Listen to the item about the current state of the magazine industry and answer the questions below.

Read the following articles

‘Are we living through an indie publishing revolution?’ By Ruth Jamieson. The following paragraph is particularly significant:

Were there any common themes that emerged from successful independent mags?

Common themes are doing something no one else is doing, and offering something digital media can’t offer. That and great art direction and editorial, a focus on the reader rather than the advertiser, and having a strong, unique idea at the magazine’s core. Oh and investing in the magazine as an object, so, good paper stock, expert printing, well-researched, well-produced content. Overall, these magazines are defined by their attention to detail and commitment to lovingly crafting something people will want to keep forever rather than throw in the recycling bin the next day. http://www.tcolondon.com/blog/2017/2/16/are-we-living-through-an-indie-publishing-revolution

‘An antidote to the prevailing madness' - The titles leading a resurgence in magazine journalism’, by Dominic Ponsford

http://www.pressgazette.co.uk/an-antidote-to-the-prevailing-madness-the-titles-leading-a-resurgence-in-magazine-journalism/

Use the information from these articles and The Media Show to answer the following question:


How does your contemporary non-mainstream magazine offer its audience a unique experience?

Huck – digital and print editions, print magazine offers long form journalism and reportage not included on website, content is not easily replicated, high quality collectable print magazine with excellent photography – luxury ‘lean back’ experience, publisher has brand partnerships with some premium brands advertised in the magazine, clear ethos/ counter-cultural ideology, appeal to niche/specialised audience.

Adbusters - digital and print editions, print magazine offers long form journalism and reportage not included on website, content is not easily replicated, high quality print magazine, clear ethos/anti-consumerist ideology, lack of advertising (and inclusion of ‘spoof’ adverts) – unique in the magazine marketplace, appeal to niche/specialised audience.

Big Issue - digital and print editions, print magazine offers long form journalism and reportage not included on website, tells an ‘outsider story’ and features ‘voices.. rarely heard in main media’, a combination of current affairs and popular cultural/ entertainment features, content is not easily replicated, clear ethos/social conscience – unique in the magazine marketplace, not a luxury brand but a clear sense of identity.