BA (Hons) Magazine Publishing graduate Ben Lifton
LCC alumnus Ben Lifton, who graduated from BA (Hons) Magazine Publishing last year, has secured a nomination in the prestigious PPA New Talent Awards 2015, which celebrate the next generation in magazine and business media.
Ben is currently a publishing assistant at London-based content marketing agency The River Group, where he works on lifestyle magazines healthy and Healthy For Men, sold in Holland & Barrett and GNC shops around the UK.
Speaking about Ben and a shortlisted colleague, beauty writer Daisie Smith, CEO of The River Group Nicola Murphy said:
“We are immensely proud that two of our brightest stars have been nominated for what are highly competitive awards. They both display boundless enthusiasm to learn and are a pleasure to work with, and we are now looking forward to the awards ceremony in March.”
Current BA (Hons) Magazine Publishing student Evelyn Sklivas met Ben to find out more.
Hi Ben. We hear you’re up for a magazine award! Can you tell us about it?
It’s for this year’s Professional Publisher’s Association (PPA) New Talent Award for my work on DARE magazine for Superdrug. As part of The River Group, I’ve been nominated in the Best Graduate of the Year category!
How have you managed to achieve this in under a year from leaving LCC?
After graduating last summer, in July 2014, I worked five internships back to back, before landing a permanent position as Publishing Assistant at content marketing agency The River Group in July. I’m currently working full time on Healthy and Healthy For Men magazines, sold exclusively in Holland & Barrett and GNC stores.
Is this an example of where magazines are doing well in areas we’re currently learning about like content marketing?
Yes indeed. It has been exciting times at The River Group because of the success of Healthy Magazine in Holland & Barrett – it has expanded to newsstands, supermarkets, Marks & Spencer, WHSmith and 5,000 independent retailers.
So printed magazines aren’t exactly dying then?
Certainly not on the customer magazine side! If content is valuable and good, then people will buy into the brand and the ethos, they will be loyal, and that is much better than a throwaway gossip site or throwaway blog which any Tom, Dick or Harry can write.
What’s the most important career advice tip for LCC students reading this?
Embark on internships as it gives insight on various career paths for students. Dip your toe in all the oceans before settling down into something.
Thanks Ben, and the best of luck from LCC!
The ceremony will take place on Tuesday 10 March 2015 at The Brewery, London.
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