When I watch TV or read newspapers and magazine I often whine over how can they publish substandard materials and oversell glamor to unsuspecting readers. Whenever anyone dares to ask why they don’t publish much about people who are doing substantial service in the various fields the answer is, “It doesn’t sell.” People are more willing to read about Aish Rai sipping tea in a dhaba than what an obscure person is doing to educate street children. Is it correct?
Here are some facts:
“Although Reader’s Digest was founded in the U.S., its international editions have made it the best-selling monthly magazine in the world. The magazine’s worldwide circulation including all editions has reached 21 million copies and over 100 million readers.
The first international edition was published in the United Kingdom in 1938 and was sold at 2 shillings. Reader’s Digest is currently published in 50 editions and 21 languages and is available in over 61 countries. In 2006, the Reader’s Digest continued to expand, marketing three more new editions in Slovenia, Croatia and Romania. As from October 2007, Reader’s Digest expanded in Serbia.”
“Reader’s Digest is a monthly general interest family magazine. Although its circulation has declined in recent years, the Audit Bureau of Circulation says Reader’s Digest is still the best-selling consumer magazine in the United States, with a circulation of over 10 million copies in the United States, and a readership of 38 million as measured by Mediamark Research (MRI).”
What does this magazine publish? Juicy details of lives of Britney Spears or Pamela Anderson? Certainly not. This magazine sells optimism, extraordinary battles of ordinary souls, clean humor, family values etc. Reader’s Digest sells and sells better than other magazines whose editors claim that story of ordinary mortals don’t sell.
very well said
Hi,Alka- visiting here after quite some time…this article is soo right- Readers’ Digest remains ‘your best bet for good reading’,as their catchline used to go.And,interestingly enough,while other magazines have doubled,tripled and quadrupled their prices, RD has remained comparatively steady,and,does not seem to be as expensive as it used to seem in those days! I,of course,still get it’s ole issues whenever I am in Baroda,from our friendly neighbourhood magwallah-gives them for 10 bucks or so.
Cheers and TC.
wow, what an fact it was.. right on spot.
Readers Digest appeals to a select group of people. Magazines like Life Positive also have a niche segment. However, most magazines meant for general readership would like to include a mix of politics, glamour, sensuality and spirituality. This way the readership expands across the spectrum. A sort of neighbourhood supermarket.
Moreover, people who are doing the positive things usually dont hold press conferences and neither do they give press notes. Then it becomes hard-work for the reporter to dig out the story. :o)
Great ! You wrote everything that used to come to my mind when I have to watch our ill channels especially our so called news channels.
Only the difference is that I merely kept irritating watching those people and you did a positive thing to write it down. Reader’s Digest is really one of the best magazine available these days. Though I have not read it past some time but I did read that magazine a bit in my school days.
Alka, I again came back to this post to find any of you email id cause just after I left commenting at this post few moments ago, I received a wonderful email relating to your post. I wish you could read that.
Babu, welcome and thank you for visiting my blog. If you too write then please leave a link.
AmitLThanks for visiting again. I envy you for getting RD for just 10 bucks. Is your magazinewallah not wanting to expand in other cities?
Nileash, I too was surprised for a while with stats.
Paradox You are right, people doing positive things don’t hold press conferences. Have you watched Patch Adams?
Praney, especially news channels consider their viewers semi literate persons. I have written to you. And I am curious too what email you have received. 🙂