The Big Issue Magazine - Genre

Although The Big Issue can be seen as unique, different and wide spread it can be seen to fit into a genre of magazine. In addition to this is can be seen to be also like a newspaper as it deals with current affairs. However, the magazine can also be seen to be a standalone magazine and is set apart from this genre as of its distribution and unique house style.

Unlike many magazines The Big Issue does not just report of social issues but attempts to get the audience to participate and get involved in debate, the magazine aims to bring about social change, this is done through the serious tone of the magazine which always gives social context to the stories and represents society as it is and doesn’t stray from the truth which would strike up debate between people. In addition to this the self-awareness and the distribution of the magazine becomes a feature of the magazine and is part of its appeal, the vendors are not just the people you but the magazine from, they are the people you help and become a topic of conversation within the magazine. Another feature that make it more like a newspaper is the homemade feel to it, the use of low quality paper and print and the thrown together look shows the magazine is more about passion rather than a money making scheme, it is all about the experience.

The Big Issue describes itself as “a combination of hard-edged campaigning journalism, entertainment and general interest features” this is shown in the 2017 Feb issue of the magazine with the article Lessons from History, the tone is friendly and engaging but also serious and factual linking back to context and what is happening in the world today (asylum seekers and refuges), it lets the audience known when the Fiddler on the Roof production is and where it is held and encourages the reader to get out and watch it. As well as this the article shows that the Fiddler on the Roof reflected the time it was made and now reflects our time due to our current state in the world.

Much like other magazine such as Time, The Spectator and Prospect, The Big Issue tackles the same subject matter as these such as politics, environmental issues and social issues. This groups these three magazine together and makes it seem as if they are part of a genre of their own. These magazines tackle the same topics and issues in their own way however, The Big Issue has an extra advantage as when you purchase their magazine you are also giving to the homeless vendor you buy from giving it a more buyable addition rather than just paying all your money to the creators of the magazine, also making the consumer feel like they are doing more than just buying a magazine. It can also be compared to newspapers such as The Guardian and The Independent as they discuss current affairs and breaking news but once again The Big Issue has that edge due to the distribution. This is evident as it is found that 87% of their audience do not read The Guardian and 96% do not read The Independent.  The main thing that sets these all apart is The Big Issues ideological messages however they are similar in content and description.

Overall The Big Issue can be seen if fit into a genre with some magazines due to the content and issues discussed however the ideological content of the magazine and the unique distribution sets it apart from others, meaning it can also be seen as a standalone magazine.