Angelica Malin is the Editor of About Time Magazine – the publication has just turned one-year-old this month. She discusses what it’s like to be the ‘new kid on the block’, a young editor aged just 24 and what’s it been like starting out in the industry as a woman.
Month: March 2015
Good Housekeeping and innovation in the magazine industry
To innovate is to make changes in something established, especially by introducing new methods, ideas, and products. It is not a natural process – it is a conscious state of change that goes beyond standard development over time and instead excels.
The journalism industry has gone through a process and multiple stage development of innovation in the last 20 years. Consumers are demanding more from the media and every other industry for that matter. Modern audiences are digesting journalism in a multi-platform way limiting themselves to snapshots and snippets of articles and videos. We as a generation and society are time poor, or at least like to think that we are, we prioritise social media and technology. This is despite using each app or website to a maximum of around ten minutes with several tabs to flit between with our small attention span. We demand that the media suits us, that the journalism is tailored, that we decide what’s important.
Good Housekeeping magazine is innovation. The household title published its first issue in America in 1885 and landed on British shelves in 1922. The women’s monthly magazine is the iconic publication for ladies of the 50s yet still continues to thrive today. It is the traditional women’s lifestyle magazine; using its connection with the past and the classical concept of the 1950s housewife. The publication continues to carry the same ethos and branding it set out with in the 19th century but with a few tweaks to attract a modern audience. The magazine had to change and modernize to accommodate the new, ever changing market that required more from its journalism. Good Housekeeping’s publishers’ made these changes in an innovative way.
The most important wave of innovation Good Housekeeping has focused on is its audience. The publication prides itself on its traditional core values and classical ideals of gender. Good Housekeeping is rare in the magazine market in that it is purely aimed at a female only audience and not solely prioritised on the idea of beauty. It offers advice and real value to the women of today.
The first ever editor’s letter more than 90 years ago explains the reason for Good Housekeeping:
‘There should be no drudgery in the house. There must be time to think, to read, to enjoy life, top be young with the growing generations, to have time for pleasures, to have leisure for one’s own – to hold one’s youth as long as possible, to have beauty around us – line and colour in dress, form and colour in our surroundings; to have food without monotony, and good service without jangled tempers…. The burning questions of the day will be reflected each month in articles by women in the public eye, known for their sound grasp of their subject – by women who can lead women, and who are fearless, frank, and outspoken.’
“It is a precise blueprint and so you could say that we have not moved on that much. Except, of course, we have.”
Deputy Editor of Good Housekeeping, Michelle Hather
Originally, the magazine attracted the young housewife; it was the go to guide for how to be the best housewife and mother possible. Now, in 2015, priorities for younger women have shifted, 20-year-olds, are not rushing to be a wife or a mother. Middle-aged women are the ‘new housewives’ – the ladies to stay at home, the ladies that take pride in their homes and their families, the ladies that have had the career already. The modern reader is experienced; she’s lived her life, she’s been successful and reaped the rewards. She is the mother of the original reader. She reads not to be guided through life but to compliment her already fulfilled life – for tips and tricks but not as a rulebook.
The magazine formed The Good Housekeeping Research Institute in 1900 to try and test consumer goods so readers didn’t have to. Good Housekeeping recognised a change in housekeeping and a new era of progress that was named the machine age in the 20th century. Women had questions over the change in how to maintain their homes and the new gadgets appearing on the market. The period of innovation included the introduction of washing machines and electric irons to the consumer goods market. Good Housekeeping created a facility that no other institute of its kind had ever done before. The brand made a testing station in its magazine building that included a model kitchen, a domestic science lab and test stations. Good Housekeeping published its first ‘Approved’ list in December 1909 where twenty-one consumer products were listed including a washing machine, refrigerator, gas range and an electric iron.
“Tried, Tested, Trusted” – Good Housekeeping Institute
The institute continues to operate today to give women the most informed choice of the market. Good Housekeeping maintains its original ethos with its advertising strategy; before any advert appears in the magazine, it must pass the Good Housekeeping Research Institute’s tests so it can display the seal of approval.
Good Housekeeping, in the early 20th century, was bought by women making homes for soldiers returning from the First World War. The publication wanted to be seen as doing its bit as much as possible from the traditionally female side of things. After all, the men had survived a war the least they could be offered on their return was a good home. During the Second World War (and with the first issues that stormed the UK), Good Housekeeping and its Institute played a vital role in informing and supporting people on the home front.
The magazine itself shrank in size – using less paper to help with rationing and metaphorically to say ‘we’re in this together’ helping with the war effort. Good Housekeeping was also produced in St Donat’s castle in Wales after employees were evacuated from London. Very little magazines still surviving on British shelves have this type of legacy. Good Housekeeping’s impact on Britain was evident even though the brand started as an American institution it had the same invested values of patriotism on both sides of the Atlantic.
The American ideal was advertised in Good Housekeeping with the 1944 Swift’s Beef advertisement; women were expected to do the ‘seven jobs to win the war’. These included: wife, mother, purchasing agent, cook, salvage expert, war worker and, a war bond buyer. The feminine ideal globally in this time was to be the keeper of the house as its name suggests the good housekeeper. It was widely seen as paramount that this was the main if not single way to help the war effort. Military wives in the 21st century are still expected to make the home suitable for a serviceman’s return and have the submissive role in the marital relationship. Men coming home from a tour is still seen as a significant event not just emotionally for the wives but also as a chance to prove to themselves and others that they are the best housewife.
A ‘new dawn’ in the 60s and 70’s saw a time of a change – a milestone for women’s liberation; the vote had already been achieved in 1928 for all women. Women were working for one of the first times in history, expectations were shifting. Female empowerment was created as they had their own money and were a real section of the consumer market now. Economically, they were an important sector and advertising started targeting the female audience – they now had more of a choice on purchases; it was their money that they would be spending. Progression during this era was significant but women had more freedom but not freedom in its entirety.
Attitudes have continued to be almost stable around femininity from this point to the present day and this has evolved with the magazines that are read and accessible today. Recent waves of feminism have hit globally with the rise of figures like Emma Watson making it clear that this is just the beginning of female empowerment. Good Housekeeping’s modern reader is liberated and much stronger than the 20th century woman. Sex and the female body feature as a theme throughout nearly all of the magazines on the market in the modern day and Good Housekeeping is no exception. The magazine has evolved yet stuck to the same core values it began with in the 1800s at the same time as growing up with its new audience it has delivered younger ideals.
Good Housekeeping is a magazine that grew up in the Victorian era with strong Victorian attitudes – attitudes that can only be described as rooted in sexist ideals. This continued into the 1920’s along with the financial boom, women could now spend but war put a stop to this and created the Depression where women saw a new role in society – a motherly yet powerful role. Good Housekeeping has evolved much like its female audience. It remains a magazine ever adaptable but constant in its marketing and values – the story of Good Housekeeping is effectively the story of the female struggle for modern equality.
“In many ways GH has stayed much the same – that is, true to its original intentions.
Good Housekeeping is now much more than a glossy magazine.”
Deputy Editor of Good Housekeeping, Michelle Hather
Good Housekeeping is under the umbrella publisher Hearst Magazines UK. Hearst is a predominantly female orientated publisher with only five of their twenty-seven brands inclusive of a male majority audience. The publisher launched Hearst Empowering Women in 2014 to inspire, motivate and involve females in everything from politics and finance to campaigns and events. Through this initiative, Hearst aims to break barriers for women within a typically male-orientated trade.
Good Housekeeping has had a long held tradition of being able to adapt to changes within the socio-political landscape, especially where issues of gender are concerned. By always striving to be innovative in its approach, the magazine remains as current to this day as it was in 1885. This is why the publication has topped ABC reports for the best-selling women’s monthly for the third time in a row reaching a circulation total of just under half a million. Judging by Good Housekeeping’s track record it is clear to me that the publication will continue to adapt and change, even initiate change.
Photograph: Megan Fisher
Dotty Patyra: My Battle Against Prejudice
Dotty Patyra is the widow of Jan Patyra. He was a Polish Prisoner of War and one of the first Polish immigrants to come to the UK. Dotty recalls the day she met her husband, their wedding day and how, despite her British nationality, the couple both being branded as immigrants was a label that came with prejudice. This is her story, the story of Dotty Patyra.
What farmers need to know about the budget
Osborne’s main points from 18th March for farmers are listed below. It remains to be seen whether his suggestions will be kept with the post-election budget.
Tax
British self-employed farmers can now average out their profits over five years instead of the current two. This is hoped to help with the large tax bills farmers are facing, with the government estimating to potentially save farming £30m a year.
Annual tax returns are to be replaced by digital tax accounts. This should mean less work; certain information will already be shown on the system.
Entrepreneurs’ relief from capital gains tax is to be tightened. There will be new rules on limits disposed of and those where associated business are involved.
The class 2 rate of National Insurance for the self-employed will be scrapped in the next parliament, class 4 contributions on trading profits will be changed to introduce a new benefit test, there will be no NI for under 21s from April and no NI for young apprentices from April 2016.
Fuel duty is to be frozen from September.
Tax on savings will be charged only after the first £1000 of interest or the first £500 for the higher rate taxpayers.
Income tax personal allowance is to rise to £10,800 in 2016-17 and £11,000 the next year.
The higher rate tax threshold has risen to £42,385 in this year and £43,300 in the two following years.
The Pensions Lifetime Allowance on contributions cut by £250,000 to £1m from 6th April 2016.
The VAT registration threshold has been increased from £81,000 to £82,000.
The small business rate relief has been extended for another year to 31st March 2016. Properties with a rateable value of £6,000 or lower get 100% relief and those between £6,001 and £12,000 will get relief of 0%.
Annual investment allowance
Mr Osborne agreed that £25,000 is not an acceptable level to encourage investment in farming. The industry will have to wait until the government’s Autumn Statement to learn the new rate, which was set to drop from January in 2016.
Deeds of variation
These allow a family to alter a will after death to make the distribution of the estate more tax efficient providing all beneficiaries agree to the change. Deeds of variation are to be reviewed in summer 2015.
Enhanced capital allowances
The scheme means that a business can invest in energy-saving machinery that might otherwise be too expensive. Osborne has said that the allowance will be available on a longer list of energy-saving and water-efficient technologies in summer 2015. Currently, this list includes solar thermal equipment, pipe work insulation, boilers, lighting and, combined heat and power.
Compulsory purchase law
The law will be changed to make it clearer, faster and fairer – a popular change.
Budget 2015: Farmers granted tax relief
UK farmers will now be allowed to average their income for tax purposes over five years, Osborne has announced in his latest budget.
In his Budget Speech the Chancellor said: “The fall in food prices is good for families; but it reminds us of the challenge our farmers face from volatile markets.”
“The National Farmers Union has long argued they should be allowed to average their incomes for tax purposes over five years; I agree and in this budget we will make that change.”
Up until now, farmers have only been able to average their profits over two years, resulting in large tax bills.
The tax averaging was a key issue in the NFU’s election manifesto for 2015 and follows on from the lobbying of government by its members.
NFU President Meurig Raymond said: “We are very pleased that Mr Osborne said that he had listened to the arguments by the NFU. As he mentioned in his speech, farmers are increasingly facing a volatile marketplace and this will enable them to manage the impacts of this.
“News that the annual investment allowance will be addressed in his Autumn Statement is also welcome. As [Mr Osborne] mentions, £25,000 is not an acceptable level which would encourage on-farm investment and we will await further announcements with interest.”
The tax change will come into place from April 2016.
Reporting elections: cases and commentary
Broadcasters are relied upon during elections to inform voters and assist the democratic process. They must be absolutely impartial when covering politics, giving all the major parties equal coverage – this is different to print journalists as they can be partial depending on whether they are a left or right wing paper.
Broadcasters should keep an accurate log of party coverage to maintain impartiality. Ofcom has ruled that UKIP is to be treated as a major party to ensure that they receive the same coverage as the Conservatives, Labour and Lib Dems. Ofcom has suggested recently that the Greens are to be treated as a minor party.
*NB official Monster Raving Loony party*
Definitions of major and minor parties affect party election broadcasts and how many they are allowed from Ofcom. Election TV Debates have been a hot topic in the news recently – these are also ruled by Ofcom – follow David Cameron updates on whether he is to take part in all of the debates.
Ofcom section 6 covers elections and referendums.
Journalists must keep the stance as the ‘storyteller’, ensuring that all facts are checked and statements are challenged from politicians.
The Representation of the People Act 1983 makes it a criminal offence to make or publish false statements about election candidates. See Labour MP Phil Woolas case.
The BBC has announced new guidelines for the 2015 General Election, see here.
Journalists must view impartiality as an active thing, not passive.
Good journalism is exploring the issues and helping the audience have an informed choice. Interviewing an expert from the Institute of Fiscal studies is an impartial and informed way of checking figures are correct.
What are the danger areas in election reporting?
- Debates/discussions – who?
- Interviews
- Constituency profile
- False statements
- Impartiality
- Exit polls
Journalists cannot publish, before a poll has closed, any statement about how people have voted or any forecast of the election results. An exit poll can only be published after the polls have officially closed.
On polling day, there is no reporting of political issues or arguments; the main aim is to urge people to vote.
Reporting elections: definitions and summary
The Representation of the People Act makes it a criminal offence to:
- Make or publish a false statement about the personal character or conduct of an election candidate, if the purpose is to affect how many votes he/she will get. It is a defence to show the publisher had reasonable grounds for believing the statement was true, and did at the time believe it was true.
- And; to publish a false claim that a candidate has withdrawn from the election, if the publisher knows it to be false and published it to promote another candidate.
Breach of section 106 is punishable by a fine of up to £5,000 and a company’s directors can be convicted.
Case study: Labour MP Phil Woolas lost his seat when his election was declared void after he was convicted of breaches of section 106 by publishing election addresses containing statements of fact about the character and conduct of Lib Dem candidate Robert Elwyn Watkins. These included his attitude to Muslim extremists and election expenses.
This ban in criminal law on such statements applies from the time formal notice is given that an election is to take place until the election ends. In local government, this is around five weeks. Parliamentary elections: begins with the date of the dissolution of Parliament.
There is no specific statutory privilege for the media to publish election material produced by candidates or, what they say.
In election law, only an election candidate or their agent may incur any expenses relating to their campaign, including publication of an advert.
Ofcom has detailed rules on how broadcasters must be impartial in election and referendum periods.
- Due weight must be given to the coverage of major parties – broadcasters must also consider giving appropriate coverage to other parties and independent candidates with significant views
- All candidates must be offered the opportunity to take part in an item on their constituency
- Any report or discussion after the close of nominations must list all of the candidates
An exit poll describes any type of survey in which people who have voted are asked which candidate or party they voted for. There is a danger of influencing people who have not yet voted.
The Representation of the People Act makes it a criminal offence to:
- publish, before a poll is closed, any statement about the way in which voters have voted in that election
- publish, before a poll is closed, any forecast or estimate of that election result
Breaching section 66A can result in a fine of up to £5,000 or a six month sentence. It is legal to publish opinion poll data gathered before voting began and to report the results of exit polls as soon as polling has closed. Ofcom states broadcasters must not publish results of any opinion poll on polling day itself until the election poll closes.
The Returning Officer has legal responsibility for security and procedures at the count; there is no statutory right to attend.
Regulation and codes of conduct: commentary
Press regulation provides the benchmark for behaviour and reassures audiences. It enables the public to have trust in the industry and maintains how we interact with our audiences.
Before the phone hacking scandal and the Leveson Inquiry, the PCC was already widely regarded as no more than ‘a toothless tiger’. It was a voluntary code of conduct and had no legal standing therefore any breaches resulted in pretty weak sanctions.
The outcome Lord Leveson suggested was a royal charter with statute regulation for the press just like broadcast journalism has Ofcom. However, not one of the papers has agreed to the suggestion deeming it as an invasion of the freedom of the press and as too much state intervention. Print journalists have put forward their own regulator, IPSO, an independent body made up of both editors and people outside of the industry.
The PCC did not address the corruption of phone hacking – this ethical issue was continuing whilst the PCC was in operation. They failed to hold the editor and journalists involved to account.
Who guards the guardians?
Ofcom applies to TV and radio broadcasts. It is independent and broadcasters cannot transmit without a licence. Ofcom has statutory powers to impose sanctions “when a broadcaster deliberately, seriously, or repeatedly breaches the code…”.
The body can stop the repetition of a programme, make the broadcast issue a correction or statement, impose a financial penalty of up to 5% of qualifying revenue or revoke a licence. There is an absolute requirement for “due accuracy and due impartiality” – this differs to print journalism.
The BBC have their own regulation as well as Ofcom. The editorial guidelines are designed to be a working tool for programme makers and journalists, and to act as a benchmark of good practise when considering complaints.
The guidelines set out standards for its journalism, including undercover investigations.
The BBC has an editorial complaints unit so that complainants unhappy with its decisions can appeal to the Trust, if it is alleged that material broadcast was unfair or offensive then complainants can directly contact Ofcom.
The NUJ has a code of conduct which is a useful guide to good conduct, but without the possibility of serious sanction, this body will do little to help reassure the public of their scepticism towards journalists’ conduct.
Codes of practise tend to concentrate on areas such as:
1. Ethical behaviour
2. Fair treatment and respect for privacy
3. Requirement for accuracy and impartiality
4. Protecting children and young people
CASES:
IPSO has rejected a complaint over Liz Jones’ column in The Mail on Sunday
Trinity Mirror group – new phone hacking scandal from a different publication
Piers Morgan – lunch with Jeremy Paxman, don’t you know this is what you do…
Becky Watts – named suspects *reporting crime and court restrictions
Adam Johnson – named under arrest *reporting crime and court restrictions
Rita Ora – One Show *taste and decency
This Morning – bondage for beginners Ofcom complaint *protecting under-18s and, taste and decency
Benefit Street – removing alarm tags from clothing stolen from a shop *covering crime
Peter Fincham – breach of guidelines, resignation over queen, complete overseer
Kelvin MacKenzie – Former The Sun editor during Hillsborough – Channel 4 correspondent doorstepped him. How far do we go?
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