How to Answer Evaluation Question 3

What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?

Look back at the work we started with this year, and decide on a company to produce and distribute your magazine.  Think about what sort of magazine it is and which company would be best to sell the idea to.  You need to refer to actual company names and processes.  If you think you could get your magazine produced by a big publishing house, like IPC, Bauer, Dennis, Future etc you’ll need to justify it in terms of the size of your target audience, the advertising pull they would have, and the company’s existing range of magazines. 

Consider whether it would be best placed with a major, medium and small/independent publisher because there are advantages and disadvantages of each route. Clash is the only magazine published by Clash Magazine Ltd but actually it is more successful than NME which is published by IPC. 

What would be the advantages/disadvantages of going with a big company (e.g. IPC) compared to self-publishing (e.g. Clash)?

Similarly if you think you could get it distributed by one of the big UK distributors, like MarketForce, WH Smiths, Menzies or FrontLine, and into the major retail spaces like WH Smiths and ASDA, you’ll have to explain why.

Also remember that digital distribution is possible, or selling through subscription, or even giving it away and relying on advertising revenue.  The key here is to consider all these issues and name some real companies and their products. And be realistic about the potential of your magazine - don’t be naïve!  Can you remember how many titles fail within their first three years? (Bonus marks if you can, and put it on your blog!!!).  

Finally don't forget to reflect on the need for synergy e.g. there will probably be an online version of your magazine, there might even be sister products such as a radio station. Some magazines get involved in sponsoring awards ceremonies. Maybe there are tie-ins with iTunes, Spotify, etc depending on the scale of your venture, the genre of music and your target audience.

Note: Don't forget to use company logos and images of related magazines to illustrate your post.
PRESENTATION SUGGESTION: You could present your response to Qu3 using a Word document which you .pdf and upload to ISSUU or Scribd and share onto your blog.