Distributions of Magazines

Publishers

These are the institutions that produce the magazines. There are four main ones in the UK and little ones as well. The main four publishers are NatMag, EMAP Bauer, Conde Nast ans IPC. These control the design and the editorial content of the magazines. These also manages the partnerships between advertisers. To help plan things such as how many issues to produce and distribute, the publishers use circulation figures.

Distribution Networks

A publishers uses something called a network of distributions. They manage the flow of magazines from the printer to the newsstand. These magazines are taken to vans and lorries to regional distributors. This is how the magazines get to the shop or newsstand. Supermarkets and newsagents are the main places where magazines are sold.

Sale or Return

This is a system used by magazine and newspaper distributors with newsstands. This means that with no cost to the retailer, any copies that are not sold are returned to the distributors. Because of this there is no risk or wastage involved which is a benefit to the retailer. However to the publisher/distributor it is very wasteful and environmentally damaging system.

E-zines

These are not magazine websites but electronic versions of a magazine. These include similar features that a physical magazine has such turning pages, adverts and page numbers. E-zines are usually free and will have exclusive electronic features such as video clips and hyperlinks to other sites and sources.

Electronic Brand Extension

Magazine companies nowadays expand their brand to their online audience. For example having and updating on social networks and accounts such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube etc. They could also extend into concerts and other featured events.

Apps

Majority of magazines now have apps on smartphones and tablets with some, if not all the content available on the physical copy. This may be linked by a QR code on the front or back page cover of the magazine issue.

Subscriptions - Postal / Electronic

This is when regular magazine readers wish to subscribe to the magazine issues which means they have the magazine regularly posted to them due to a discounted price. The electronic distribution is similar, however it will be delivered to the customers inbox or tablet.

Freemiums - Direct Distribution

A popular method of distribution today is giving out free magazine issues. These are usually giving out at busy areas/locations or train stations. Revenue is made from advertising.