There are several free local magazines in the market these days. In an attempt to look for an opportunity of working in this field, I have done a quick review of some the their past issues as well as their lastest ones. Though each of them may have unique characteristics of their own, the main themes and target audiences are similar enough. They all claim and do aim at middle-class readers. The pages are mainly made up of news and stories about celebrities, entertainments, luxuries, fine arts, leisure ideas and the sort. Some of them do cover serious subjects, such as the economic environment, social issues etc. Not many independent view points, though.
I suppose it is the common philosophy of running a magazine for commercial purposes–you must pamper your audience with what they desire.
However, I do doubt the middle-class would only desire all those pleasurely things. I just felt something was missing in the pages. Vaguely do I know what it is, but I am sure it will be something that would make one magazine more popular than others, at least in some way.
I guess it is not the layout or artwork of a magazine that keeps its readers read on. It’s the contents that counts.
