Factors Contributing to the Continuity or Discontinuity of Magazines Published by Selected Parachurch Organizations

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify and describe the factors contributing to the continuity or discontinuity of Christian magazines published by selected parachurch organizations and churches in Kenya. The study arose out of the need and value of the magazine ministry as a communication tool for the church. The data was collected from various groups. The descriptive survey method was used to collect this data from the selected parachurch organizations and churches. There were 50 readers, members of various churches believed to be readers of the selected magazines. The researcher and his assistants administered questionnaires to twenty newspaper and magazine vendors within various places in the city of Nairobi. A questionnaire was also administered to three key leaders of each of the chosen parachurch organizations. The findings from each group indicated things as per the issues under study. From the newspaper and magazine vendors the findings indicated that most of the Christine magazine were not highly bought and that most of them did not include newstands as channels for the distribution of their magazines. Another point noted was that most of them were irregular hence a lot of reluctance in accepting them. From the editors and publishers, the comments varied with the magazines. The size of the staffing depended on the size of the magazines. The common factor among them however was the need for more trained personnel. The findings also indicated that the magazines suffered on issues of finances, distribution and circulation network. Other problems were on facilities and equip- ment and lack of an ecumenical approach in magazine production. To be more effective in magazine production it was recommended that the edi- tors and publishers need to be reader-oriented in their coverage of issues. There is also a need to recruit qualified staff as well as organizing training sessions for those already working inorder to improve the quality. Churches and parachurch organizations should have an ecumenical approach towards magazine produc- tion and distribution. Through this paper, it is the hope of this researcher that despite there being a staggering proliferation of media outlets Christian maga- zines have a bright future.