Unit 1 Fact Sheet Mak Waugh
Distribution
Distribution - Distribution is the process of sending/selling a media product to the audience.
There are three ways of distributing the magazine products to where they are. These ways are:
● Retail
● Subscription
● Digital Download
Distribution Company for Empire: Frontline Distribution
[Link]
Frontline Distribution is a distribution company that is used
by many different brands. Some of these include: Empire,
Lego, The Beano, and many more. Frontline was founded
32 years ago and is the “market leader” of over 800
magazine brands, which makes up over 60% of UK Newsstand sales and 75% Export sales
overseas. Frontline Distribution works with over 150 publishers and studios by promoting and
distributing their products.
The history of Frontline Distribution
● In 1986 (also known as the “early years”) Frontline began as a division of magazine
publishers also known as EMAP. EMAP is one of the UK’s leading/fastest niche media
owners. EMAP is a non-profit organisation which provides insight through content, digital
media, and more.
● In 1988, Haymarket Media Group became Frontline’s first joint partner, and after 2 years,
Immediate Media joined too.
● During 1994 a 3rd party expansion began. Seymour Distribution emerged as a joint venture
between Frontline and Hachette Distribution Services. This allowed Frontline to extend their
distribution services across the UK and internationally to independent publishers.
● In 2008 Bauer joined the Frontline group and acquired the EMAP magazine division.
● In 2013, Frontline received 100% ownership of the Seymour business.
● In 2017, Frontline Distribution extended their reach into hotels, offices and new retailers
with brand new activation services.
● In 2022, Frontline started to distribute other categories of products such as DVDs for Tesco.
● In 2023, Frontline Distribution expanded even further into non-grocery retail categories for
Morrisons and their Home Entertainment and Books categories.
● During 2024, Frontline distributed books to Waitrose and also distributed vinyls to 80
different highstreet stores.
Getting the Magazine
Retail:
Buying a magazine in retail can involve going to a local store or a corner shop nearby your house -
meaning you don’t have to travel too far for your copy of a magazine. An Empire magazine costs
£5.50 , however, limited edition issues would cost more. When
buying a magazine in retail, it could be more beneficial because if
you see the magazine you can buy it instantly without having to
wait for your copy to be delivered (and you also do not need to
pay the extra shipping fee). As well as this, you can even look
through the magazine and see if you want to buy it or not. This is useful
because then you will know if the issue is worth your money.
Subscription:
A subscription is something that you can pay for to receive
monthly/yearly in advance. This is beneficial because you can pay in
advance and also be guaranteed a copy no matter what. An Empire
magazine subscription usually costs around £19.99 [Link]
depends on the company that owns the magazine. As well as this, this
can be done from your home, meaning you do not have to go
anywhere to receive your issue of your magazine. Also, a magazine
subscription could be used as a gift for somebody else, so if they
are interested in the topics of the magazine, they are guaranteed
an issue everytime a new one comes out.
This is what purchasing a magazine subscription would look like
—–––→
[Link]
Digital Download: [Link]
magazine
A digital download of a magazine is where you purchase a copy
of a magazine, but instead of getting a physical copy, the
magazine is instead uploaded onto your phone. This method of
receiving a magazine can be beneficial because you receive the
magazine instantly, without paying a delivery fee or leaving your
house, and you have it with you to read on your phone anywhere.
The price of a digital download for Empire magazine is £3.99 monthly. A digital copy of a magazine
is also beneficial because it saves paper and you can purchase it from anywhere - even if the country
you live in does not sell the issue of the magazine.