If you were editing a monthly magazine for your age group, what main features would you include, and why?
In this essay, the 16 to 18 years age group is envisaged, and it is assumed that you, whether boy or girl, are 17 years old. You have left school with a good academic record but have decided to go straight into the publishing business. The principal of your firm has seen copies of the school magazine, which you edited, and believes you may have a flair for editorial work. She thinks there is a gap in the market for a monthly magazine aimed at your age group. Since you know the interests of your peers, you are given a free hand in selecting the main features of your magazine, but you will of course receive professional help. So your principal has asked you to list these features, giving your reasons, and you produce the following.
A title must be found which is attractive, 'with it', and non-sexist. Since the magazine is aimed at both sexes, there must be a balance between male and female interests. By far the majority of the features will be of common interest. Young men today are as interested in fashion as young women. Both need advice on sex and romance. Girls often enjoy sports news as much as boys.
Most young people are interested in pop groups and stars. Features on those of worldwide fame, such as (in 1992) Madonna, Jason Donovan and lead actors in highly successful films such as 'Robin Hood' and 'Crocodile Dundee' have an immediate appeal. Care will be taken to edit out dirt and scandal. This feature can also provide critiques of national, even local groups. This can be mutually beneficial.
Connected with the above is the release of CDs, tapes, single and LP discs. Many young people are interested in classical music, so this area must not be overlooked.
The cinema is far more important in India and the Far East than it is in the West, where it has largely been displaced by TV. Television 'soaps', several emanating from Australia, are aimed at this age-group, with which they have become very popular, so some lively notes on what has been seen over the past month should be included.
Sex and romance are of absorbing interest to young people. Many are worldly-wise, some are naive, all need advice. This must be on the practical level, with a view to protection against disease, unwanted pregnancies and the modern scourge of AIDS. Religion and parental training should take care of the moral side. An opportunity should be given for young people to write in to the magazine for advice on personal problems.
A health column for both sexes would be popular. A qualified practitioner would provide advice on problems important to the teenager but perhaps too trivial for the surgery. These include skin problems such as acne, weight-watching, balanced diet, exercise and so on. Again, letters to the column would be welcomed.
Sports provides an important feature. This would include news of and comment on all major sporting events, both national and international. Personal profiles and interviews with stars are always popular.
Today, boys are just as interested in fashion as girls. Teenage clothing and footwear would feature prominently. In many countries today, teenagers have a higher percentage of disposable income than any other age group, and much of this is spent on fashion items. Hair-styling also comes into this category.
A very important feature could be job advice for those leaving school but not proceeding to further education. This section would include information on training schemes, advice on interviewing, and for those interested, an indication of opportunities overseas.
Teenagers are concerned with two topics, both of which could form important features: charity work and the environment. Many young people look for opportunities of helping others less fortunate, both at home and overseas. Preservation of our planet, and of threatened wildlife strike a chord. They are willing to set aside time for both activities.
Some countries have a drugs problem affecting this age-group, and none are totally exempt from crime. The hazards of both could be regularly emphasized together with their effects both on perpetrator and victim.
General knowledge quizzes, crossword puzzles perhaps based on teenage interests, and notes on popular indoor activities such as video and board games would provide another attractive feature.
So also would letters to the editor and printed replies on selected topics. Suggestions for new features would be welcomed. This personal communication between magazine and reader is of the greatest importance.
Occasional prizes and giveaway features such as posters of popular stars would all help circulation.
Such are the important features. Good illustration and professional writing are obviously necessary. Copy prices would be at the top end of the bracket. A well thought-out launch would be vital.
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If you were editing a monthly magazine for your age group, what main features would you include, and why?
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