The Big Issue has launched its first podcast today, focusing on the relationships between vendors and their customers.
Big Issue vendors cannot currently sell the magazine on UK streets due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but The Big Miss You Podcast provides a virtual street corner where readers can interact with their local vendors.
“The relationship between vendors and their customers is the bedrock upon which The Big Issue is built. Over years friendships grow and nurture, unbreakable bonds gather, memories are formed,” said Big Issue Editor Paul McNamee.
“During the lockdown The Big Issue has been able to get money and provisions to so many of our vendors – thanks to the incredible generosity of so many people. But one thing we couldn’t replace was that bedrock bond and relationship. Until now.
“The Big Miss You Podcast is a way of allowing messages and greetings, kind words and sad ‘I miss you’s to be exchanged. It’s imperfect; it can’t replace the thrill of catching up with a friend. But in this time of removal from each other, I’m proud that this is here. I’m also proud that our first Big Issue podcast is one that has our brilliant vendors at its core.
“It’s a hell of an emotional thing.”