Curb is a lifestyle magazine produced annually by University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and it celebrated its 22nd year in 2023. Throughout a challenging semester, students work together in this capstone course. With the opportunity for hands-on publishing experience, the class produces and distributes a high-quality publication to 10,000 readers around the state.
Curb has been published once a year since Fall 2002. Each year’s class is given the chance to remake the magazine with its own theme, though the name Curb remains the same. In its past, Curb has been a women’s, men’s, young professionals’ and arts magazine, among others. In 2023, the Curb staff developed “Fusion,” which finds unity in the shared and differing experiences of Wisconsinites, examining not how our differences divide us, but instead move us forward. Through their stories, this year’s Curb staff explored how the nearly 6 million people call Wisconsin home fuse together a rich, diverse environment that cultivates innovation and progress. (Check out the print edition here.)
As a course in the school of Journalism and Mass Communication, Curb takes an integrated, in-depth approach to magazine management, writing, editing and design. It covers the magazine industry from both the editorial and business ends, bringing together journalism and strategic communication students. From concept creation and story development, to advertising and fundraising sales, to page layouts and web design – Curb is created by students from beginning to end. Professor Katy Culver served as Curb publisher and mentor from the course’s inception through 2014; instructor Stacy Forster has served as publisher from 2014 to present.
Curb doesn’t stop with the print edition. Over time, Curb has offered students the chance to experiment with new media. The online version of Curb is an extension of the magazine, providing readers with in-depth looks at their favorite stories, exclusive video content, and additional stories and visual content. The Curb Twitter, Facebook and Instagram feeds complement the magazine’s website and print edition, actively engaging and connecting with curious Wisconsinites.