For media coursework

1. Media Market Research
Lucas Featherstone

2. Music Magazines published in the UK
• MOJO
• Q magazine
• Kerrang
• BMG magazine
• Live UK
• NME

3. The Publishes
Bauer Media Group are the owners of the popular music magazines Kerrang,
Mojo, Q magazine and many more. As well as owning many music
magazines, they also have attainment to music channels such as Kerrang and
4music; plus, many radio stations across the globe.
Audience Media are the publishers of Live UK and there branched out events
across the UK. The magazine targets younger audiences that have an interest
in live music, with up to date news and information on venues across the UK.
BMG is the work of Clifford Essex music and targets there magazines at the
more civilised music listener that is not intrigued with the modern era of
music.

4. Mission statements and reader profile
Kerrang- Kerrang! will ensure that we are constantly appealing to or spectrum of readers. From the younger teenager readers
who are more open to different genres of rock music – from emo to thrash etc, to the readers who respect Kerrang! as an authority
when it comes to our scene’s heritage bands. Each issue will include a balance of bands and scenes to guarantee that we’re providing
for our readers’ need for variety and their passionate appetite for their favourite bands as well as their desire to be introduced to new
music within our world.
MOJO Magazine-At MOJO we cover the good stuff. Our award-winning editorial team prides itself in delivering a
magazine that is packed with insight, passion, and revelatory encounters with the greatest musicians of all-time, be they established
or emerging musicians. The magazine is loved by its readers and artists alike because it engages them on the subject they love the
most: music itself.
Every month MOJO brings you a definitive cover feature on an iconic act; a bespoke CD (especially compiled by the editorial team or a
major musician in MOJO’s world); and our famous reviews section, the Filter, which brings you 30 pages-plus of the best of that
month’s music, both classic and contemporary.
MOJO’s previous guest editors range from David Bowie to Tom Waits via Noel Gallagher and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, showcasing
the magazine’s breadth and iconic status among musicians. From The Beatles to The Black Keys, from Led Zeppelin to Laura Marling,
from Fleetwood Mac to Flying Lotus.
LIVE UK-is the only publication dedicated to the country’s contemporary live music business, providing news, features, tour
plans and information to the people that drive the industry – promoters, festival organisers, venue operators, artiste managers,
booking agents, ticketing companies, media and key professionals in dozens of related sectors.

5. Kerrang magazine have the use of big
names such as Muse focused in the
centre of the page. This indicates that
the main part of the magazine will be
dedicated to something that Muse have
done or are doing. As common with
Kerrang magazine the main band is put
into the centre of the magazine, the
picture is a full body shot of the three
band members, but the focus is drawn
to the hysterical grins and sinister looks
as the bold lettering of the taglines and
puffs draws attention to the upper
quarter of the magazine.
The cover of the magazine is saturated in
information, this is to draw the reader in
and because there is so many bands, it is
mort likely that this is accomplished
because of the likely hood of a onlooker
to the magazine been interested in one of
the bands featured. Also, the use of the
way that Muse are posed is
complimented with a caption that is likely
to draw someone in, to see why the 3
band members are grinning like they are.
The cover is saturated in white lighting, which
makes the magazine seem cold and to add to
the cold affect, each member of Muse is
wearing a black leather jacket and with the
grinning faces and one of the members
pointing a finger directly towards a reader, it
can make someone quite intimidated if this
was done in a physical form, perhaps this is
Muse trying to call the reader out and get them
to be bemused why the band members look so
hysterical. As well as this, the KERRANG logo is
partially blocked by the members of Muse
which may state an ego of KERRANG being so
big and well known that there name dose not
have to be seen on a cover to know that it is a
KERRANG magazine.
The left third is over induced with plugins and puffs and this is
due to the fact that the left third is most likely to be visible
when positioned upon other magazines, this will allow a
customer to see who is in the magazine and then potentially
pick it up if something catches there eye. Another key aspect
of this, is the fact that Kerrang have put in a plug in of ‘5 free
posters’ which is affective since someone who wants free
incentives which they can relate to will most likely buy the
magazine, even though there not too interested in the
magazine. This is a good way to market a magazine by making
sure that what the reader may want is visible at first glance.
The cover displays an overload of
text all in one, similar font. The
font is recognisable to the Kerrang
logo which may give familiarity to
the reader and an unrecognised
comfort to those who are amid
readers of Kerrang.
Colour schemes are very important for reflecting the image of
the magazine. Kerrang have used three main colours: red,
white and yellow. The red and white complement each other
as anything contextual in a puff is highlighted by an
alternative use of red and white. The Yellow however, is used
to make key areas of the cover stand out, despite that
highlighted feature not being the main focus of the page, this
is a creative and intricate technique used by Kerrang

6. The Q magazine has similarities to the KERRANG
magazine and this is most likely because they
are published by the same company. On the
cover, we have the band Take That as the focus
point and them all piled on top of each other.
This is done so that people will be intrigued as
to why they are all on top of each other. Most
intriguing is the fact that each band member is
wearing the same clothing, this may be a subtle
way to show band unity and togetherness which
may be reassuring for any one reading with an
interest of Take That, especially considering
events prior to this issue of Q magazine
Q magazines front cover is not as crowded as
KERRANG magazine. There are a lot less plug ins for
promotional offers and such things as posters. They
still have the masthead of the magazine blocked by
the members of the band to resemble that the
magazine does not need a title to know who it is.
The wording used to capitalize on the interview
with Take That with the technological gif ‘the world
exclusive’ which is bound to entice some occasional
readers to pick up the magazine. The font of the
text used is the usual Q magazine font, this, like
Kerrang is a way for the more involved magazine
reader of Q to feel familiarized with the layout and
the equity of the magazine.
On the magazine, we have ‘Green Day’ in bright gold
letters to make it stand out from the plain white of the
background of the magazine. In addition to this, the
‘Green Day’ wording is placed in the left third, which will
grab the attention of someone interested in the band,
since the visible part of the magazine is exposed when
flicking through magazines on a stand. For the
promotion of other bands in the magazine, they are
discretely shown within the bottom strip of the
magazine, even though its visible, it is not the first thing
you will notice which works in aspects of there main
headline being the one that will capture most readers
attention.
On the bottom strip, Q magazine have listed
some featured bands. This looks more
professional than having puffs of the bands
dotted around the magazine and it keeps the
main focus on Take That in the middle of the
cover, which is most likely Q magazines
intention. Included around the text ‘Take
That’ there are tag lines that make Take That
appear increasingly popular and that Q
magazines feature of them is exclusive. The
shot used of Take That is that off a full body
shot, but done with the use of having the
whole band in the shot, this keeps main focus
on the band members and there is little
distraction from any added puffs of other
bands which Q haven't used in this edition of
the magazines.

7. The NME magazine has a sporadic looking cover.
The background to the magazine has a setting
where a band are all lined up with particular band
members at the fore front; this signifies that the
band is the feature of the magazine and the
members that are stood in front are the main
focus; the picture is a full body shot and it is done
so that the person looking at the magazine can
see the laid back approach of the featured band,
most likely a reflection of there personalities and
an attempt to look ‘cool’ and in with the younger
generations. The magazine looks messy as with
names of bands scattered across the front of the
cover with little relevance to the main featured
band, but most likely done in an attempt to
capture the focus of someone browsing the front
page of the magazine and to aim at there target
reader which is the young adult medium.
In the bottom and top strip of the magazine,
there is little information other than the bar
code and the top of Liam's head poking out
from the right third. This could be NMEs way of
drawing the focus to what there main feature is.
Its also noticeable that Liam popping in at the
top is the only other picture of another person
within the magazine, this could be deliberate as
to indicate that the size of his feature is still a
adequate feature. The amount of puffs is
limited by the scattering of plug ins for other
bands across the front page.
The colours of the magazine contrast, but its
majority warmer colours, which is a contrast to
the music of the band; thus this is shown in the
light red submerging into the white on the
background wall of the magazine photo used for
the front cover, it ties into the leather and denim
jackets worn by the band members to indicate
that this band are slightly alternative and casual
as they are leant up against the wall and only a
few of them looking directly at the camera, whilst
others look into the distance. The NME master
head is not blocked like the other magazines; this
is likely to be to the fact that NME are respective
of there objectives and they want it clear that this
is an NME magazine and nothing else.
Overall, it looks to be that the magazine is
targeted towards young adults, due to the types
of bands its featuring and how the layout is
done to capture the interest of the reader. Not
having lots of pictures of other bands does draw
attention to the main featured band and the
fact that the picture of the band covers the
whole of the magazine and everything else is
built around them is an alternative way to
express the magazine, compared to the home
colours of magazines, it is also a measurable use
to show a band in there entirety, rather than
having other bands flood the front cover.
As with the other highly popular
music magazines, NME use a
font similar to there title which
can be a resemblance to keeping
familiarity with the readers that
are regular readers with NME.
In terms of the use of language and how it
is used to address the reader, there is
captions and statements used under the
name of each band, used to entice the
reader into why such things as ‘They're an
a-team of musical super-ninjas’ which
progressively intrigues the reader.

8. KERRANG! Have used this double
page spread to enhance the fact
that Muse have released a new
album. The use of ‘Attack of the
Drones’ in big bold white lettering
on a smoky black background gives
definition and emphasis, drawing in
the fans of Muse. What is also
intriguing is the clothing that the
band members are wearing, its
simple, casual but yet
representative of the aim of there
album ‘Drones’ and the idea that
everyone is becoming one and
being controlled by there superior.
On the double page spread it is
done with professionalism and
clarity, compared to some of the
front covers. There is minimal plug
in on the page and it is only
associated with the featured band.
This draws the focus of the reader to
the featured band, rather than being
distracted to what else is in the
magazine.
Although, Muse take up most of the feature on the page, there is still an
adequate amount of writing, which will entice any Muse fan to read
more about what the band is doing. Otherwise, they will carry on with
the magazine and just have a quick glance at what Muse have been up
to. Plus, the font used is signature to Kerrang, which also adds to the
comfort of a regular Kerrang reader reading the article, making it more
beneficial for the regular reader.
The camera work with three point
lighting, casts the band in a waxy
lighting that only highlights the faces
of each band member partially. This
is effective as it can be a reference to
what they are trying to promote with
there album and how they want to
shadow there band image with
compliments to the album. Even
though the double page spread is
washed in cold colours, the vivid
green that gives emphasis to the
threatening tag line ‘attack of the
drones’ still adds elements of warmth
to the band. To the reader, it can
subconsciously make them think
what Muse would like them to think
about there album through how they
have portrayed there album with this
feature and the use of the media.
As the main focus is on Muse, the use of self
promoting and plugin by Kerrang is not used
to make sure that the focus is all on Muse.
Without the use of big logos, it adds to the
professional look of the article.

9. Kerrangs article on Paramore is
relatively brief and done conceisly.
The main focus of the opening pages
of the article is on the pictures
rather than a huge paragraph on
something that could be relatively
interesting to readers. This way, with
more visionary features and less
writing, the reader may take more
time and briefly read through the
small amount of text.
The pictures used are off a happy
and coherent nature, it shows the
band in a good and united mood
which will please the fans of
Paramore and even get those
who are not that interested in
Parammore to see what they are
doing.
The article is done with much
professionalism, the opening page
has no plug ins, no major puffs, only
the writing with the tag line that
draws the reader. Mainly, the
attention of the reader is draw to
Hayley Williams as she has the
biggest part to the page by herself;
this shows that Hayley Williams is
definitely the for figure to the band
and she is what makes the band so
unique.
The lighting and colours of the pictures used are a mixture of cold colours,
but are also contrasted with warmer hazier colours to potentially show two
sides to the band. The clothing of the band members is off the typical
punk/alternative band and this is further defined by the highly vibrant
orange colour of Hayley Williams hair. This is a band typical of Kerrang
doing an article on because Paramore falls under the spectrum of the
band Kerrang likes to display in there magazines.
Despite the headline of the page ‘we’re ending this year on a
massive high!’ being in the ordinary Kerrang font, the text
underneath is more traditional and done in the form that looks like
a formal letter to someone would appear. This may have been
done to attract the reader as the change in font may cause
suspicion as to why that is so, therefore the reader will read the
small amount of text for any clues why.

10. The main featured article of Elbow
by Q magazine has a different
approach compared to kerrang. The
article has pictures of the band
looking smart and casual in a
uniformed way. However, in terms of
the writing, there is lots of it. This is
all well if you are a fan of Elbow and
have the time to read about them,
but, if your not that bothered, you
are most likely give this article a
glance and carry on.
There is also the use of plug ins and
puffs to other bands within this
article which are neatly done to
draw the readers attention to these
added in bands once the have
finished reading the article. There
are pictures used with the plug ins
which is a way of making the reader
more submersed into the magazine,
that is if you prefer to look at
pictures rather than just read.
With this article, you can tell it’s a Q
magazine article because of the
excess branding that is done on the
top and bottom strips. Although
there is nothing wrong with this, it
does make the magazine appear
slightly in your face with the
consistency of the Q logo. Q have
also been consistent in the use of
there most used colours: Red, white
and black which will add the
familiarit to the more regular reader.
The articles laid out on this page is
done so that there is something
for everyone, there is a whole
section about Miles Kane, so that
people only interested about him
can just read his small fact file.
The pictures of the band in action
and performing in what looks to
be an abandoned warehouse of
some sorts, could be an indication
that Elbow are going back to old
routes with there new album, this
being inferred by there
environmental setting.

11. This Kerrang context page is very informative in
a variety of ways. Noticeably, the page is has
detailed annotations to let the reader know
where every feature is and on what page, as
well as letting the reader know what the reader
is a about to read.
The context page is also covered in pictures and
puffs of featured artists to make the reader
aware of who is in the magazine. The puffs are
located near the actual context to give more
knowledge on what the feature is about.
On the context page, there is small piece by the
editor which will be a small over view on what is
what in the magazine, it will also give insight to
what has been going on in the music world and
it should help the reader feel welcome to the
magazine.
The context page also features plug ins for items
that may be in the magazine such as posters, it
also includes details on subscriptions to Kerrang
magazine, making it convenient for anyone
considering to subscribe because the
information is presented earlier on in the
magazine.
The context page could look a little sleeker with
a little less writing. This could be unattractive to
a reader as they may not be able to find what
they want to go to, to read.
The picture of Marilyn Manson sat holding cards on a
red couch with flames behind him really enhances the
fact that himself and the music he performs is off a
dark nature. This been captured by how the shot is
amplified by him wearing an all black outfit that looks
withdrawn and typical of the sort of music off
someone performing heavy metal
The black and white home colours for
Kerrang remain formal in the context pages
as there is not much overuse of any other
colour than yellow to make certain areas of
the context page stand out to the reader.

12. Mixmag magazine have a similar approach to
the content page as Q magazine. The
content page has a large picture which is
likely to be a puff to the main feature of the
magazine.
Mixmag, have saturated there content page
with lots of information. This is good in
terms of finding where you want to be in the
magazine, but it makes the magazine look
unprofessional and can be unattractive to
the reader to look at. Besides, the reader
may find it difficult to find where to find
each feature in the magazine.
On the content page there are a few
plug ins, this is done so that the
reader can identify any features of
the magazine that they didn’t first
notice. It may entice the reader to
have a look at the plug ins and see
what it is about.

13. Q magazines content page has a lot more visual
features compared to Kerrang and Mixmag.
This is helpful to the reader because if they see
a puff of a band or artist they like, rather than
reading through the contents they can just see
the clear page number next to the puff and
then skip straight to it. This makes accessibility
and use of the magazine easier for the reader.
Also, the more frequent reader of Q will feel
comforted by the consistent use of Q’s home
colours of red, white and black.
The content page also features no plug ins,
this makes the magazine look very sleek and
professional since there are no unexpected
advertisings. There are plenty of other
pictures of bands and artists that are
featured in the magazine. The pictures used
reflect the personality or the music genre of
each musician or band. Some pictures look
quite casual whilst others are in action at gigs
and concerts. This shows to the reader the
diversity in the bands featured in the
magazine, without having to read any text.
Q magazine also do there branding very
discretely, which is aesthetically pleasing
to look at. The use of the Q logo is done
with conjunction to the actual content
page and there is no over use of the Q
logo. With the blown up puffs of page
numbers it makes it easier for the reader
to navigate the magazine.
The content page looks like its been
thought out, rather than being thrown
together at a hope that it will work.
The way it is structured makes it easy
for the reader to find what they want.
The use of multiple pictures makes the
page look attractive to the reader;
writing is minimalistic, and only gives a
brief insight to what each feature of
the magazine is about.
Fonts are kept to the familiar Q font,
but what makes the features inside
the contents stand out is the use of
black bold lettering for the title of
each band or musician. For instance,
even though ‘Jack White’ is not the
main feature of the article; he still
stands out on the context