Smash Hits was a popular British magazine launched in 1978 that reached its peak in the 1980s selling over 500,000 copies. However, circulation declined to 120,000 by 2005-2006 due to increased competition from other magazines and the magazine expanding its target audience from young teenage girls to older teens and alternative music fans, which alienated its original readers. This led to Smash Hits ceasing publication in February 2006.

2.  Smash Hits was first launched November 1978 by
founder Nick Logan, who was editor of NME
previously.
 It originally started out as a monthly magazine
but was then increased to fortnightly soon after
production.
 It was produced the magazine institution EMAP.
 It reached its peak during the 1980’s, selling
500,000 copies. However it’s most popular
edition featured Kylie and Jason Donovan in
1989, reaching 1 million readers.
 It’s most popular feature was lists of the Top 20
lyrics and remained in the magazine till the end.

3.  During 2005-2006, the magazine’s circulation had dropped to
120,000 copies.
 It’s decline was down to a number of factors.
 Increased competition – During the 1990’s BBC launched Top of
The Pops magazine, increasing Smash Hits pressure top attract
it’s audience.
 Expanding it’s target audience – Smash Hits’ target audience
was originally stereotypical young teenage girls who were
interest in popular chart music, fashion and celebrities. In order
to attract more of an audience, Smash Hits tried to included an
older teen audience and thus featured more alternative bands
and content. However this alienated it’s previous readers of
young girls. Furthermore older teens were not interested in
buying a previously pop magazine. Therefore Smash Hits had
alienated its niche audience and sales dropped significantly.
 This led to the final product of Smash Hits magazine on the 13th
February 2006.

4.  Fromthis case study I have learnt that it is
importance to stick with a certain target
audience. I must target specific stereotypes
of my target audience in order to attract
them. If I try to appeal to a too wider
audience, of different interest and
representations, I could alienate my target
audience as my magazine would not be
symbolic and represent my target audience.