Our Story

Browse a timeline of the events and milestones that led to the Our Media of today.

1997
We founded Origin Publishing with the launch of The World of Cross Stitching (still a key brand for us!).
2004
BBC Worldwide (now BBC Studios) acquired Origin and we welcomed BBC Wildlife, BBC Music and BBC History into the Origin fold.
2005
Two more BBC magazines joined us – Gardens Illustrated and Homes & Antiques – and our science brand Focus became BBC Focus (now BBC Science Focus).
2006
We launched a number of websites associated with our BBC branded magazines: DiscoverWildlife.com, ClassicalMusic.com, ScienceFocus.com.
2006
In an MBO we took back ownership of our craft portfolio.
2011
We became a founding part of Immediate Media in a private equity deal with BBC Magazines.
2015
We acquired our cycling brands from Future plc and added some craft brands too.
2017
We became part of the Burda media group (Hubert Burda Media).
2019
We acquired Your Home, HomeStyle and YourHomestyle.com from Hubert Burda Media.
2021
We changed our name to Our Media and launched the Our Media brand.
2023
We achieved full independence again as we bought Our Media back out of the Immediate Media Group.
2024
We delivered our first year of profits after leaving the Immediate group and are building our commercial success fast.
Today
We’re looking forward to a hugely exciting future as we bring our trusted content to everyone who wants it – wherever and however they prefer it.
Today
We’re looking forward to a hugely exciting future as we bring our trusted content to everyone who wants it – wherever and however they prefer it.
selected clients
our thinking

Social media grew up – and so did its audience

Social media was supposed to bring us closer. Instead, it’s become a costly race for attention. As audiences retreat into smaller communities and authentic conversations, a surprising shift is underway and smart brands would be wise to pay attention.

Where’s Wally? And where’s your junior member engagement strategy?

Award-winning creativity meets cross-generational joy: our Where’s Wally?-inspired Boundless cover captivated kids, charmed families and earned prestigious 2026 PPA recognition.

Why asking for more isn't a strategy: five things our new research tells us about the future of member income

Our new research on member income strategies suggests the organisations that survive will be those who fundamentally rethink where their income comes from, and who they're asking.