Media Institutions

My music magazine is very similar to NME, in that the music featured is indie rock. NME, short for the New Musical Express, is published by the UK based company IPC Media. IPC are a really popular publishing company, for both men and women of all ages and social backgrounds. For example, something like 'Pick Me Up' is a weekly gossip magazine targeted at young to middle aged, working class women, whereas 'Practical Boat Owner' is a leisure and hobby magazine possible aimed at middle class, middle aged to older men. IPC  really cover a wide range of ages and classes, giving them a huge audience overall. Regarding my own magazine, I believe IPC would be an excellent publisher. However I doubt they would be willing to take on Varsity as it is so similar to NME, an already popular and successful Indie Rock music magazine. Although, under investigation, I noticed they publish more than one boating magazine who I imagine had the same target audience. I would definitely inquire IPC on distributing my product. If they agreed to publish my magazine, I would consider using synergy, by asking IPC to feature a free copy of Varsity with an issue of NME. I think this could greatly benefit my magazine, as we would share the same audience.

NME is now a very modernised, mainstream magazine. Distribution is much more than the paper magazine itself, with NME setting up their own website, radio, mobile application, twitter account and Facebook page. This reaches out to their teenage audience, allowing them to gain loyalty from all over the world. For Varsity, I would probably set up a website and a twitter account at first, to try and advertise my product via Web 2.0. I could also advertise my magazine in TV and radio adverts, displaying special offers for this issue only. I think this would give Varsity a great head start.