The longstanding title dedicated to regional stories has announced its vendors will sell Big Issue UK from 15 May
Big Issue North will sell its final edition in May as the weekly magazine dedicated to regional stories has announced that production is “no longer financially viable”.
From 15 May vendors across the North will sell Big Issue UK, and while their ability to earn an income will be unaffected, it will be another blow to journalism across the region.
It’s not really gone. It’s like anything else isn’t it? Everything changes
In operation since 1993, the magazine has found sales have plummeted since the pandemic due to a lack of footfall in town centres, and that increased print, paper and energy costs have left the regional title with little choice but to cease production.
Fay Selvan, CEO of Big Issue North, said: “We could not be prouder of the impact that the magazine has had, both in giving marginalised people a chance to work their way out of poverty, and in the stories we have told from our communities.
“We have explored a number of alternatives, but ultimately, ceasing production and offering the national Big Issue magazine to vendors in the North is the route that gives the best possible opportunity for the most people to earn an income and change their lives."
Selvan continued.
“We will continue to support vendors and to raise income through our charity, Big Issue North Trust, to do more than ever to give people the opportunity to earn an income and change their lives.
“This decision is incredibly hard. We don’t take it lightly, but we believe that this is the best possible route to take to ensure that for many years to come, marginalised people in the North facing poverty or homelessness are supported to earn an income, gain support in all areas of their lives, and work towards a more hopeful future.”
The organisation will continue to publish stories from the region through its Street News app and social media channels, but Big Issue North has said its souvenir edition for sale on 8 May will be its last.
Kevin Gopal, editor of Big Issue North, said: “This is a sad moment for independent northern-based publishing and a sign of the difficult commercial outlook for much of the media industry. But I’m grateful for a great 16-year spell – thanks to readers, sources and contacts, a brilliant band of freelance contributors and especially the wonderful editorial team here.
“Hopefully we’ve done good journalism and helped vendors. I’m pleased the vendors will continue to get the support they sorely need.”
For 50-year-old vendor Thomas, who sells the magazine in St Ann’s Square, the decision to stop production simply reflects the changes happening in the wider world, but he remains positive about the future of a paper that has helped him through difficult periods in his life.
“I’ve been selling it for quite a long time, and it’s helped me out financially,” he said. “It’s helped me carry on through and find somewhere to stay. It helps out. It’s gone a bit expensive, I’ll say that, but everything’s gone up in the world.
“It’s going to change a bit with it being the UK edition but there’ll still be bits and bobs about the north and articles in there. It’s not really gone. It’s like anything else isn’t it? Everything changes.
“It’ll be fine. She’ll be okay.”
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