Wednesday, 9 October 2013
Monday, 30 September 2013
Magazine Analysis: FOURFOURTWO
Magazine Analysis: FOUR FOUR TWO (Oct 2013)
1. Consider the title. Why is it called that?
FourFourTwo is a UK Football magazine. It takes its name from the football formation of the same number 4-4-2. This has been a popular and favourable formation for 11-a-side matches for decades.
2. What connotations does the title have?
FourFourTwo (or 4-4-2) as a football formation is used as a representation of what the magazine content is. It is considered a basic, standard and trustworthy formation in English football; thus suggesting the internal content of the magazine is of the same features.
3. Who publishes the magazine?
FourFourTwo is published by Haymarket Media Group.
4. What other magazines does it publish?
Haymarket Media Group publish a number of other magazines; mainly following a theme of sporting, cars and technology. Some of these titles include AutoSport, AutoCar, What Car?, and F1 Racing.
5. Why do you think it is published as often as it is?
FourFourTwo is published once a month . I think this is done in order to hold an appropriate amount of content. As the magazine contains a lot of results and score on league tables, if the magazine were published any less often there would be really outdated results that people are not interested in. However, if it was published any more often, results may be skipped by just one day - and readers would have to wait another week; or fortnight for example, to see photos from the game.
6. What is its circulation?
FourFourTwo reaches 90,100 readers a month.
7. Does the magazine have a website?
FourFourTwo has a website; http://www.fourfourtwo.com/ in order for readers to stay up to date between issues.
8. What type of reader is the magazine targeting?
The magazine is targeting any football fan - stereotypically any male from around the age of 12 (due to the language used) up to elderly men. However, similar tasteful women are also likely to purchase the magazine.
9. How does the reader interact with the magazine?
FourFourTwo magazine offers a lot of interaction with the readers - from the simple use of language featured on the cover - 'Meet the side...' to offers and URL's to twitter feeds and Facebook pages to keep them up to date.
10. Analyse the images on the front cover.
The front cover of this (Oct 13) issue of FourFourTwo features a 1988 image of Milan's Gullit, Van Basten and Rijkaard in their kit, as well as a smaller advertisement for what is inside the issue. Milan's 'Kings' are wearing their red and black shirts, and the rest of the text surrounding them is red and white - to contrast brightly against the bright white background.
11. What is featured in the magazine?
The magazine is full of information. This particular issue holds a 6-page feature on the 'Greatest Club Side of All Time', articles on famous footballers and interviews with them; and an unstructured interview with David Beckham on 'before he was famous'.
12. Does it look similar to any other magazines?
The basic layout of the cover follows a similar template to other magazines by the same publisher - including What Car?, and F1 Racing. However, the internal content and its layout is completely different, as are the colour scheme and use of images.
13. Does the magazine look expensive?
The magazine does look expensive. The images and text are all of high quality, and the language within the text is very well-produced. The front cover has a nice sheen to it which makes it look high quality and worth its cost, however it does not look 'posh' or snobby.
14. How does it address its readers?
FourFourTwo addresses its readers with the use of nouns such as 'we' and 'our', as well as several links to facebook pages and twitter feeds to keep the readers up to date.
15. How do models in your magazine relate to the audience?
As the majority of people reading the magazine are those with an interest in football, the models are going to have a positive relationship with them. For one, they are not models - but actual football players. For this reason, they are inspirations to budding footballers - not fashion models, but role models.
16. How are men represented?
As football is stereotypically a male-dominated sport, the majority of people featured in the magazine are males. Therefore there is no difference in representation between the sexes - as females are minimally featured, there is no stated hierarchy between the sexes - females are merely not featured.
17. What groups of people do not appear in the magazine?
The magazine mainly plays host to football groups - no other kinds of groups feature in it.
18. Analyse the use of celebrities in the magazine.
Celebrities featured in FourFourTwo are merely well-known and highly favoured footballers. They are featured as a result of talent - not their marital status or appearance.
19. What other titles are in competition with this publication?
There are numerous of other titles in the field or football. These include MatchMag and WorldSoccer. However, all three magazines are aimed at different audiences and include slightly different content.
1. Consider the title. Why is it called that?
FourFourTwo is a UK Football magazine. It takes its name from the football formation of the same number 4-4-2. This has been a popular and favourable formation for 11-a-side matches for decades.
2. What connotations does the title have?
FourFourTwo (or 4-4-2) as a football formation is used as a representation of what the magazine content is. It is considered a basic, standard and trustworthy formation in English football; thus suggesting the internal content of the magazine is of the same features.
3. Who publishes the magazine?FourFourTwo is published by Haymarket Media Group.
4. What other magazines does it publish?
Haymarket Media Group publish a number of other magazines; mainly following a theme of sporting, cars and technology. Some of these titles include AutoSport, AutoCar, What Car?, and F1 Racing.
5. Why do you think it is published as often as it is?
FourFourTwo is published once a month . I think this is done in order to hold an appropriate amount of content. As the magazine contains a lot of results and score on league tables, if the magazine were published any less often there would be really outdated results that people are not interested in. However, if it was published any more often, results may be skipped by just one day - and readers would have to wait another week; or fortnight for example, to see photos from the game.
6. What is its circulation?
FourFourTwo reaches 90,100 readers a month.
7. Does the magazine have a website?
FourFourTwo has a website; http://www.fourfourtwo.com/ in order for readers to stay up to date between issues.
8. What type of reader is the magazine targeting?
The magazine is targeting any football fan - stereotypically any male from around the age of 12 (due to the language used) up to elderly men. However, similar tasteful women are also likely to purchase the magazine.
9. How does the reader interact with the magazine?
FourFourTwo magazine offers a lot of interaction with the readers - from the simple use of language featured on the cover - 'Meet the side...' to offers and URL's to twitter feeds and Facebook pages to keep them up to date.
10. Analyse the images on the front cover.
The front cover of this (Oct 13) issue of FourFourTwo features a 1988 image of Milan's Gullit, Van Basten and Rijkaard in their kit, as well as a smaller advertisement for what is inside the issue. Milan's 'Kings' are wearing their red and black shirts, and the rest of the text surrounding them is red and white - to contrast brightly against the bright white background.
11. What is featured in the magazine?
The magazine is full of information. This particular issue holds a 6-page feature on the 'Greatest Club Side of All Time', articles on famous footballers and interviews with them; and an unstructured interview with David Beckham on 'before he was famous'.
12. Does it look similar to any other magazines?
The basic layout of the cover follows a similar template to other magazines by the same publisher - including What Car?, and F1 Racing. However, the internal content and its layout is completely different, as are the colour scheme and use of images.
13. Does the magazine look expensive?
The magazine does look expensive. The images and text are all of high quality, and the language within the text is very well-produced. The front cover has a nice sheen to it which makes it look high quality and worth its cost, however it does not look 'posh' or snobby.
14. How does it address its readers?
FourFourTwo addresses its readers with the use of nouns such as 'we' and 'our', as well as several links to facebook pages and twitter feeds to keep the readers up to date.15. How do models in your magazine relate to the audience?
As the majority of people reading the magazine are those with an interest in football, the models are going to have a positive relationship with them. For one, they are not models - but actual football players. For this reason, they are inspirations to budding footballers - not fashion models, but role models.
16. How are men represented?
As football is stereotypically a male-dominated sport, the majority of people featured in the magazine are males. Therefore there is no difference in representation between the sexes - as females are minimally featured, there is no stated hierarchy between the sexes - females are merely not featured.
17. What groups of people do not appear in the magazine?
The magazine mainly plays host to football groups - no other kinds of groups feature in it.
18. Analyse the use of celebrities in the magazine.
Celebrities featured in FourFourTwo are merely well-known and highly favoured footballers. They are featured as a result of talent - not their marital status or appearance.
19. What other titles are in competition with this publication?
There are numerous of other titles in the field or football. These include MatchMag and WorldSoccer. However, all three magazines are aimed at different audiences and include slightly different content.
Magazine Analysis: VOGUE
Magazine Analysis: VOGUE (Oct 13)
1. Consider the title. Why is it called that?
'VOGUE' is a French noun for the 'in trend' fashion or style at a particular time. It is also the French adjective for popular of fashionable. Thus, giving a potent idea of what the magazine entails - the latest fashions.
2. What connotations does the title have?
Being of French origin, 'VOGUE' suggests connotations of class - what the French are well known for. The word also tends to be spoken softly, adding to the idea of it being a word of high social status and class.
3. Who publishes the magazine?
VOGUE is published by Condé Nast Publications.
4. What other magazines does it publish?
Condé Nast Publications publish many other magazines following the theme of fashion. These include GLAMOUR, BRIDES, Condé Nast College of Fashion and Design, and Vanity Fair.
5. Why do you think it is published as often as it is?
VOGUE is published once a month. I believe this is because any less, and the product would not be up-to-date. Fashions change very often, and seasonally and the magazine has to keep its readers up to date with changes. However, the magazines are very full (reaching to around 400 pages long); and any more regular, it would be impossible to fill with such enriched detail.
6. What is its circulation?
Approximately 220,000 copies of VOGUE are sold each month.
7. Does the magazine have a website?
Yes it does. http://www.vogue.co.uk/
8. What type of reader is it targeting?
VOGUE magazine is targeting mainly female readers from late teens to thirties. However, the magazine also plays a vital role in male readers and the audience of elder readers - not just for pleasure but designers, make up artists and fashion bloggers and interns.
9. How does the reader interact with the magazine?
The front cover features Alex Chung and advertises her 'Couture Adventure' which is found in the centre of the magazine across a double paged spread. She has been photographed to appear very abstract and feminine so people will be more likely to purchase the magazine. VOGUE advertises internally a range of web links - including Facebook pages, websites and twitter feeds - in order to keep readers up to date between issues.
10. Analyse the images on the front cover.
The front cover features a photograph of Alexa Chung in a white dress with brown accessories. She has been styled to look feminine but her body language is rather abstract - her arms are positioned slightly bent and at seemingly awkward angles in order to see her best features. She has been photographed in front of a matte beige backdrop, which makes her brown and white outfit stand out. The text has been positioned around her as to not detract an imbalance of attention from text to image. The majority of the text is in a bold pink, small pieces are in black and white. These colours contrast without clashing.
11. What is featured in the magazine?
There are many things features in the magazine, many of which are advertised on the front. The main (middle) double-paged spread features the coverette feature - Alexa Chung and her couture adventure. The magazine also has a feature on 'fashion jargon', Winter essentials, this months 'in' colour - camel, an interview with Sergei Plunin (ballet star) and many advertisements.
12. Does it look similar to any other magazines?
British VOGUE holds a similar layout to other fashion magazines such as GLAMOUR and BRIDES. However, the internal content is extremely different. The similarities start and finish on the front cover - for example bold title at the top, one central image, and surrounding text advertising the content of the issue.
13. Does your magazine look expensive?
The VOGUE issue I am analysing (Oct 13) does not look as expensive or flamboyant as some of their previous issues - perhaps due to the Season. This, however, is not meaning to say it looks tacky - it still shows it glamorous demeanour, simply without its 'exaggerated' pictorical aids.
14. How does it address its readers?
VOGUE only really addresses its readers in about 30% of its publication - as the majority of it is adverts. However, the cover includes words of welcome 'Breeze through autumn with our...' . Parts of the magazine that include Facebook links and twitter feeds make its readers feel a part of the magazine; being able to link up to their own personal accounts.
15. Identify who its adverts are aimed at?
Adverts in VOGUE are primarily aimed at fashion agencies, modelling agencies and designers. Thus being a result of them not being high-street labels and names - so the price tag will not be too affordable. However, some adverts in VOGUE (such as H&M) are aimed at the general reader, the student or the middle-class fashion-lover.
16. How do the models in the magazine relate to the audience?
The models in the magazine are there to inspire the reader - both by looking 'attractive' and also to persuade them to purchase the product. The models pictured are often photo-shopped and bearing a lot of make up, and are also dressed in the latest fashions and accessories.
17. How are men represented?
Men are represented no different to women in VOGUE. Although there are considerably less of them, they are pictured in the same manner as the women. Both sexes adorn make up and have been photo-shopped, and pictured in order to capture their most attractive features - those that will appeal to the reader the most.
18. What groups of people do not appear in the magazine?
On a relevant note, high street fashion reps do not appear in VOGUE. There are a few of the higher-class high-street brands in the magazine, but you definitely would not see an article on Primark in VOGUE!
19. Analyse use of celebrities in your publication.
The majority of articles and photographs are of celebrities. These mainly include actresses, models and iconic people of their time - such as Lily Cole, Ellie Goulding and Audrey Hepburn. These celebrities are chosen in order to sell their magazine, and thus; their advertisements. For example, an iconic image such as that of Hepburn with her cigar and wine glass will sell something a lot more than the same advertisement with an image of woman in a tracksuit smoking a roll up; the latter is far less glamorous.
20. What other titles are in competition with this magazine?
Most other titles in competition with VOGUE are in leau of it; for example American and French VOGUE - they are the sisterhood of magazines. Other titles such as GLAMOUR and BRIDES - of a similar context, are all published by the same publishing firm; therefore it is not so much competition as a guidline for sales.
1. Consider the title. Why is it called that?
'VOGUE' is a French noun for the 'in trend' fashion or style at a particular time. It is also the French adjective for popular of fashionable. Thus, giving a potent idea of what the magazine entails - the latest fashions.
2. What connotations does the title have?
Being of French origin, 'VOGUE' suggests connotations of class - what the French are well known for. The word also tends to be spoken softly, adding to the idea of it being a word of high social status and class.
3. Who publishes the magazine?
VOGUE is published by Condé Nast Publications.
4. What other magazines does it publish?
Condé Nast Publications publish many other magazines following the theme of fashion. These include GLAMOUR, BRIDES, Condé Nast College of Fashion and Design, and Vanity Fair.
5. Why do you think it is published as often as it is?
VOGUE is published once a month. I believe this is because any less, and the product would not be up-to-date. Fashions change very often, and seasonally and the magazine has to keep its readers up to date with changes. However, the magazines are very full (reaching to around 400 pages long); and any more regular, it would be impossible to fill with such enriched detail.6. What is its circulation?
Approximately 220,000 copies of VOGUE are sold each month.
7. Does the magazine have a website?
Yes it does. http://www.vogue.co.uk/
8. What type of reader is it targeting?
VOGUE magazine is targeting mainly female readers from late teens to thirties. However, the magazine also plays a vital role in male readers and the audience of elder readers - not just for pleasure but designers, make up artists and fashion bloggers and interns.
9. How does the reader interact with the magazine?
The front cover features Alex Chung and advertises her 'Couture Adventure' which is found in the centre of the magazine across a double paged spread. She has been photographed to appear very abstract and feminine so people will be more likely to purchase the magazine. VOGUE advertises internally a range of web links - including Facebook pages, websites and twitter feeds - in order to keep readers up to date between issues.
10. Analyse the images on the front cover.
The front cover features a photograph of Alexa Chung in a white dress with brown accessories. She has been styled to look feminine but her body language is rather abstract - her arms are positioned slightly bent and at seemingly awkward angles in order to see her best features. She has been photographed in front of a matte beige backdrop, which makes her brown and white outfit stand out. The text has been positioned around her as to not detract an imbalance of attention from text to image. The majority of the text is in a bold pink, small pieces are in black and white. These colours contrast without clashing.
11. What is featured in the magazine?
There are many things features in the magazine, many of which are advertised on the front. The main (middle) double-paged spread features the coverette feature - Alexa Chung and her couture adventure. The magazine also has a feature on 'fashion jargon', Winter essentials, this months 'in' colour - camel, an interview with Sergei Plunin (ballet star) and many advertisements.
12. Does it look similar to any other magazines?
British VOGUE holds a similar layout to other fashion magazines such as GLAMOUR and BRIDES. However, the internal content is extremely different. The similarities start and finish on the front cover - for example bold title at the top, one central image, and surrounding text advertising the content of the issue.
13. Does your magazine look expensive?
The VOGUE issue I am analysing (Oct 13) does not look as expensive or flamboyant as some of their previous issues - perhaps due to the Season. This, however, is not meaning to say it looks tacky - it still shows it glamorous demeanour, simply without its 'exaggerated' pictorical aids.
14. How does it address its readers?
VOGUE only really addresses its readers in about 30% of its publication - as the majority of it is adverts. However, the cover includes words of welcome 'Breeze through autumn with our...' . Parts of the magazine that include Facebook links and twitter feeds make its readers feel a part of the magazine; being able to link up to their own personal accounts.
15. Identify who its adverts are aimed at?
Adverts in VOGUE are primarily aimed at fashion agencies, modelling agencies and designers. Thus being a result of them not being high-street labels and names - so the price tag will not be too affordable. However, some adverts in VOGUE (such as H&M) are aimed at the general reader, the student or the middle-class fashion-lover.
16. How do the models in the magazine relate to the audience?The models in the magazine are there to inspire the reader - both by looking 'attractive' and also to persuade them to purchase the product. The models pictured are often photo-shopped and bearing a lot of make up, and are also dressed in the latest fashions and accessories.
17. How are men represented?
Men are represented no different to women in VOGUE. Although there are considerably less of them, they are pictured in the same manner as the women. Both sexes adorn make up and have been photo-shopped, and pictured in order to capture their most attractive features - those that will appeal to the reader the most.
18. What groups of people do not appear in the magazine?
On a relevant note, high street fashion reps do not appear in VOGUE. There are a few of the higher-class high-street brands in the magazine, but you definitely would not see an article on Primark in VOGUE!
19. Analyse use of celebrities in your publication.
The majority of articles and photographs are of celebrities. These mainly include actresses, models and iconic people of their time - such as Lily Cole, Ellie Goulding and Audrey Hepburn. These celebrities are chosen in order to sell their magazine, and thus; their advertisements. For example, an iconic image such as that of Hepburn with her cigar and wine glass will sell something a lot more than the same advertisement with an image of woman in a tracksuit smoking a roll up; the latter is far less glamorous.
20. What other titles are in competition with this magazine?
Most other titles in competition with VOGUE are in leau of it; for example American and French VOGUE - they are the sisterhood of magazines. Other titles such as GLAMOUR and BRIDES - of a similar context, are all published by the same publishing firm; therefore it is not so much competition as a guidline for sales.
Wednesday, 25 September 2013
Genres and Programmes.
A genre is the name given to a compilation of artistic matter, such as art or music. Genres are categorized by similar characteristics in form or style.
Action - Thunderbirds
Adventure - Adventure Time
Anime - Fruits Basket
Cartoon - Peppa Pig
Chick-Flick - Freaks and Geeks
Classical - Foyles War
Comedy - The Inbetweeners
Crime - NCIS
Documentary - Educating Yorkshire
Drama - Downton Abbey
Gore - American Horror Story
Historic - Merlin
Horror - The Walking Dead
Musical - Glee
Mystery - Sherlock Holmes
Romantic - Mr Selfridge
Sci-Fi - Doctor Who
Thriller - The Dome
Tragedy - The Secret History of Our Streets
War - The Pacific
Western - Rawhide
Action - Thunderbirds
Adventure - Adventure Time
Anime - Fruits Basket
Cartoon - Peppa Pig
Chick-Flick - Freaks and Geeks
Classical - Foyles War
Comedy - The Inbetweeners
Crime - NCIS
Documentary - Educating Yorkshire
Drama - Downton Abbey
Gore - American Horror Story
Historic - Merlin
Horror - The Walking Dead
Musical - Glee
Mystery - Sherlock Holmes
Romantic - Mr Selfridge
Sci-Fi - Doctor Who
Thriller - The Dome
Tragedy - The Secret History of Our Streets
War - The Pacific
Western - Rawhide
Magazine Analysis: NME.
NME - New Musical Express
1. Consider the title. Why is it called that?
The magazine is called NME, which is an abbreviation for New Musical Express. It is quite straightforward and states what the magazine is about - music.
2. What connotations does the title have?
The actual meaning of NME - New Musical Express tells the reader that the magazine is about music; in particular modern music. The abbreviation itself, 'NME', is a play on words - sounding out 'enemy' when spoken. 'Enemy' is quite a dark word, perhaps giving reference to some of the music that the magazine focuses on. The specific magazine I am looking at (17 July 2010) features NME in block white capitals - the mast head. The cover features white a red writing inside a white border (which are very complimentary colours). The background is mainly black, giving a dark backdrop for the bright writing. The cover design does change each week, and seasonal and occasional designs also feature dependant on the month and time of year.
3. Who publishes the magazine?
NME Magazine is published by Robert Kennedy Publishing.
4. What other magazines does it publish?
Robert Kennedy Publishing publishes a range of other worldwide magazines. The most well-known include MuscleMag International, Oxygen, American Curves, Clean Eating, Reps!, Mazimum Fitness, and Just the Rules. The majority of magazines published by RKP are health and wellbeing pieces.
5. What other interests does the publisher have?
Robert Kennedy Publishing's interests include healthy eating, exercise and general health.
6. Why do you think it is published as often as it is?
I think that NME magazine is published each week because there is always a new face on the front of the music scene. New bands and artists are constantly being signed, or making their way into the headlines. Also, more well-known bands and artists are constantly making appearances to the public eye; hosting gigs and releasing new tracks - the things that their fans want to know straight away.
7. What is its circulation?
NME magazine is released for sale every Wednesday. More than 24,000 copies are sold on average each week.
8. Does the magazine have a website?
Yes. It can be reached via www.nme.com
9. What type of reader is it targetting?
NME caters for a variety of people as it hosts for a range of music tastes; particularly late teenagers to early twenty-year-olds. As of 2012, its readers are 66% male and 34% female, readers aged between 14 and 34. Its average age of readers is 24.
10. How does the reader interact with the magazine?
The front cover features Eminem - the main feature of the magazine. The main feature has a double-paged spread right in the middle of the magazine, as it is the main headline; why the majority of people have bought the magazine. NME also interacts with the reader with the website adress near the barcode. It also features many facebook links and twitter feeds, in order to stay up-to-date with NME between issues.
11.Analyse the images on the front of the cover.
The main image on the front of the cover is of Eminem. He has been photographed from a low angle in order to make him look powerful, in the lime light. He has a very strong expression on his face, perhaps mid-shout, his eyes look hard and ambitious. His body is relaxed but sharp, and he's wearing a dark hooded top, with the hood up. Eminem looks in control but comfortable. The text is white and red, which compliment oneanother well. They also frame the image of Eminem, re-inforcing the idea of him being powerful, untouchable.
12. What does it tell us about this publication?
This tells us that the magazine is, primarily, focused on Eminem's return to the music scene following rehab - something anyone should be proud of. It also suggests connotations of the magazine being about music such as his, and that written on the cover.
13. What is featured in the magazine?
The magazine features a large variety of artists and bands, as well as discographies, reviews and fanmail. In this particular issue, there is articles on Eminem's return from rehab; reviews from T In The Park; an account by Bombay Bicycle Club on their failed attempt at busking; and an interview with Paloma Faith.
14. Does it look similar to any other magazines?
The front cover has a similar layout to other music magazines such as Kerrang! Q Magazine and Terroriser. However, all three magazines have their own definitive charachteristics that make it clear which magazine is which. For example, NME is well-known for red, white and black; whereas Kerrang is known for its yellow headline.
15. Does the magazine look expensive?
The magazine looks expensive in that it is not tacky looking. It is not however, overpriced.
16. How does it address its readers?
The cover of this publication does not address its readers directly. Throughout the issue, however, it does. This is done with the use of personal pronouns such as 'you' and 'yours', as well as 'we' and 'ours'. For example; 'Our favourite pop-punk quartet are back in the UK' and 'You've waited 5 years for the return of this acoustic sensation...'. This makes the reader feel a more personal connection with the magazine and who the article is concerning.
17. How do models in the magazine relate to the audience?
There are numerous models in the magazine which have different impacts on the audience. There are role models; people who the reader will look up to and aspire to be. This may be music related, but also on a more personal basis - for example a band who writes lyrics that a person can relate to; or a musician who has battled an illness, loss or an additciton themselves, and give support and guidance to dealing with such an issue. There are also models on a more visual scale. The media and public figures such as musicians and artists play a big part in society's fashion. If someone sees someone wearing a certain style of clothing, that added to their social status (not class, merely if they are in the press for their new tour dates etc.) will inspire the viewers to perhaps dress in such a way themselves, or style their hair in a similar way.
18. How are men represented?
Men are represented in no different a way than women are - their is no hierachy between sexes and not one is favoured more than the other. People are featured in the magazine as a result of musical talent, not for women being half undressed or men looking 'masculine'.
19. What groups of people are not featured in the magazine?
There is no talk of religious groups or ethnical societies. The one relevant group to the magazine that is not featured are groups such as pop groups and chart musicians.
20. What other titles are in competition with your publication?
Kerrang! Q magazine and Terrorizer are titles in competition with NME.
1. Consider the title. Why is it called that?
The magazine is called NME, which is an abbreviation for New Musical Express. It is quite straightforward and states what the magazine is about - music.
2. What connotations does the title have?
The actual meaning of NME - New Musical Express tells the reader that the magazine is about music; in particular modern music. The abbreviation itself, 'NME', is a play on words - sounding out 'enemy' when spoken. 'Enemy' is quite a dark word, perhaps giving reference to some of the music that the magazine focuses on. The specific magazine I am looking at (17 July 2010) features NME in block white capitals - the mast head. The cover features white a red writing inside a white border (which are very complimentary colours). The background is mainly black, giving a dark backdrop for the bright writing. The cover design does change each week, and seasonal and occasional designs also feature dependant on the month and time of year.
3. Who publishes the magazine?
NME Magazine is published by Robert Kennedy Publishing.
4. What other magazines does it publish?
Robert Kennedy Publishing publishes a range of other worldwide magazines. The most well-known include MuscleMag International, Oxygen, American Curves, Clean Eating, Reps!, Mazimum Fitness, and Just the Rules. The majority of magazines published by RKP are health and wellbeing pieces.
5. What other interests does the publisher have?
Robert Kennedy Publishing's interests include healthy eating, exercise and general health.
6. Why do you think it is published as often as it is?
I think that NME magazine is published each week because there is always a new face on the front of the music scene. New bands and artists are constantly being signed, or making their way into the headlines. Also, more well-known bands and artists are constantly making appearances to the public eye; hosting gigs and releasing new tracks - the things that their fans want to know straight away.
7. What is its circulation?
NME magazine is released for sale every Wednesday. More than 24,000 copies are sold on average each week.
8. Does the magazine have a website?
Yes. It can be reached via www.nme.com
9. What type of reader is it targetting?
NME caters for a variety of people as it hosts for a range of music tastes; particularly late teenagers to early twenty-year-olds. As of 2012, its readers are 66% male and 34% female, readers aged between 14 and 34. Its average age of readers is 24.
10. How does the reader interact with the magazine?
The front cover features Eminem - the main feature of the magazine. The main feature has a double-paged spread right in the middle of the magazine, as it is the main headline; why the majority of people have bought the magazine. NME also interacts with the reader with the website adress near the barcode. It also features many facebook links and twitter feeds, in order to stay up-to-date with NME between issues.
11.Analyse the images on the front of the cover.
The main image on the front of the cover is of Eminem. He has been photographed from a low angle in order to make him look powerful, in the lime light. He has a very strong expression on his face, perhaps mid-shout, his eyes look hard and ambitious. His body is relaxed but sharp, and he's wearing a dark hooded top, with the hood up. Eminem looks in control but comfortable. The text is white and red, which compliment oneanother well. They also frame the image of Eminem, re-inforcing the idea of him being powerful, untouchable.
12. What does it tell us about this publication?
This tells us that the magazine is, primarily, focused on Eminem's return to the music scene following rehab - something anyone should be proud of. It also suggests connotations of the magazine being about music such as his, and that written on the cover.
13. What is featured in the magazine?
The magazine features a large variety of artists and bands, as well as discographies, reviews and fanmail. In this particular issue, there is articles on Eminem's return from rehab; reviews from T In The Park; an account by Bombay Bicycle Club on their failed attempt at busking; and an interview with Paloma Faith.
14. Does it look similar to any other magazines?
The front cover has a similar layout to other music magazines such as Kerrang! Q Magazine and Terroriser. However, all three magazines have their own definitive charachteristics that make it clear which magazine is which. For example, NME is well-known for red, white and black; whereas Kerrang is known for its yellow headline.
15. Does the magazine look expensive?
The magazine looks expensive in that it is not tacky looking. It is not however, overpriced.
16. How does it address its readers?
The cover of this publication does not address its readers directly. Throughout the issue, however, it does. This is done with the use of personal pronouns such as 'you' and 'yours', as well as 'we' and 'ours'. For example; 'Our favourite pop-punk quartet are back in the UK' and 'You've waited 5 years for the return of this acoustic sensation...'. This makes the reader feel a more personal connection with the magazine and who the article is concerning.
17. How do models in the magazine relate to the audience?
There are numerous models in the magazine which have different impacts on the audience. There are role models; people who the reader will look up to and aspire to be. This may be music related, but also on a more personal basis - for example a band who writes lyrics that a person can relate to; or a musician who has battled an illness, loss or an additciton themselves, and give support and guidance to dealing with such an issue. There are also models on a more visual scale. The media and public figures such as musicians and artists play a big part in society's fashion. If someone sees someone wearing a certain style of clothing, that added to their social status (not class, merely if they are in the press for their new tour dates etc.) will inspire the viewers to perhaps dress in such a way themselves, or style their hair in a similar way.
18. How are men represented?
Men are represented in no different a way than women are - their is no hierachy between sexes and not one is favoured more than the other. People are featured in the magazine as a result of musical talent, not for women being half undressed or men looking 'masculine'.
19. What groups of people are not featured in the magazine?
There is no talk of religious groups or ethnical societies. The one relevant group to the magazine that is not featured are groups such as pop groups and chart musicians.
20. What other titles are in competition with your publication?
Kerrang! Q magazine and Terrorizer are titles in competition with NME.
Introduction
Hello all!
My name is Sarah Keeble and I'm an A-Level student from the College of West Anglia. I'm using this blog to present all of my research and planning for my coursework unit in Media Studies. I am going to produce a college and music magazine using my own photography and design skills.
My name is Sarah Keeble and I'm an A-Level student from the College of West Anglia. I'm using this blog to present all of my research and planning for my coursework unit in Media Studies. I am going to produce a college and music magazine using my own photography and design skills.
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