Now to try and embed this.

1. QUESTION 2
How does your media product represent different social groups?
Hereticus is targeted at a specific social group, real magazines that target the same audience share
common features with my magazine. The look of the aggressive, outsider, unconventional and
disregarding of negative opinions is represented in the images used for the main image and double
page spread. Theses symbolic codes help create representations that attract these social groups.
The social group that Hereticus represents is almost anti-fashion. A disregard of outsider opinion on
physical appearance is demonstrated by the images used. Such as the aggression represented in the
dps main image and the cover image. The relaxed , informal and occasionally vulgar vocabulary
enforces this representation. The dps main image model is wearing a beanie , which means it is
impossible to tell what form of style he obeys. The social group does not care about physical
appearance. The shot type and angles create a reinforcement that the models are strong figures and
that they are leaders of a social group, in this case the metal subculture. The low angles were
specifically chosen so that the reader would be looking up towards the models depicted.
The lighting is similar for most photos, artificial , except for the double page spread. It creates the
focus on the individual and not their surroundings, the model in the photo becomes the focus of the
consumer. This creates entertainment for the reader with the aesthetic enjoyment ( Katz’s uses and
gratifications , Entertainment). This lack of natural light and use of shadow highlights the features
that are important to the social group and subculture. The lighting highlights what characteristics
those in the social group are looking for. The double page uses natural lighting and accentuates all
these features and characteristics as part of the whole. This implies the notion that the model does
not wish to hide any aspect of their character, and this appeals to the social group. The mise en
scene feature of costume involved is both simple plain, but yet very expressive and accurately
represent the social group. It is instantly recognisable to the target audience and allows to assist
with identifying with others and gaining a sense of belonging (Katz’s uses and gratifications ,
Integration and Social Interaction).

2. Question 3
Which media institutions are most likely to distribute your magazine
My music magazine Hereticus has a target audience that has a low disposable income , because they
are predominately young and in full time education. There is a gap in the market for this form of
magazine , to reach it it will have to be distributed in the correct outltes. Such as , record stores ,
clothing shops with obvious tie ins , corner shops and newsagents.
A large media outlet such as WHSMITHS would be a ideal publisher as they reach a wider audience ,
and due to branch placement in urban shopping centres. But , the major success would come from
independent record shops and other independent branches that promote the concept that they are
alternative , as this would attract the correct target audience. It would be ideal to be placed in
outlets near means of public transports , as that is where majority of the target audience travels.
A online version would be of good use as a large majority of the target audience frequently use the
internet. This would also allow for greater variety of content by being able to contact potential
feature groups through the internet. While the market is young and not very high income , the
majority all do have access to smartphones and internet access at all times. A subscription term
would be useful , and certain features would be obscured on the online version such as free content
unless they paid a fee.
The institution that would best suited to publish my work would be Bauer Media. This is because
they have strong links with existing forms of media in the form of online presence and contacts with
the music , printing and distribution industry. Their main successful item is Kerrang! which faces the
problem of having a aging demographic. Taking on Hereticus would appeal both the a newer
demographic and to Kerrang!’s aging demographic who now have a higher disposable income and a
liking of the older issues of Kerrang! which are similar to Hereticus. Another option to consider is
Red Flag Media , but they are a smaller independent publisher and would not have the potential to
sell to a wider audience in the way Bauer Media does.