Competition

In order to make sure my magazine will be as successful as possible, I will look into the facts and statistics behind leading magazines that are currently on the market. These magazines are also of the regional culture genre which I have decided to base my own magazine on therefore it is important that I establish if they will be of any threat to my product. The magazines I have chosen to look into are The CRACK, Luxe and SPARK. All 3 magazines are extremely popular in the industry and the most well known of the region. By identifying what makes them successful, I will be able to compete in the market by making sure my magazine offers even better features. I will also be looking at the stereotypical features and trying to make my magazine stand out from the rest so that I can advertise it as being  an original, innovative and unique approach to a regional magazine.

The Crack magazine is a free culture and listings magazine. The magazine was started in 1985 and is published monthly in print and online, it covers entertainment and culture for the North East region of England such as comprehensive listings and previews on music, art, film, theatre, dance, comedy, gay-interest concerns and clubs, as well as articles relating to local fashion and local issues. The Crack is available in the foyers of public spaces such as pubs, cafes, restaurants and shops and also in those of cultural venues such as galleries, libraries and cinemas.

Luxe magazine is a cultural magazine launched in 2009 that is based in Houghton - le - spring in the area of Sunderland. It its launch year it was delivered to 1800 peoples homes but has since risen. It costs £5 monthly subscription and is delivered to peoples homes. It covers topics such as food recipes from some of the region’s most celebrated chefs, inside interviews with influential and interesting people from throughout the North East, hottest travel destinations, local events, as well as the latest news and trends from the world of fashion, beauty, interiors and motoring.  

spark magazine is one of the UK’s most successful community media projects, From its centre at the University of Sunderland, its run by volunteers from both the student and local communities. Spark operate a full-time FM community radio station, a monthly Emagazine, and TV Channel online at SparkSunderland.com.

Spark is Sunderland’s local radio station. Based in the Media Centre of the University of Sunderland’s St Peter’s Campus, Spark make use of  the industry standard equipped studios and extensive experience to produce and deliver great radio. It provides a platform for local people to inform the community of news and events which are of interest to our target audience and offer an accessible medium where people can talk to others; from their neighbourhood, about issues which concern them. Having the ability to focus on Sunderland allows them to provide localised programming; local music, events and developing issues.