Follow the Money Trail or
Who Makes Money From A Media Message ?

1.  You've purchased a magazine from your favorite news stand or book store.

2. Brainstorm who benefits; who puts money in their pockets when you pay for a magazine? 
There are other benefits besides money. Students will need to define BENEFIT before starting this activity.
Create a list. Use the information inside the magazine to assist you.

3. For Teachers: Create a 8 X 11 page.  At the top of the page:   
Who Makes Money When You Purchase A Magazine?

4. Here are some possible answers to the question:
    The store benefits from the cost of the magazine. 
(the store's profits allow him/her to pay expenses, keeping the lights on, etc)
    The distributor, who delivers the magazines to the store, benefits.
    The advertisers in the magazine benefit from readers being exposed to their ads.
    The printing press which prints and finishes the magazine benefits.
    Does the field of science benefit by the dissemination of information about science?

5. How does the magazine itself benefit?
    Obviously, the magazine's publisher makes money.
    The magazine may be owned by a larger company.
    (See the Table of Contents page for who the publisher or owners might be)
    The stockholders, those who own stock in the company that owns the magazine, benefit.
    Have students brainstorm about the CONTENTS of the magazine and who might benefit.

    For example, there is an editor. 
    There are individual writers of articles.   
    There are photographers.      
    Models or other people portrayed in the ads or stories benefit.  
    There are graphic designers, layout people.  
    People who sell the ads benefit.

Can you think of any other benefits?