Magazines such as "NME" are made by "IPC Publishing", a large publishing company. Smaller magazines that I have looked at like "ArtRocker" magazine are made by smaller publishers such as "Volcano Publishing". "Volcano Publishing" also publish other small magazines such as "Shindig!". I think, due to the scale and image that I would like my magazine to have, this is the kind of publishers that would suit it most. A smaller, independent publisher could also give more "street credibility", perhaps in the same way that independent record labels have more "street credibility" than large conglomerates. The size/scale of the publishers would mean that my magazine wouldn't be glossy, it would have a rough and ready image. Also, smaller publishers might not have the connections to get large acts into their feature articles. This may not matter though, as smaller bands would probably be more suitable.
However, "Clash" magazine is a part of the Clash brand, which includes the magazine, website and events (such as gigs and other live events). This means journalists, photographers and other staff have access to events and places because of their connections, and can use this for material to contribute to the magazine. This could loosely be considered an example of vertical integration. If my magazine were to be created properly, I think it would be good to hold a brand similar to "Clash"'s where live events are hosted under it's name.
The process of making a magazine has a specific process. There is an initial idea or concept which is then designed. Journalists write articles and photographers take photos to put in the magazine. These journalists and photographers could have been placed in different areas or at different gigs by a sub-editor. An editor decides what will go in the magazine before-hand and can arrange the order and look of the magazine, which is then published and printed. After being printed, the magazine is distributed to shops or retailers.
In the distribution of magazines, companies such WWMD (WorldWide Magazine Distribution) distribute magazines to outlets and stores. They have warehouses situated near motorways and airports so that the distribution of magazines can be quicker and easier. They distribute magazines such as "Rolling Stone", "NME" and "ArtRocker".
Large stores such as WHSmiths commonly stock a lot of magazines, including those made by independent publishers such as "Clash" magazine. More well-known and mainstream music magazines like "NME" are available in most corner shops, supermarkets and retail outlets such as "HMV". I think "WHSmith" or independent record/music shops would be a good place for my magazine to be sold if it were to be actually made.
As previously outlined, I will be making my product with a small budget and limited resources/facilities. Due to this fact, I will take on many roles when producing my magazine. I will take on the role of a journalist as I write my feature article, which would be written in the production of the magazine before it is printed. In a usual professional manner, a journalist could be sent to a gig to report, or to a certain place to carry out an interview with a band or artist. However, I won't have the opportunity to write about a real artist, so it isn't like real life. I will also take on the role of photographer and picture editor. The role of photographer may be hindered in professional senses because I will be photographing my sister, not a real artist who might have a lot of control of what they would like the photos to look like. During production, I will also be taking on the role of editor, magazine feature editor, costume designer and a graphic designer with reference to the logo and text. There will be many skills needed for these roles, such as:
- photoshop skills
- journalism skills
- english skills
- layout/art skills
- editing skills
- typography skills
- judgement skills
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