Sussex Downs Media students release the most progressive Tag magazine to date, addressing real issues faced by young adults—Sussex Downs College, 3 May 2017
Tag Magazine is produced annually by final year Media students at Sussex Downs College.
With a readership of circa 20,000 plus an additional 2,000 hits per day via the online edition, Tag reaches a wide area of East Sussex, focusing on its target demographic of 14-19 year olds attending secondary schools and youth groups.
This edition promotes body positivity in a range of forms. The issue’s main story features Megan Jayne Crabbe, a young body positive advocate, who has overcome anorexia and now promotes embracing one’s self image. Tag 2017 also explores challenging gender stereotypes in interviews with men who wear makeup. Tag highlights many other issues relevant to its reader demographic, including seeking advice and being tested for SDIs, the dangers of sexting, and how to live a healthy lifestyle Alongside these harder-hitting subjects, Tag offers advice on finding work in the creative media industries, interviews with bands, film reviews and gaming. Within Tag 2017, there’s something for every student.
Tag 2017 joint-executive editor, Mollie Quirk, said: “It’s unusual for student magazines to tackle such edgy stories, while trying to keep the balance right for this young demographic. I have had an incredible experience working on such a comprehensive magazine, especially taking on the challenge of taking on a lead editorial role. As I aspire to become a journalist and magazine editor in the future, this has been the best possible experience for myself to have undertaken before I move onto Higher Education.”
Tag 2017 joint-executive editor, Oscar Williams, adds: “It’s been great to get the chance to produce a professional-standard magazine that is currently being read by thousands of young people within East Sussex. Not many students get the chance to publish their work, which is why Tag is such an honour to have worked on. It’s such a great portfolio piece that will help me obtain work experience within the media industry!”
The Tag 2017 team have produced something very unique and progressive. Mollie continues: “Young people these days are influenced by social media so much and have in many ways become isolated from real life as a result. This can mean they are embarrassed about seeing help related to STIs or become anxious about their body image, Tag 2017 tells the reader that it’s okay to be themselves and definitely okay not to look like the airbrushed models you see in glossy magazines.”
Sending out a very positive message, Tag Magazine 2017 is unique and unlike any other past issue. Mollie adds: “Tag 2017 is real and encourages young people to be both real and true to themselves.”
