Module: JPU6102-20 The Magazine Business

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Neil Baber

Module Tutor Contact Details: n.baber@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module: 

The magazine and news industry is changing rapidly, as it adapts to the impact of digital distribution and content, and the need for new business models in the aftermath of declining advertising revenue and print sales in some categories. You will learn about the varied landscape of contemporary magazine publishing in terms of editorial and audience. This module will consider different magazine business models and aspects such as brand management, multiplatform publication, native advertising, marketing and sales; scheduling, production and budgets, and distribution.

This module offers you the opportunity to work on your own vision for a new commercial magazine publication, to develop a deeper understanding of the contemporary commercial media and magazine landscape.  Over the course of the module, you will hone your ability to plan and create appropriate print and/or multiplatform content and associated marketing material to a professional standard.

2. Outline syllabus: 

• The global context and new business models

• Managing a brand across multiple platforms

• Writing workshop on brands e.g. native advertising copy

• Working with external contributors and stakeholders

• Budgets, scheduling and production

• Business to business publishing

• Launch marketing and promotion

• Project management

 3. Teaching and learning activities: 

The module is taught through lectures, visiting speakers, workshops, and tutor-guided meetings.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description:  Report and Presentation (equivalent to 1,500 words)

• % Weighting: 30

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description:  Portfolio (equivalent to 3,500 words)

• % Weighting: 70