Mainstream vs. Niche

Mainstream vs. Niche publications:

Mainstream publication is one that appeals to a lot of people. E.g. NME, Q, OK, Chat, Kerrang etc.
Advantages:
- Hopefully big sale/audience.
- More profit.
- Wider T.A.
- More appeal to advertisers.
- Covers more subject matter.
Disadvantages:
- Flooded market (proliferation of similar products).
- You can’t appeal to specific audiences.
- Mainstream magazines are usually owned by multi-media corporations, with links to record labels.
- This cross-media convergence can unduly manipulate record sales.
- You have to be sensitive with the entire contents of the magazine – you cannot offend anyone.
- They can lack credibility.
Niche publication is intended for a small, specific and dedicated audience. E.g. Terrorizer, Pitchfork, Fangoria etc.
Advantages:
- You can appeal to a specific audience.
- You have a more dedicated audience that will keep sales constant.
- You don’t have to be as sensitive with the content.
- People who produce them usually share an interest so credibility is not a problem.
- Not owned by corporation so it alters the price.
- It can use technical terms and jargon due to dedicated and understanding audience.
Disadvantages:
- Doesn’t have an advertiser so it not as well known.
- Could be of a lower quality as it has a lower budget. (Aesthetic)