ABSTRACT
The distinctions between what constitutes a newspaper and a magazine are often very blurred. Some periodicals may have the physical appearance of a newspaper but only be published quarterly with largely feature-based content. Conversely, publications may come out weekly with a high, up-to-the minute news content yet may still be deemed a magazine because of their slightly glossier format. You would think that with approximately 7700 titles on the market at the latest count, magazines would be far and away the largest mass medium. In fact, they come third in line after television and newspapers in terms of audience/reader figures, but they have a unique rapport with their readership and their appeal is strong and enduring for readers, advertisers and their publishers and staff. The periodical industry is also one area of the media that is experiencing rapid growth. Figures published by the Periodical Publishers Association say the number of titles has increased by a staggering 74% over the last 12 years. This is very exciting news for the prospective journalist as many new opportunities are opening up in this diverse, flourishing sector.
