Analysis of Q Magazine

1. Megan Hall
Complete analysis of a music magazine
History- Q magazine is a popular and well established music magazine which is published
monthly in the UK. The magazine was founded by Mark Ellen and David
Hepworth, Q’s first issue was published in 1986 by the EMAP media
group, Q magazine attracted many people due to its high standard of
photography and printing.
Q magazine has previously been published under two other names
which are: The modern guide to music and more, which the founders
believed was two long and not appealing enough to their target
audience. And also: Cue, this is due to the sense of cueing a record, however the name
caused for confusion as some people connoted the title with snooker. Therefore, the used
the single-letter title of Q to be clear on newsstands whilst promoting their brand.
Music genre- The genre of music which Q magazine will vary, meaning there is no particular
style or genre which the magazine will publish. The magazine focusses on new releases and
artists who are up and coming within the music charts.
Target audience- The founders of Q magazine, Mark Ellen and David Hepworth, created the
magazine due to their concern that the older generation of music buyers where being
ignored by the music press, so decided to aim their target audience on
the older audience of music buyers. The older target audience is also
clear within the pricing of the magazine as older people who, according
to statistics are 70% in employment, at a median age of 34, can afford to
pay a little extra for a magazine. It could also be stated that Q magazine
could attract a younger audience also due to their featuring of recent and
upcoming artists. However, the magazine can also contain information
about ‘classic’ music from previous decades which would suit a more mature target
audience, from both genders. The magazine has a mass audience as it is very popular and is
published every month, however it could also be a niche audience as it is only targeted
towards fans of music.
Style- The style of Q magazine varies from cover to cover, the red square with a white Q is a
significant convention of Q magazine. This is used within every front cover of the magazine.
This is very strong branding, they are also very confident within their brand as sometimes
the main cover image may cover some of the Masthead. The cover uses a range of serif and
sans serif fonts on the cover to appeal to a mature audience.
Multiplatform aspects- Q magazine has launched a Q Radio in June 2008, this became a full
service radio station with a complete roster. The presenters include Drive time with Danielle
Perry and Q the 80s with Matthew Rudd. Up until 2012, there was also a Q TV television
channel in the UK. Q also hold an annual awards ceremony for artists called the Q Awards.
Events it sponsors- Q magazine were the official sponsors of
Glastonbury festival in the year 2010. Q is also in a partnership with Absolute
Radio.