Distribution of Magazines

Nowadays, there are various other different distribution methods for magazines. The main most commonly used one is Publishers/Distribution Networks. Publishers are the institutions that produce the magazine's, and they control the content and design of the overall magazine. They also create and look over advertising deals as advertisers bring 40-100% of the revenue. Distribution networks are the groups of different distributors who organise the magazines travel from the printer to the newsstand (in supermarkets or newsagents), where it is to be sold. They are then taken to regional distributors who take these to allocated newsagents or shops.

Sale or Return is the method used by magazines and newspaper distributors with newsstands. This method basically means that any copies of a magazine that end up not being sold are given back to the distributor, with not extra cost to the retailer therefore it is beneficial. However this is bad for the distributor/ publisher as there is lots of wastage involved and it is environmentally damaging.

Another way is Freemium's or Direct Distribution which has become a lot more popular within modern times. This is when magazine issues are given out for free usually at train stations and other busy areas. The way they make their money is through their advertising deals.

Subscription is a well - known and used way of distributing magazines. People who regularly read a particular magazine (especially if the magazine is niche) would have an incentive to subscribe for a number of issues to be delivered to them over a regular basis for a discounted price, which is usually a lot of what would originally be paid. This is beneficial as it brings in guaranteed money and readership for the publishers as well as being easier for the consumer. This form of distribution can also be done electronically except it will be added to a kindle, IPad/Tablet or inbox.

As we have become more modernised and electronic based so have magazine distribution methods. Now there are various ways of distributing magazines online. A common way is an E-Zine. An e-zine is a electronic version of a magazine which includes mostly all or similar features of a magazine such as adverts, page numbers and the ability to turn the pages. Most of the time they are free and can include links and clips that the reader can refer to.
Additionally, lots of magazines now have apps that can be accessed on smartphones or iPads and these usually contain either some or all of the content available in the physical magazine.

     

Lastly, there is the electronic brand extension way of distributing. This is how most magazines distribute as a lot of them have now extended their brands onto the internet, for example, they use popular social media websites such as Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr and Facebook. Some brands can also extend themselves to concerts, and other alike events.