Media coursework

1. EVALUATION
QUESTION THREE:
DISTRIBUTION
E L L I E M O O R E

2. WHAT KIND OF MEDIA INSTITUTION MIGHT
DISTRIBUTE YOUR MUSIC MAGAZINE AND
WHY?
As our magazine is a brand new publication, it is key that we
identify the right distributor to connect with members of our target
audience. We aim to reach as many readers as possible and so
require a well established distribution company.
We are aiming to branch out with IN Magazine and we want to be
able to access a variety of digital platforms as well as in print. The
ideal distributor would offer us this chance and assist us in reaching
as many readers as we possibly can.
Previously, I have examined two magazine distribution companies:
IPC Media and Bauer Media, for my evaluation I will compare the
two and decide which company would be best for Indie Now
magazine.

3. IPC MEDIA
• IPC Media is a wholly owned subsidiary of Time INC.
• It is a consumer magazine and digital publisher in the UK
• Produces over 60 magazines
• Within their magazines, IPC Media are able to reach up to two thirds of
women in the UK and up to 42% of men.
The large audience of IPC’s publication could be very beneficial for our
magazine as we aim to reach as many people as possible, the balance
between male and female readers also helps us widen our readership.
NME magazine is a music magazine produced by IPC Media, we took
inspiration from this publication when creating our magazine and so shows
that it would attract the same kind of audience. However, they do not
distribute a large number of magazines similar to Indie Now, meaning we
would stand out in the market.

4. BAUER MEDIA
• Bauer Media produces over 300 magazines in 15 different countries as well
as online, on Television and on Radio.
The huge readership of Bauer’s publications, such as Q and Kerrang! would be
incredibly beneficial for our magazine, and the wide range of countries it
distributes to means that our magazine would achieve a much larger target
audience.
By choosing Bauer media we would be able to branch out with the magazine
and produce in many different languages, with special editions in every
country.
Due to their well established television and radio programs, we could branch
out even further and possibly begin broadcasting on the radio or TV,
possibly following in the footsteps of Kerrang! magazine by establishing a
music channel.

5. IN CONCLUSION…
Having carefully analysed both of the media distribution companies, I believe
that the best choice for the distribution of Indie Now magazine would be
Bauer Media.
I believe that its well established media empire including radio and television
could help Indie Now initiate a large readership in many countries and
perhaps begin to branch out in other forms of media broadcasting.
In comparison, IPC Media appeared to lack the experience that Bauer could
offer, and only operates on one platform of media. Despite their success with
NME magazine, our aim is to eventually branch out with the magazine across
several media platforms.
As the industry grows, it is essential for any publication to stay one step
ahead at all times, with magazines becoming more and more digitalised,
Bauer could help our magazine reach establish itself on the online world as
well as in print.