magazine

A magazine is a periodical publication containing articles, illustrations, photographs, and advertisements, typically issued on a regular schedule such as weekly, monthly, or quarterly. Distinguished from newspapers by more in-depth articles, fiction, and a fixed set of departments, many magazines target specific audiences or topics, such as fashion, science, or business. The term originated from the French magasin meaning storehouse, and later came to denote a store of knowledge and, in the 18th century, a periodical.

Historically, magazines emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe, with titles that helped establish the format and practice of regular publication. The 19th and early 20th centuries saw a rise in mass-market illustrated magazines and specialized periodicals, expanding literacy and public discourse. The late 20th century brought digital publishing, transforming production and distribution through online editions, multimedia content, and new revenue models such as subscriptions, advertising, and paywalls.

Content and production typically include feature articles, interviews, reviews, fiction or poetry, departments, and advertising. Production involves editorial planning, commissioning writers, editing, fact-checking, design, printing, and distribution. Magazines reach audiences through print distribution, subscriptions, newsstands, and digital platforms, including apps and websites. They serve roles in culture, education, and marketing, and can exist in print, online, or hybrid forms, reflecting changes in technology, reading habits, and business models.