Magazines industry

Question 1

Conde Nast context

Answer 1

• one of the first publishers to launch international editions of its publications
• Conde Nast also owns publications such as Vanity Fair and GQ

Question 2

Economic context of magazine publishing

Answer 2

• the majority of magazines have dual revenue streams, which means they are financed through cover price and advertising
• This is why magazines often cut the cover price of titles, because it gives greater appeal to advertisers

Question 3

Ownership and control in the magazine industry

Answer 3

• concentration of ownership is the result of horizontal integration
• companies merge with rival publishers to reduce competition
• as a result power is concentrated in the hands of a few companies

Question 4

Curran and Seaton - power and media industries

Answer 4

• media concentration inhibits variety and creativity as well as limiting choice for the consumer
• major companies are risk averse and look for ways to minimise costs and maximise profits

Question 5

Conglomerate ownership and diversity

Answer 5

• it could be argued that major publishers are better equipped to cater for a wide range of audiences as their size and economic power makes it easier to launch new titles

Question 6

Regulation

Answer 6

• magazines belonging to the IPSO are required to follow the editors code of practice

Question 7

Impact of technology on regulation

Answer 7

• regulation has had to respond to advances in technology
• the digital manipulation of images has become commonplace
• regulators have to address this

Question 8

Vogue economic context

Answer 8

• Vogue as a symbol of luxury, fashion and exclusivity, which helps it maintain prestige in the fashion world. This appeals to advertisers
• targets high income readers
• faces challenges with economic pressures on the luxury market, such as the rise of fast fashion

Question 9

Vogue and technology

Answer 9

• Vogue has adapted to the online shift of fashion media consumption
• they have grown their digital presence with a huge following on social media platforms
• Conde Nast has embraced the digital shift making the Vogue website a major part of its business
• the rise of programmatic advertising and the need for targeted ads means Conde Nast are interested in building massive online audiences to attract advertisers

Question 10

Vogue revenue streams

Answer 10

• subscription growth
• Vogue offer digital subscriptions and paywalls to make content exclusive to readers
• branded content and sponsored posts

Question 11

The Big Issue ownership context

Answer 11

• partnered with Dennis publishing
• independent company
• published by the Big Issue Group
• operates as a social enterprise, combining social impact with publishing

Question 12

Role in the magazine industry

Answer 12

• works as a social enterprise model
• vendors publish the magazine at a reduced cost of £1.75 and sell it for £3.50
• provides a platform for marginalised voices, contributing to the wider range of perspectives within the magazine industry

Question 13

The Big Issue and digitalisation

Answer 13

• digital edition launch allowed readers to access the magazine via mobile or apps
• Big Issue online shop which sells ethically sourced and sustainable products, diversifying income streams
• Vendor app allows vendors to accept cashless payments
• online content strategy. Increased digital presence through its website and social media platforms widens audience and boosts engagement