- IPC has a long history publishing magazines dating back to the 1800s, targeting various audiences over time including white middle class men, women, and later expanding to music and other genres.
- In the 1920s-1940s, IPC launched magazines targeted at white middle class women like "Ideal Home" and "Woman and Home," reinforcing domestic stereotypes of the time. They also promoted magazines through contests and free gifts.
- By the 1950s, IPC shifted targeting from traditional lifestyle magazines to also include music and TV to appeal to both genders. They launched the first UK music chart through "New Musical Express."
- IPC has merged with other companies over the decades,