ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ The Big Issue //

 The magazine industry has been a significant part of the global media, evolving with changing technologies, audience preferences, and societal needs. Valued at approximately $100 billion globally in 2023, the magazine sector has seen shifts from traditional print to digital platforms. Although the rise of online media, print magazines still hold important cultural and economic influences, some titles even continuing to see increasing sales. In the United States, the magazine industry generates around $26 billion. As the industry continues to change, The Big Issue (BI) represents a unique convergence of media, social enterprise, and community-driven innovation. 

 

Founded in 1991 by John Bird and Gordon Roddick, The Big Issue was designed not just as a magazine but as a vehicle for social change. With its model of empowering homeless and vulnerably housed individuals, it has become an example of how the media industry can have a positive social impact. The BI's business model consists of homeless people (vendors), buy copies of the magazine for a reduced price and sell them at full cover price, keeping 50% of the profit. This means that they earn an income, build skills, and can regain a sense of purpose. 

 

The BI’s content is diverse, covering everything from current affairs to culture. The magazine focuses on social justice issues, human interest stories, and in-depth reporting, positioning itself as a vital voice in the media industry while providing a platform for diverse voices. Despite challenges faced by the print industry, The Big Issue has managed to maintain a circulation of approximately 80,000 copies per week in the UK, with a loyal readership that values the publication’s social mission. Since its creation, over 200,000 people have worked as vendors for The Big Issue, and its social impact are apparent. 

 

Integral to The Big Issue’s long-term success is its charitable perspective, The Big Issue Foundation. Established alongside the magazine in 1991, the Foundation offers support to vendors beyond their work selling the magazine. It provides access to a range of services including housing advice, debt management, healthcare, and employment training. In the past decade alone, over 10,000 people have been supported into more stable housing and employment. The Foundation has been instrumental in reducing social isolation, increasing financial literacy, and supporting individuals through personal development programs. Through its work, The Big Issue has proven that the magazine industry is not solely a business but can also play a pivotal role in addressing some of society’s most pressing social challenges. 

 

To conclude, The Big Issue represents a powerful representation of how the magazine industry can intersect with social causes. By offering homeless individuals the opportunity to work, earn, and rebuild their lives, The Big Issue has shown that media and social enterprise can be mutually reinforcing. It has not only provided a model for other media organizations to respect but has also proven that for-profit media can be harnessed to drive positive social change. As the magazine industry continues to evolve, The Big Issue remains a testament to the power of combining business with social impact.