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.
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