1. The first edition of the New Musical Express was published on 7th March 1952. It is a
weekly magazine that appeals largely to people in their late teens and early twenties.
Strapline – The text right at the top of the
page that is used mainly for advertising and
promoting. This is shown through the giant
tour posters that are available and the fact
that this particular issue of NME is a 100 page
Christmas special.
Anchorage Text – This is the text that links to
the main image. A play on words can be seen
regarding the title of the Arctic Monkeys’
album name ‘Favourite Worst Nightmare,’
along with the well known Christmas movie ‘A
Nightmare Before Christmas ,’ highlighting that
this issue specifically focuses on Christmas.
Masthead – This is the name of the magazine.
‘NME’ stands out from the rest of the text due
to the typical red, white and black colour
scheme that is usually found on magazine
front covers. These colours are also associated
with Christmas and the fact that snow has
been edited along the top of the
lettering, again highlights the fact that this is a
Christmas edition.

2. Sell Lines – This is the text on the cover
which persuades the reader to buy the
magazine, and this is shown through the
small area of text that is positioned
directly under the masthead. The
magazine is offering the chance for a
reader to win festival tickets and flights
and this is a small incentive that could
possibly persuade the reader to buy it.
Coverline – This is the text that tells of the
contents. As well as the obvious fact that
the Arctic Monkeys are featured, a large
list of other artists can also be seen in the
bottom left hand corner – more popular
band names and artists have been placed
in a larger font in order to capture the
viewer’s attention

3. The headline instantly
captures the reader’s
attention and alerts
them that the
interview will be about
Biffy Clyro. A pun has
been created through
the band
name, switching ‘Clyro’
to ‘Christmas,’ as well
as a comedic element
being added with the
phrase ‘Have a very’
being placed before
‘Biffy Christmas,’
suggesting that the
interview will be
centred around the been scattered around the headline.
festive period. A pun has also been placed within the headline, through the phrase ‘Dan
The design strongly Martin enters the rock grotto,’ again linking into Christmas and the fact Biffy
links into the theme Clyro is a rock band, as well as suggesting the interview will focus around
through the red, gold Christmas.
and black colours that The main image is another feature that links into the theme, due to the fact
are more prominently that the band have posed in a Santa costume and elf hats. Guitars and other
seen during musical equipment have also been included in order to emphasise the idea
Christmas, as well as that they’re a rock band.