The Big Issue has been named as one of world’s most inspiring examples of media responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, by the INMA Global Media Awards.
For their annual awards, INMA (International News Media Association) rewards the best ideas to energise news brands, create new products, engage audiences, grow revenue, develop customer insights, and instill innovation.
The Big Issue was among 12 publications shortlisted in a last-minute additional category rewarding outstanding initiatives in response to the Covid-19 crisis. Also recognised in the category were CNN and The Telegraph.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is the ‘trust moment’ for news media brands, and the entries submitted for this bonus INMA category redefine what ‘inspiration’ and ‘hope’ mean,” said Earl J. Wilkinson, executive director and CEO of INMA. “Feedback from the judges has been that this was one of the toughest assignments ever and that every entry truly is a winner.”
Following the coronavirus lockdown, The Big Issue could no longer be sold on the UK’s streets, meaning vendors saw their income slashed overnight as did the not-for-profit behind the magazine.
Since then, The Big Issue has had to rapidly pivot to selling through other platforms – including subscriptions, digital sales and through supermarkets and newsagents – whilst still finding ways to support the magazine’s regular vendors.
