiftly, reaching approximately 335,000 readers worldwide by March 2019. Despite a 3% decline in Australian magazine sales during the 2008 financial downturn, frankie experienced a remarkable circulation increase of 31.6% in 2009, making it Australia's fastest-growing magazine that year. This upward trend continued with a further 43.2% rise in 2010, surpassing competitors like Harper's Bazaar, which grew by only 9.04%.
Following Morrison Media’s sale to Pacific Star Network in 2014, circulation figures declined for the first time in 2015 by 3.5%, dropping from 63,645 to 61,427 copies—a pattern also observed among other young women’s magazines including Dolly and Cleo. By February 2017, with fewer than twenty audited magazines remaining in Australia, circulation further decreased by 5.4% to 50,167 copies.
The magazine maintains robust digital interaction, boasting over 358,000 followers on Facebook and 73,700 on Twitter as of March 2020, supported by its online platforms and dedicated iPad application.
Content
The publication emphasizes DIY and vintage culture alongside music, art, fashion, photography, craft, humour, illustration, and design. It adopts a distinctly feminine and handcrafted visual style while prioritizing original narratives rather than celebrity gossip or diet fads. The magazine champions emerging artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, and designers by spotlighting rising talents rather than established personalities.
Prominent contributors have included broadcaster Marieke Hardy and author Benjamin Law.
Other publications
In addition to its magazine and website offerings, frankie produces books through its imprint frankie press. Noteworthy titles include recipe collections "Afternoon Tea" and "Sweet Treats," a photography compilation "Photo Album," the creative-themed series "Spaces," an exhibition of Australian artisans "Look What We Made," and a "Gift Paper Book." Its annual calendars and diaries have consistently sold out.
The quarterly men's magazine Smith Journal was launched by frankie in 2011; it was included in Morrison Media’s sale to Nextmedia but ceased publication in December 2019.
Staff
- Editor Shannon Jenkins
- Creative Director Alice Buda
- Designer Caitlyn Bendall
- Partnerships Director Claire Mullins
- Branded Content Director Emily Naismith
- Production and Office Manager Lizzie Dynon
- Digital and Assistant Editor Elle Burnard
- Marketing Coordinator Iris McPherson
- Digital Marketing Manager Kelsey Caruana