Mainstream vs. Niche publications

Mainstream vs. Niche publications

Mainstream: appeal to lots of different people

·         e.g NME, Q, OK, Chat, Bella, Heat, Kerrang!

Advantages:

·         hope for big sales or audience

·         more profit

·         wide target audience

·         more appeal to advertisers because there are more people interested

·         covers more subject matter

Disadvantages:

·         flooded market – proliferation of similar product types

·         no specific targeting of any one group of people

·         usually owned by multi-media corporations with links to record labels – this cross media convergence can manipulate record sales

·         be careful what is featured in the magazine

·         lack credibility

Niche:  intended for a small specific and dedicated audience

·         e.g Terroriser, Pitchfork, Fangoria

Advantages:

·         they can focus on a specific target audience

·         they don’t have to be as sensitive with the content

·         writers can be more expressive

·         more dedicated audience, more likely to buy every copy

·         can get away with using technical terms and jargon in their magazines

Disadvantages:

·         its not well known

·         more expensive magazine

·         it doesn’t have an advertiser so there is less profit

·         lower quality