Magazines – The Big Issue (Media Language, Media Representations, Social, Cultural and Political Contexts)

The Big Issue is a street newspaper founded in 1991 by John Bird and Gordon Roddick to provide homeless individuals with a legitimate means of earning an income. As a social enterprise, it combines commercial journalism with a social mission, making it a unique case study for OCR A-Level Media Studies. Students analyse how the magazine uses media language to construct representations of homelessness, poverty, and social inequality, while also considering its role within the wider magazine industry and its cultural and political significance.

This topic is crucial because it challenges dominant media representations of marginalised groups. Unlike mainstream magazines that often focus on celebrity and consumerism, The Big Issue prioritises investigative journalism and personal stories from vendors and experts. By studying its front covers, articles, and editorial choices, students explore how media language (typography, layout, photography, mode of address) shapes meaning and how representations are influenced by social, cultural, and political contexts. The magazine also raises questions about ethics, regulation, and the impact of digital media on print publications.

Within the OCR A-Level specification, The Big Issue is studied alongside other magazines to compare how different publications target audiences and construct identities. It exemplifies the concept of 'alternative media' and allows students to apply theoretical frameworks such as Stuart Hall's representation theory, bell hooks' intersectionality, and Pierre Bourdieu's cultural capital. Understanding its context—including the 1990s recession, changes in housing policy, and the rise of the 'social enterprise' model—is essential for high-level analysis.