2. Publishers
A publisher is someone or a company that
prepares and issues books, journals or music for
sale. In this case the publishers will be the ones
that put forward the music magazines.
The publishers will control the editorial content
and design of the magazine, as well as managing
relationships with advertisers, who bring in
between 40-100% of the revenue.
For example Q magazine the publishers are Bauer
they publish Q magazine and get it ready for
there monthly issue.
3. Distribution networks
Each publisher uses a network of distributors, who
manage the flow of magazines from the printer to
the final newsstand, where the magazine is sold.
Magazines are taken in lorries to regional
distributors, who then move these on to the
shop / newsstand. The main shops where
magazines are sold are supermarkets or
newsagents.
4. Sale or Return
This is the system that is used by magazine and
newspapers distributors with newsstands.
Any copies not sold, are returned to the
distributor, with no cost to the retailer.
This is a benefit to the retailer as there is no risk or
wastage involved, but it is a very wasteful and
environmentally damaging system for the
publisher / distributor.
5. Freemiums- direct
distribution
An increasingly popular method of distribution
today is giving out free issues, or producing
freemium magazines. These are typically given
out at stations or other busy public locations.
These magazines make all their revenue from
advertising, so next time you read a freemium
magazine, keep an eye out for the number of
adverts.
For example NME is now a freshet and you can
collect it in stores like HMV and other music stores.
6. Subscription- postal /
electronic
Regular readers of magazines, particularly mothly
publications, may wish to subscribe to a number
of issues, and have the magazine regularly
posted to them, usually at a heavily discounted
price.
This is easier for the audience, and ensures a
regular core readership for the magazine.
Electronic distribution works in a similar way,
except the magazine will be delivered to the
customer’s inbox, Kindle Fire or iPad / tablet.
Some magazines will do this and might even give
you prizes or gifts that come with it.
7. Ezines
Ezines are different from magazine websites, in
that they are electronic versions of a magazine,
with similar features such as pages that can be
turned, adverts, page numbers.
For music magazines, RWD is a good example.
These ezines are usually free, and they will have
electronic features such as video clips and
hyperlinks that redirect the reader to another
source.
Q has this on there websites and has little sections
telling you what's in the monthly issue giving you
some information about that.
8. Apps
Many mags now have smartphone or iPad apps
with some or all of the content available in the
hard copy of the magazine. These may be linked
via a smart QR code on the front cover of a
magazine.
It could be a bonus video added with the QR
code that could be something you can scan and
the video can come up on the screen.
9. Electronic brand extension
Most magazines now extend their brand with an
online presence, for example on social networks
Instagram, Twitter, Facebook. They may also
extend into gigs, and other events.
10. Electronic brand extension
Most magazines now extend their brand with an
online presence, for example on social networks
Instagram, Twitter, Facebook. They may also
extend into gigs, and other events.
