12 new media brand ideas from the young media leaders of tomorrow
From niche food, to music, to women's health and everything in-between
Good afternoon,
Hope everyone's pre-Christmas prep is going well, this is the final newsletter from me for this year and as a special edition I have a digest of what some of the talented third-year journalism students I've had the pleasure of teaching at the University of Central Lancashire have been creating.
These are, hopefully, the media leaders of tomorrow and within the Creating A Brand module then Luke Beardsworth and I have been taking them through establishing a new media brand.
We broadened the module to give them a flavour of the challenges facing media brands in 2024 and beyond coming up with a name and a logo it is a rigorous test for the students of thinking about the purpose of their media brand, their target audience, the business model and what the content would be (beyond just one issue or one video!). They also had to consider how they’d build a community around their brand too, getting readers involved and establishing some real-world connections too.
For the second part they've been working in groups to bring soe of these new media brands to life as prototype magazines, websites and social channels and more. I dare say this has been the fun (and stressful!) bit for them all and a lesson in how much content is needed too about one topic rather than just moving from one story to the next.
Our thanks to Jon Birchall, editorial strategy director of LadBible, who took the time to come and talk to the students about the brand choices and mix of brands he works with and his learnings on the importance of brand in media. He kindly looked through the media packs created and has offered one of the students the opportunity of a placement with one of LadBible’s brands. Result.
We think it's important these student journalists go into the media world with their eyes open, journalism can't exist on fumes, and it's important they understand the essence and importance of a media brand they are working for - whether it's well established or fledgling.
Here's a flavour of some of the diverse ideas they came up with...
Health Her Way. A powerful new brand created by women for women, taking on difficult health topics and breaking taboos. The features themselves would be backed up by well-researched and in-depth advice from expert health professionals. Publishing across email newsletters, a magazine and social media.
Himbir. Meaning hair in Mali, this celebrates natural Afro hair and beauty. With style tips, interviews, inspiration and more. Creating a community of those who are obsessed with afro hair styles and culture publishing in a magazine and across socials particularly on Instagram.
Green Roots. Focused on sustainable living, there’s everything from how to have a plastic-free life to gardening based ideas and more. Ambitiously running across a magazine, website, email newsletter and social media too.
Unpuzzled. A monthly magazine which celebrates the achievements of people with neurodivergence and aims to give them a voice and a platform. A physical brand they can be proud of.
Youth Spectrum. Tackling some tough issues, this magazine, website and social platform takes on issues facing young-people in-depth. There’s a presumption young people want ‘entertainment and fluff’, it couldn’t be further from the truth.
Music was a popular theme for new media brands…
Access Industry. Is dedicated to making the music-industry accessible, for fans and for musicians. It's an industry-focused magazine with a strong Instagram presence too.
North West Notes. A new music brand for the North West of England, exploring the artists, fans and venues behind the music aiming to protect, promote and preserve and utilising both a monthly print product and Instagram presence.
2-Step. A fresh and raw take on electronic music culture, a monthly subscriber-only magazine with a TikTok and Instagram presence.
And we also had a number of foodie-based ideas…
Beyond Boring. Eating out for veggies and vegans can often be a repetitive meal-choice affair, this new media brand took a community-driven approach to its website and socials. The full month-by-month content calendar certainly caught the eye.
Taste Asia. A video-based foodie brand across TikTok, YouTube and Instagram teaching how to make top-notch Asian food using British ingredients.
Tummy Ache. The growth in milk-free and free-from diets, this magazine and social platform (TikTok and Instagram) was launching initially in student-based cities and towns.
Glutenless Goodies. A mix of recipes, food reviews, informational content and more, a magazine and social channels dedicated to everything gluten free.
Well done to all the students on all their hard work throughout the module. It was a change of pace from ‘write me 300 words, now’ or ‘go and vox pop some people about a topic for a TV news bulletin, now’ and hopefully gives them expanded knowledge and confidence ahead of entering the industry in a few months time.
If any of the ideas above catch your attention and you’d like to speak to the student involved for more info or might be able to offer them a place then email ed@almaonline.co.uk
Many years ago there was a similar-type module I undertook when doing my journalism course at UCLan, and it planted the seeds for what would eventually become Blog Preston. So who knows where it may lead them all…
I hope you’ve found this week’s digest, with a different theme, an interesting read and this newsletter will be back in its usual form after the Christmas break.
Next edition is Wednesday 8 January. Thanks for reading this year, I hope it continues to be useful and thanks for everyone’s support during 2024.
A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Keep going.
Ed
I love this. Thanks for sharing.