This document provides examples of common conventions and layout features used in double page articles in TV listings magazines. These typically include a large main image occupying most of the spread along with supporting images. Headings, subheadings and pull quotes are used to summarize the topic. The articles also utilize columns, different fonts, and other design elements to attract readers' attention and highlight key details about upcoming television programs.

1. TV
LISTINGS
MAGAZINES

2. For many people, TV listings magazines are a brilliant way of keeping track and planning your weekly
television viewing. In recent years, due to new technologies such as Virgin TiVo and Sky+, their
circulation has slowly declined but it’s their loyal readers and subscribers who keep them going.
Certain TV listing magazines not only give you a weekly show planner but also include soap gossip,
exclusive interviews, as well as new movies and music to look out for.

3. One of the most common features in these magazines are double page articles. They usually focus on the
program featured on the front cover and often tell readers about brand new shows.
Common conventions of
these articles include:
• Main Image
• Supporting Images
• Main Heading
• Sub Heading
• Pull Quotes
• Copy
• Columns
• Drop Capitals
• Title, Date and Time
• By Line

4. The main image is the focus of attention as it occupies two thirds of A pull quote has
Even by just glancing at the page,
the double page spread. Two midwives can be seen in the foreground been taken from
readers will clearly be able to see the
holding new born babies in a hospital ward which immediately the copy of the
name of the show in bold as well as the
establishes the topic and settings of the documentary. Their smiling double page
date, time and channel which it will be
faces along with the happy new mother in the background connotes spread; it gives
aired.
the joyful tone of the program as we join them in the delivery room. readers and incite
as to what the
The main heading article will include
‘Special Delivery’ and is often the
indicates that decider as to
each and every whether or not
baby the they want to read
midwives deliver the full article. It’s
is just as ‘special’ written in a much
as the last. The larger font and
sans serif font situated amongst
also contributes the main copy so
to the femininity it captures their
of the program. attention straight
White also has away. The article
connotations of itself it written in
cleanliness and a colloquial style
purity, in keeping so the audience
with the hospital feel more
theme. comfortable
talking about this
normally quite
awkward topic.
The subheading introduces readers to the nurses photographed in the main image. ‘Meet Columns and drop capitals are a common
Kim and Maria’ speaks directly to the reader and as this is a fly on the wall documentary, features of any article. They not only
it acts as an open invitation to join them on this journey. ‘Professional’ and ‘caring’ are the contribute to the overall polished look of
qualities expected of midwives but ‘opinionated’ suggests that the program has a reality the double page but help draw attention to
side to it as we get to know them on a more personal level. the starting point.

5. The main image is again the focus of attention and shows Tom The main heading is a play on words about Tom’s daunting change
Daley in his natural environment, the pool. The image occupies in career. The bold capitals are arranged to slowly descend lower
the entire page which isn’t unusual of this type of article. He’s and lower into ‘the deep’. A sans serif font has also been used and
wearing a suit which connotes the idea that he’s growing up and is continued in the main body of text. Unlike a serif font, this
moving on to other things such as hosting his own TV show creates a more grown up style and symbolises Tom becoming an
‘Splash’ on ITV1. professional working adult.
The sub heading
gives readers an
overview of what
the show will be
Small supporting
about – teaching
images are often
celebrities to dive.
featured amongst
The rhetorical
articles. Tom is
question ‘Can Tom
shown here
Daley handle the
celebrating at the
pressure’ also aims
London 2012
to intrigue readers
Olympics. The
as it implies that he
image anchors
won’t be able to
with the content
handle this new
of the copy which
job.
heavily focus’ on
his diving career.
The copy is displayed in a white text box, occupying the majority of the bottom third. Again, The by line states the
columns have been used as well as a drop capital so the reader is immediately drawn to the photographer and
starting point of the article. writer of the article.

6. Similarly to the previous two articles, the main image is the focus of attention, occupying the majority of the double page spread.
The confused expression on Harry Judd’s face shows that he’s out of his comfort zone and this isn’t something he usually does in
his career as a drummer. However, Robbie Savage is seen to be embracing the spray tan which sums up the concept of Strictly
Come Dancing, as the celebrities try out something completely new.
The main heading
anchors with the main Other BBC
image. They are programmes are
normally considerably also advertised
larger but in this case here along with
the image does most supporting images.
of the talking. The Each programme is
ellipsis at the end of sectioned off with
the heading also adds subheadings
an element of written in bold.
suspense and makes The Radio Times
the reader want to obviously think
read on. ‘Mark Zuckerberg:
Inside Facebook’ is
the one to watch
this week, for this
reason ‘MOMENT
OF THE WEEK’
appears in bright
Again, the title of the red capitals so it
show can be seen stands apart from
here in bold with the the rest of the
date, time and text.
channel below in
italics.
As Strictly is such a popular, established show, readers will already be familiar with the concept so the article itself is very short. The copy
is written in a serif font and includes a drop capital. It’s located in the bottom left third of the page in order to put more emphasis on the
main image which is sure to attract the female audience. A by line is also included at the end stating the writer of the article.