The Big issue factfile

The Big issue

What is the Big Issue?

The Big Issue is a street newspaper/ a magazine founded by John Bird and Gordon Roddick in September 1991. 

Who set it up and why?

It was set up by John Bird and Gordon Roddick, their reasoning for this was to create a offer to homeless and disadvantaged people the opportunity to earn a legitimate income by selling a magazine on the streets.

When was it first published and by who?

It was first published back in 1991, and it was published by John Bird and Gordon Roddick. 

What is its circulation, and in which countries?

As of now, it is circulating in 4 continents and it is in: UK, Japan, Australia, Ireland, South Africa, South Korea, Namibia, Taiwan, Kenya and Malawi.

How is it financed?

Two main ways are by being funded by vendor sales or advertising spaces on their magazine.

How is it different to other magazines? 

It is different to other newspapers as it exists to offer homeless people, or individuals at risk of homelessness, the opportunity to earn a legitimate income and it is a unique social experiment based on the philosophy of self help.

How would you describe it's content?

I would describe its content as informative as it provides news, but not only news on the website it has a list of variety of news as well as culture and life. It also has a section for jobs, where you can search for one. 

How can you buy it and how much is it?

As of 2022, it is selling for £3, but vendors are buying it for £1.50. It is being sold at shops such as ASDA or WHSmith.

What is their Ethos/Ideology?

Their main ethos is to help those who are homeless to get out of poverty and start living a better life by providing an area to help them find a job. Their main goal is to "bring together our media, investment and service initiatives under a shared mission to create innovative solutions through enterprise, to unlock social and economic opportunity for the 14.5m people in the UK living in poverty to earn, learn and thrive."

Why was it relaunched in 2012?

In January 2012, the magazine was relaunched, with an increased focus on campaigning and political journalism.