Case Study About Music Magazine's Dying

The Word Magazine 

What was it?

The Word used to be a monthly music magazine that was published in London. In 2007 and 2008, it was voted UK 'Music Magazine Of The Year', however, it only made 114 issues, the last bearing the cover date August 2012. 

What problems were they experiencing?

They were one of few companies who made independent music magazines. However, in a microcosm of the problems afflicting many consumer magazines, there were apparently not enough of them to save the independent title from the director David Hepworth who described it as "dramatic changes in the media and the music business". Hepworth also announced on the official Word website on the following Friday morning, the August issue, was to be published in the second week of July and it would be the magazine's last, with all full-time staff being made redundant.

Can all music magazines survive?

Many music publications have died off or been bought out and the survivors. This was along with the rest of the publishing industry. The one industry that is being talked about dying out are music magazines.

1. There are fewer superstars, and the same musicians show up on every magazine cover. 

There are only a few musical acts that still command massive appeal.

2. Music magazines have less to offer music lovers, and music lovers need them less than ever anyway.

Nower days, you can get music for free online or through apps on your mobile phone or any other device. Many interviews are released on the internet through social media such as YouTube, facebook, twitter ect. All these media apps are all free to use.

3. Music magazines were an early version of social networking. But now there's this thing called "social networking".

It seems that the world today has been replaced by the internet and digital versions. Websites including Spotify and iTunes are just a few examples where music is available to download. 

Why pay for something you can get for free? 

The internet today makes accessing music and digital copies of magazines much more quicker and also more accessible all over the world, this is much easier than having to go out and buy a copy in order to learn about new music. 

Are they only for ABC1 males aged 35+?

Top music magazines genuinely have the most to offer. These normally include an insight into popular music artists, music, exclusive interviews and introducing new music. These types of magazines often have a hefty price, this is something that you probably wouldn't pay unless you're a regular costumer with some money to spare each month. 

Also, music magazines with this price also tend to contain a larger amount of older artists and music, which would then appeal to an older generation of music listeners. Therefore to be able to buy and enjoy the content of the magazine, you usually have to be in the ABC1 bracket (in order to afford it), and over 35 to be able to enjoy the music.