PRESSING QUESTIONS: The Mirror of Wilton Manors, Fla.
Interview with Executive Editor Jason Parsley
by Joe Siegel
Geographic coverage area: South Florida (West Palm Beach to Key West)
Year founded: 2010
Staff size and breakdown: All of the staff works for South Florida Gay News, not just for the Mirror — one full time editor, one full-time graphic designer, one full-time webmaster, one part-time news editor, one part-time associate editor, one part-time social media manager, about 20 freelancer writers, and one freelance designer.
Physical dimensions of publication: Tabloid
Average page count: 48 or 64 pages
Key demographics: Gay men
Print run: 10,000
Web site: TheMirrorMag.com (all Mirror stories also appear on SFGN.com)
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PPQ: Who came up with the name and what is the inspiration for it?
Executive Editor Jason Parsley: Our publisher Norm Kent. The Mirror is a reflection of our lives.
PPQ: What challenge has your publication had to overcome since its inception?
Parsley: Well, introducing a product is always a challenge. We’ve had to find not only an audience, but an advertising base as well.
PPQ: What challenge or challenges is The Mirror facing now?
Parsley: We recently went from four issues to six issues a year, so juggling two extra issues has been a challenge. Also, we’re revamping the product to make sure its voice is consistent.
PPQ: What one change would you like to make?
Parsley: In the near future, we are going to be revamping the layout and design of the publication. One change I’d like to see is making sure we have more original covers that do not rely on stock images.
PPQ: What has been the biggest news story or stories The Mirror has covered?
Parsley: We don’t really cover news stories since the product is on the stands for 2 months at a time. I try to write feature stories that won’t get stale too quickly.
PPQ: On the Kinsey Scale of 0-6 [exclusively straight to totally gay], how gay is your publication?
Parsley: 6.
PPQ: Do you see yourself as an “activist journalist”? If so, in what way?
Parsley: I think most LGBT publications and journalists who work for them are activists in their own way.
PPQ: What advice would you give to anyone who may want to launch their own GLBT publication?
Parsley: Contact someone who has done it so you don’t make the same mistakes.
PRESSING QUESTIONS
Volume 19
Issue 1
