Context

• When was TBI launched?

  1991
• Who founded the big issue?

  Lord John Bird
• What is The Big Issue?

  • A niche magazine outside the commercial mainstream
  • Multi-million pound social enterprise
  • Hybrid newspaper/magazine
  • Not-for profit organisation
• When does TBI release?

  Weekly, every Monday
• What genre of stories do The Big Issue publish?


  Current affairs/entertainment
• How much is The Big Issue?

  £2.50
• Who sells The Big Issue?

  Homeless people who need income and opportunity to break out of the cycle of poverty
• Who is The Big Issue's audience?

  Passing trade in city centres, the masses, commuters
• Why is The Big Issue criticised?

  Criticised by the right for enabling migrants to access benefits
• What is The Big Issue's political stance?

  Apolitical however has a very liberal outlook and ideology, with an active approach to social change, and equality, for the disadvantaged
• What are the aims of The Big Issue?

  • to offer employment opportunities to people in poverty
  • provide those in poverty a steady income and opportunity to break out of the cycle of poverty
  • to represent minorities and individuals stories with rise of social media and demand for diversity on TV
• Where was The Big Issue founded?


  London, UK.
• What was the goal of The Big Issue?To provide employment opportunities and economic empowerment for homeless individuals.
• Why did Lord John Bird start The Big Issue?He was previously homeless and wanted to create a dignified way for people to earn income and escape poverty.
• How much do vendors pay for the magazine?£1.25.
• What is the purpose of this business model?

  It provides economic opportunity for homeless or marginalized individuals through legitimate work.
• What does the magazine provide to vendors?

  • A legitimate income source
  • Professional work experience
  • Self-employment opportunity
  • A path to financial independence
• What are the guidelines vendors must follow?

  • Must wear an official vendor badge
  • Cannot be aggressive when selling
  • Must purchase magazines before selling
• What are some common criticisms of The Big Issue?Criticisms often stem from political perspectives on:

  • Immigration policies
  • Social welfare access
  • Economic opportunities for migrants
• What are the key points of criticism?

  • Some argue it provides unintended welfare support
  • Concerns about exploitation of the immigration system
  • Political debate around social support mechanisms
  • Challenges traditional views of economic participation
• What is The Big Issue's political position?

  Officially apolitical.
• What values does The Big Issue emphasize?

  • Equality
  • Social mobility
  • Economic opportunity
  • Dignity for disadvantaged individuals
• What is the magazine's focus?

  The magazine focuses on practical solutions rather than partisan political debates.
• What type of publication is The Big Issue?

  It is a niche publication that operates as a hybrid between a newspaper and a magazine.
• What is The Big Issue's business model?

  It follows a social enterprise model and is a not-for-profit organization.
• What is the primary goal of The Big Issue?

  The magazine exists primarily to create social impact by providing employment opportunities for marginalized individuals.
• What does The Big Issue focus on?

  Social empowerment.
• What types of content does The Big Issue cover?

  It covers a mix of current affairs and entertainment.
•  What are the key content characteristics of The Big Issue?

  • Balanced coverage of serious and lighter topics
  • Current affairs reporting
  • Entertainment features
  • Exploration of social issues
  • Human interest stories
• Why does The Big Issue include a variety of content?

  To appeal to a broad audience while maintaining its social mission.
• Who is The Big Issue's target audience?

  The target audience includes:

  • City centre pedestrians
  • Commuters
  • The general urban population
  • People interested in social issues
  • Socially conscious consumers
•  What characterizes The Big Issue's audience?

  They are typically urban, mobile, and socially aware.
• What are The Big Issue's social impact aims?

  • Providing employment opportunities for marginalized individuals
  • Breaking the poverty cycle
  • Representing minority voices
  • Providing a platform for individual stories
  • Challenging social inequalities
•  How does The Big Issue go beyond traditional media?

  It uses its platform as a tool for social intervention.