Chapter Overview

The magazine was introduced to America in the mid-18^th century. Factors such as increased literacy and industrialization fueled growth in the industry after the Civil War. The medium was an important force for social change in the early 20th century, due to the muckrakers. After the coming of television, magazines continued to prosper through increased specialization.

Of more than 22,000 magazines in operation today, the top 800 consumer magazines account for three-quarters of the industry's revenue. Since space is sold on the basis of circulation, research groups such as the Audit Bureau of Circulation and Simmons verify a magazine's circulation numbers.

New types of magazines, such as Webzines and synergistic magazines, are currently emerging. In order to compete with the specialization of cable television, many magazines are now seeking global audiences. Advertisers are becoming increasingly influential over the stories that appear with their ads.