How to Start a News Magazine

You may look at the current decline in newspapers across the world and conclude that now is a bad time to go into the news magazine business. But what you are really seeing is the decline of traditional print media and a reinvention of the news business. If you have a great interest in current events, a love of writing and sharp business acumen, you might consider starting a news magazine. This can be an engrossing project and a profitable one.

Instructions

1. Decide what format the magazine will be. It could be print, online or some combination. You also should decide what type of news will be included in your product. Will your publication be a general news publication, or will it focus on a particular topic or region? If your magazine will be print, you need to consider the frequency of publication -- weekly, monthly or quarterly, for example. If your magazine will be online, you need to decide how often you will update the content.

2. Consider whether a combination might not be the best way to go. You might consider a print version that is supplemented by a more in depth online version (that in turn produces additional advertising revenue), while pushing the print version. This is the key to making a news magazine work these days; leveraging technology to serve you. This means using the Internet to its maximum advantage, both for revenue and for promotion.

3. Consider the staff you will need. You will need editors, writers, photographers, graphic artists, salespeople, circulation staff and support personnel. The candidates for these positions should be evaluated based on their education, experience and skills. If you will be having a website, you will need someone experienced in website design and maintenance. You don't necessarily have to have full-timers in every position. You can cut costs by using freelancers as much as possible.

4. Create a business plan that considers all costs for equipment, location leasing, paper, ink, printing, distribution, Web hosting, travel expenses, salaries, employee health benefits and other related expenses. Incorporate and obtain financing, if necessary.

5. Determine who your target audience is, and take this into account when creating a marketing plan. The marketing plan should include ways to get your magazine noticed by your target audience. If your magazine is regional in its coverage, there usually is no point in advertising outside that region.