Topo, a Paris-based illustrated news magazine, is revolutionizing the way young people consume news by presenting current affairs through comic strips.
In an era where news consumption is dominated by social media and clickbait headlines, one demographic remains underserved: children and teenagers. Recognizing the need to engage young readers with current affairs, Topo, a Paris-based illustrated news magazine, has taken a unique approach. By presenting news articles exclusively in a graphic-novel format, Topo aims to captivate the imagination of its core audience, 13- to 15-year-olds. Launched in 2016 as a “little sister” to the quarterly magazine La Revue Dessinée, Topo has found success in its innovative strategy of using comics to tell stories and provide context to young readers.
Bridging the Gap Between Journalism and Comics
Topo’s editorial process is a collaboration between print journalists and cartoonists. Each article is the result of a partnership between a journalist and a cartoonist, who work together to create a visually engaging and informative comic strip. This approach allows Topo to provide context and convey information in a playful and interesting way. The magazine’s small team, led by co-editors-in-chief Laurence Fredet and Thomas Cadène, carefully considers the needs and reference points of their young audience when commissioning and editing articles. By placing themselves in the world of their readers, Topo ensures that the content is relatable and accessible.
Tackling Difficult Topics with Sensitivity
Topo covers a wide range of topics, from international politics to science to pop culture. The magazine also addresses issues that specifically affect teenagers and kids, such as puberty. While dealing with complex and sometimes challenging subjects, Topo maintains a balance between providing information and not overwhelming its young readers. The comic-strip format allows the magazine to discuss difficult topics in a visual and engaging manner, using drawings and speech bubbles to convey stories and quotes verbatim. This approach enables Topo to tackle sensitive issues with sensitivity, while still maintaining the interest and attention of its readers.
A Growing Readership and Revenue Model
Topo currently has around 5,000 subscribers, with approximately 1,500 of those being institutional subscriptions by schools and libraries. The magazine also sells an average of 5,000 copies on newsstands and bookshops across France, Switzerland, and Belgium. The subscription and sales numbers for Topo’s “big sister” magazine, La Revue Dessinée, are roughly double due to its longer tenure. Both magazines prioritize complete editorial independence and do not feature any advertisements. They are financed solely by their readers and have also supplemented their revenue through co-publishing full-length graphic novels with publishing houses.
Navigating Challenges and Focusing on Growth
While Topo has been able to break even and be self-sufficient within the group, rising production costs, particularly the price of paper, have posed challenges for the magazine. To address this, Topo is focusing on increasing institutional subscriptions to secure a stable revenue stream and reach more readers through classrooms and school libraries. The magazine aims to have 8,000 schools across France subscribed to Topo, a goal that requires time and effort from the small team. However, the potential for growth and impact is significant, and Topo remains committed to its mission of engaging young readers with the news.
Conclusion:
Topo’s innovative approach to news delivery through comics has proven successful in engaging young readers with current affairs. By presenting news articles in a visually appealing and relatable format, the magazine has bridged the gap between journalism and comics, providing context and information in a playful and interesting way. Topo’s commitment to complete editorial independence and its focus on institutional subscriptions highlight its dedication to delivering ad-free independent journalism. As the magazine navigates challenges and seeks to expand its readership, it remains at the forefront of revolutionizing news consumption for young audiences.
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