The Big Issue

 

1. The Big Issue is a street newspaper.
2. It was founded by John Bird and Gordon Roddick in order to dismantle poverty by creating opportunity, through self-help, social trading and business solutions.
3. The first issue was published in September 1991 by Dennis Publishing.
4. It's circulation is 83,073 per week (as of February 2018) in the UK. It was a monthly magazine but in 1993 it became weekly. You can buy it in UK, Australia, Ireland, South Korea, Japan, Namibia, South Africa, Kenya, Taiwan, Malawi. 
5. Social enterprise so funding comes directly from vendor sales.
6. It is not for profit (social business). Sold by NFA individuals. They purchase it at £1.25 and sell at £2.50 minimum. The price increases to £3.00 at Christmas.
7. Entertainment and sport, Current Affairs.
8. Online as a subscription, or from licensed street vendors.
9. A hand up not a hand out. Dismantling poverty and creating opportunity.
10. It was relaunched as sales were dwindling, and have a new focus on campaigning and political journalism.