Magazine companies have one of the most organized and decentralized systems of functioning. Not only do they have numerous departments each specializing in their respective fields but they also have a set chain of command that one needs to follow in the hierarchy, therefore making it one of the most successful functioning businesses in any market.
Generally management of each magazine is bifurcated into basic parts: the creative engine; that involves the editorial and art and the business function; which involves advertising, production, circulation and general management. Both the departments further follow a set hierarchical division amongst them that ensures the overall smooth functioning and efficiency of the company.
Apex level
- Taking the instance of any consumer magazine, at the top level of the magazine hierarchy stands the Editor-in-chief of the company. He makes the final call regarding all major decisions regarding the magazine and it is only after his approval that any issue can go for publication. Holding the top most position in the lane, he oversees the overall editorial direction and content of the magazine.
- This level also comprises of the Board Directors, Managing Director, Executive Director, Creative Director and the Publisher, all of whom are directly under the chief editor and hold the functioning of a separate huge department.
Secondary level
- Directly under the four main heads there are various other editors working in each department. They do not have any specific contact with the chief editor and respond directly to their own directors. These therefore work as an interface between the two other hierarchies present in the organization.
- There are various other people appointed under each of them for whom they are responsible. (people who function at the base level of the company and report directly to them)
- These include people like copy chief, contributing editors and columnists, senior directors, art directors, research chief, photo and features editor, etc.
Lowest level
- The lowest level of hierarchy comprises of people who deal with ground magazine jobs and other menial issues. These involve people like fact collectors, copy editors, staff writers, associate photo editors, assistants, proof readers, etc.
- They are the base level functionaries in any organization and therefore the efforts put in by them makes a huge difference in the overall development and efficiency of the company.
- Since they are also the first instance article preparers, it is upon them to have minimum mistakes, give maximum creative ideas and also ensure the quality and accuracy of the content being prepared.
The division into extensive fields generally depends upon the scale of production the magazine company deals with. Larger the scale of production, more extensive would be the division of fields in a proper hierarchical structure. For example, daily newspapers have a much bigger team than a bimonthly magazine. Even though each department has separate duties and functions to perform in their own capacity but at the end of the day it is the collaborated and well organized efforts of the complete team together that make a magazine successful and known among the people.