2. Codes & Conventions
The codes and conventions of a magazine allow the reader to recognise the professionalism of the magazine. They are
features that are always used in magazine creating to ensure that the reader is satisfied with their purchase.
Front Cover
• Masthead – usually the most eye catching convention on the page to capture the readers attention and emphasise the magazine’s
name.
• Full bleed image – normally the artist/band that is the main feature of that particular issue.
• Sell lines – provide alternative options for readers if they are not too interested in the main feature.
• Barcode – necessary for purchasing the magazine
• Price – displays to the reader how much the magazine is which also helps to see if they are getting their moneys worth.
• Website address – an online alternative is important in this day and age as technology is an essential part of peoples lives.
Contents Page
• Title – tells the reader where they are in the magazine
• Features – displays what is on offer in the issue of the magazine
• Images – multi modal to make the page exciting and appealing
• Reviews – gives the reader an insight into what is and isn’t recommended
• Editor’s note – welcomes the reader to the magazine and makes them feel like they have developed a personal relationship with the
magazine
• Page numbers – allows the reader to flick to what they are most interested in
Double Page Spread
• Title – tells the reader what the feature is
• Article – information about the artist/band or an interview with them.
• Pictures of the artist – multi modal keeps the reader interested and gives them something to look at.
• Pull quotes – stands out – if the reader is just flicking through the magazine a pull quote might catch their eye and make them want to
read the article.
• Background – eye catching, makes the article unique
• Page number – easy to flick to from contents page
3. Audience
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Why do audiences read magazines? What do we expect from a music magazine?
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To create a personal identity. The artists involved may be considered idols and role models to the reader which they aspire t o be like.
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The information included is reliable and trustworthy, they wouldn’t print something fake and dishonest as it would make it an unreliable source.
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They enjoy reading about artists personal lives, upcoming tours, albums and singles.
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It is a cheap way to relax and read about something that the reader is interested in.
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Competitions and freebees allow the readers to feel that they are getting more for their money. It also saves them spending lots of money on
concerts and products if they are included in the permanent price of the magazine. It also gives the reader a sense of satisfaction.
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They can feel like they have a relationship with the magazine because it is aimed specifically towards them to entertain them and keep their
readership.
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The reviews will help them to make a judgement on artists’ tours, albums and songs.
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It is a fun pass time and can be a popular item to read on holiday or while travelling to keep the reader entertained and giv e them something
to do.
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Depending on the type of music magazine, the reader can find out about the real music industry and the production of the music, or they can
find out about the artists’ love lives and other personal information.
4. Audience
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The reader can create their own personal identity by reading about the artists that they consider
idols and that they look up to.
The reader can make personal relationships with other people who read the magazine and who are
interested in the same artists favoured by the reader and included in the magazine.
Competitions and freebees give the reader a sense of satisfaction as they are included in the price
of the magazine and are not charged extra.
It enables them to create a relationship with the magazine and feel like they are part of something
bigger.
It is a relaxing pass time
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Pleasures & Benefits
Why do people still read music magazines in light of access to the internet?
Some people prefer the idea of having the magazine to hold.
Print magazines make it easier to flick through the pages until something catches the
reader’s eye.
The magazine could be valuable and worth something in the future.
It gives people something to do while travelling (signal on a smartphone can cut out or
be prohibited e.g. underground on a train or flying on a plane)
Good quality of images that the reader can cut out and stick on their walls
Ability to collect all the issues
Easy to show friends (create personal relationships)
5. Representation
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Indie/alternative
• The indie genre of music is presented through the way the different artists and bands portray
themselves and their music. Each artists music is different to the others and has a unique twist
to it. Usually, the main singer will have a very distinctive and exclusive sound to their
voice, and the instruments used will compliment it nicely. Their style is labelled as ‘Hipster’ as
they wear clothes which they think will express themselves and their music in the most
effective way. The term ‘Indie’ comes from the phrase ‘independent music’ which is strongly
associated with guitars, rebellion and meaningful lyrics. The artist/band likes to create their
own music with their own instruments.
• The stereotypical ‘indie’ fan would be a teenage boy wearing tight skinny jeans, riding a
skateboard with headphones in.
• Most Indie bands are home grown, having started off practising in garages and
bedrooms, eventually performing at various gigs. They are often regarded as ‘outsiders’ who
use music to break out of the mould and obtain a voice.
• It is aimed towards males and females to display the different kinds of people they can reach
out to using their music.
7. Institution
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How do magazine publishers make money?
Advert Revenue – companies pay the magazine to feature adverts that the target audience
would be interested in.
Readership – people buying the magazine and subscribing to the magazine
Competitions – people calling in to enter the competition
How are they attempting to retain audiences?
Bright colours and good images to attract the reader
Offering good value competitions
Keeping to a house colour scheme to make it recognisable
Including social networking to relate to the modern day technology benefits
Regular features
Product placement in Tv Programmes, Films etc
Popular artists included
What business models are used to ensure a sustained audience?
Aspects such as music channels, radio stations and a stage named after the magazine at a festival help to ensure a
sustained audience by promoting the magazine and the type of genre and the collection of artists that are featured in
that magazine. If the magazine is well liked, then it is likely that all these business models are likely to be successful
as the magazine has a good reputation.
