2024 04 03 AZ GOP LD4 Gen Meeting Minutes FINAL.docx
Country weekly
1. Analysis of
COUNTRY
WEEKLY Magazine
September 2009
2. Country Weekly is an American tabloid style weekly magazine that specifies and dedicates itself to country music as well as lifestyles, events and personalities. It was
established on the 12th April 1994 and has been continuing to publish successful magazines for many years satisfying country fans across America and in particularly
the Midwest such as Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin as well as Texas and Alabama. It was started by American Media, Inc as the company’s fifth periodical and in its
first year of publication had average weekly sales of 290,000 copies of which 225,000 were single copy sales. In February 2009, the magazine became a weekly
magazine as opposed to a fortnightly one since 1999. This change could perhaps be because the audience desired there to be a weekly magazine full of country music
and as a sensible magazine they listened to their audience and made one. They also updated their image and brand identity that month with a new logo. In total it is
published fifty two times a year.
In around 2009 there was around 435,000 people reading the magazine with the hope that it would sell about 75,000 copies per issue-exclusively to newsstands. Being
sold weekly can perhaps provide the idea that figures will be high as there is a demand. Similarly going for seventeen years can show its a successful magazine that can
survive through the economic times as music is strong and is a crucial part to most peoples lives.
The typical content of a COUNTRY WEEKLY magazine includes:
•The latest news
•Images of artists, concerts, bands What type of artists/bands does the
•Scoops on the latest artists/bands and their music magazine use?
•The buzz-so hot issues on TV, Radio and on the web
•Heat index-showing what's hot and what's not in terms of artists/bands and their successes eg: going platinum The types of artists it contains vary in
•Editorial ages and attracted audiences as
•Letters from the readers COUNTRY WEEKLY has a wide
•Adverts/promotions target audience between 16 and 50
•Articles about artists/bands years old. So because of this wide
•Cooking feature range the calibres of artists varies in
•Fashion feature ages in order to suit the ages and
•Reviews of albums likes. So for the teens you have
•Interviews Taylor Swift and for the older
•Polls audience Joe Diffy. Bands such as
•Photos and the experiences of fans meeting their favourite country stars Lady Antebellum, Brooks and Dunn
•Crosswords and Rascal Flatts are also used when
•Charts appropriate
•Questions and answers
•Tour Dates
For more information visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Country_Weekly or http://www.countryweekly.com/
4. The light Blue masthead has connotations of The header contains copy explaining the content of the magazine so that the audience are in the know. This information is
happiness, tranquillity and softness which usually in the footer of a magazine but perhaps COUNTRY WEEKLY chose to use it at the top as it is what they really want to
can create a calm and relaxed feel that the show, based upon what their audience wants. Similarly the way it is in white on a red background can show importance as red
target audience will like as its not too heavy has connotations of warning and danger but here its positive as its like you must look at this otherwise you will miss out which
and they know they can just relax and read the reader does not. Similarly in the header is the price but not just the typical price but how they have slashed it which can
with ease about their favourite country perhaps show that they have done this for the benefit of their audience.
stars. Similarly the light blue is positive and
warming which can link to the magazine Date of issue Barcode / price
that celebrates the country music genre for
the benefit of its audience. There are cover lines which include supplementary
images to provide the audience with visual context.
The images can draw in the audience who not only
recognise the artist in the main image but also in the
The selline is bold and in white and yellow supplementary images. The first cover line has a red
which really stands out on the dark colours of box drawn around it which really grabs your
Trace’s costume. It sits across the main image attention along with the red writing which talks
and contains information about the main about “Country’s sexiest man”. Red has
story. The red bullet points below are very connotations of love which can suit the female
bold and even bolder with the white outline. audience who see these men as sexy and love
They contain an insight into the secrets country music. However the male audience can gain
revealed by the sell line and follow the red something too as they can see what is considered
and white colour scheme throughout the sexy and aspire to be like this. The second cover line
cover. is cleverly inside a notepad linking to the idea of
school which is what the cover line is focusing on by
The main Image is a medium shot of a famous using famous country stars and their “fears” about
country star in classic country and western school. The use of the blue and white continue the
wear. The darkness looks cool and mysterious colour scheme and help create a house style.
which can link to the content about bearing
“his soul” and revealing secrets the audience
will be eager to receive. The cowboy hat
interacts with the masthead which makes him The slogan talks abut inside stories which again links
look dominant and powerful which he must be to the exclusivity the magazine offers to its readers
to be on the front of a huge magazine. Similarly who feel they are getting all the secrets.
the way the hat covers up some of the
The flasher contains a cover mount for the audience where
masthead can show that COUNTRY WEEKLY
they can win a country stars jeans which is incredible for
have an established brand identity that is
them as they can not only learn the latest country news
recognised even though there is a cowboy hat
about their favourite artists but also have the chance to win
in front.
some jeans.
The background is plain which can show
that the music and the artists are what are The way the header contains “All you need to know Every week” speaks directly to the audience supporting the
important which is admirable by the target intimate relationship between the reader and the magazine and it sells the idea that they are the only magazine who
audience who love their music. can tell you everything you need to know. It can make the reader put trust in the magazine as all their needs are met
The layout is simple and uses rule of thirds to by the dedicated people who make the magazine. The emphasis on “every week” in capitals and the exclamation
create an interesting and neat layout . mark sets a guarantee that the audience will be in the know every week which is impressive .
6. The main image is a medium close up of a female There are lines used to separate the different The masthead is not followed on here from the front
country star. This is an attractive image of a sections and therefore helps make the content cover like it is usually on other music magazines which
country star and can support that the core accessible. It also though creates a modern and could show originality and it could be that the
audience are females who will aspire to be like her simplistic look that can be appealing to the target magazine wanted the artists and the content of the
but similarly can support the male audience also audience especially the younger end as they are cover lines to do the talking. Similarly they may have
as they can be attracted to her. She is dressed up drawn to ,modern and contemporary looks. Similarly thought that the masthead was not needed. There is
and looks attractive and with the caption saying the females costume is modern and appealing. also not a house style as the colours on the front
“Terri Clark gets serious” the audience know she cover do not follow onto the contents which could
means business and her eyes are quite piercing show again the independence of each page which
and its like she wants you to follow her for you to could link to how there are only solo artists on the
get the story. It can lure you in. The relaxed look in cover and contents.
Trace’s image can contrast with the more serious
look on Terri and showcase the variety of stories
on offer this month all however about country
Bold writing is used for the numbers and the titles
music and where its going.
for each page which helps make it clear about what
The font is basic and clear which means its is going on in the magazine. Similarly having part of
accessible for the target audience. Similarly the the ‘contents’ on the main image and below it can
layout uses rule of thirds to again make the show a clean and funky style that can link to the
content accessible for the audience who want to teen audience and also how country music overall is
find the desired pages. One section to the rule of always developing and adopting new genres such as
thirds is the production values which shows who pop and urban into country.
has helped put together the magazine. It contains
the masthead of the magazine but its small which The cover story is labelled and has, like the other
could show that they have their brand identity cover lines a brief summary about what the page
but choose to be more modest as they are all consists of. Having the image can make it clear who
about the music and the audience. the cover story is about and therefore direct the
audience in the right direction which is very
beneficial and shows the magazine helping their
The layout and the copy are all quite brief and audience. The image may not be as big as Terri’s
simple which means that the bold images and however this could be so that there is something to
themes can take hold. And similarly that nothing suit all the audiences so Trace has the cover and
is given away, only a brief summary that excites then it changes as the magazine does on. Similarly it
the audience. The simplicity can also represent could be that Trace is so well known that he does
country music overall as its a genre that satisfies not need to have a large image to be known . Similar
all its fans though good honest music that speaks to the main image on the page Trace is smiling which
of real life themes that the audience can relate can link to the happiness and brightness connoted
too. by the white and the purple colours and country
The background to the main image seems to be music overall.
like an old house which can link to the country At the bottom of the page
genre that uses themes of being at home. The The mode of address for this contents page is quite informal and relaxed and its like in the tan coloured box
lighting seems also quite dark which could be they are talking direct to the audience which supports that music magazine fans and there is a number for
seen as negative however may have been used to magazines have a close relationship and also that country music is a friendly genre. customer service which can
present a romantic and pretty image and similarly Example include “hot shots”, The Buzz” and “who floats your boat”. There is formality show that the magazine
accentuate the make up of the cover star for the though with the rest of the copy which helps to add the serious tone that music care about their audiences
target audiences benefit. magazines desire to show the passion for music as well as the fun side. needs and requirements.
8. There is a large main image that has a medium shot of Trace, the cover star. He is not giving direct eye contact but its still powerful as his eyes are piercing across and
the reflection in the guitar captures the eye. This article is made up of questions from fans for Trace with answers by Trace so it could be that his eye contact is
looking out across to his fans in a concert or a room, it can create a personable image. The darkness of his outfit can create a cool image of him as he looks handsome
and trendy within his own style. The cowboy hat suits the country genre and him looking active can almost make you hear him playing the guitar. The image on the
front cover is different to the image on the double page spread as on the front it was a lighter image and on the double page spread is darker. This contrast can link
to revealing secrets as said on the front cover as its like we are seeing more to him more than we have ever seen which creates an exclusive and amazing article.
The stand first provides a brief
The way it says fan exclusive is appealing and is almost dissolved softly into the background which could perhaps show introduction to this very “personal
a soft side to this hero in country music in this dark but cool atmosphere. interview” that the COUNTRY
WEEKLY readers have done. It is in
green on the back background and it
There is a large white really stands out and complements
masthead that is bold. The with the green light background in
“No holds” is in a thinner the main image. After the stand first
font whilst the “barred” is there is also another kind of
in a thicker which can introduction to lead into the
emphasise the word barred interview.
which can be to do with the
fact that the fans can ask There is a caption for the image.
anything as there are no
rules which can impress the There is a supplementary image of
reader who love how they Trace and his wife which has been
can get to know their used because one of the fans asked a
heroes. There seems to be question about his “wife Rhonda” so is
no hierarchy-even though relevant .
they are stars there is still
time for the fans
The style of font has
smudges on which could
denote his maturity in
terms of him being in His costume in the supplementary
country music for so long image with his wife is also quite
as its like they are old but dark which can show his style and
the bright white can show again linking to this personal
that he isn’t stopping now interview give the fans more about
and by the content of the him and his persona. He looks
article its shows he is still happy with his wife and since a lot
creating music regardless of the fans asking the questions are
of how long he has been in The white font is continued throughout female it can support the core
the article with the green part being the There is a drop cap used which female audience who see him as a
music. creates a clear and smart start
questions and the white the answers gentleman.
making for a consistent style throughout to the article.
which is smooth for the audience.
9. Analysis of the written article
This article takes the form of a huge interview where fans have written to the magazine
with their questions. These are the die-hard fans who know all about “his records, his
videos, his TV appearances, his movies, his book and his background” but have the
opportunity to find out more. Handing over the interviewing to the reader can show
how they value their readers opinions and views so much so that they do an article for
them. It can show that, the country genre cares dearly about its fans and that country
artists do not put distance between them and their fans. There is an introduction that
gives a summary of Trace and how they, as a magazine had to cut down the questions
“to a manageable number” . The questions include asking about his music, what would
he want to witness “if you had a time machine?” and about his wife.
The mode of address for this article/ interview is quite informal as the questions are
from fans so are personal and creates the atmosphere of a large conversation.
Examples include “stuff” and “pretty cool”, “gettin’”. The informality can give the
feeling that we are there in the conversation and are really learning about the cover
star. The exclamation marks can also create the conversational atmosphere and add a
vibrant and cool atmosphere.
There is a paragraph that starts with a drop cap Y which splits into two wide columns
and then below are the questions and answers wrapped round the image which all help
to create a smart and smooth appearance which could even be a reflection of the artist
himself.
The headline is dramatic as it is, like a lot of what country stars say meaningful and
makes you think due to it being different. “No Holds Barred” is about there being no
rules which can again link to the informality where nothing is barred and all is relax and
similarly support how the magazine readers have the close bond not only with the
country stars but with the magazine too.
10. Target Audience
The target audience for COUNTRY WEEKLY has a majority of females due to the features on the music, country men, fashion and also lifestyle with also a male audience not
far behind the females who can still look at the male stars and aspire to be like them and also follow the incredible music and also the female country stars.
The target age group for COUNTRY WEEKLY is between 16-50 years old which is a really huge age difference however this is because the country genre spans many years
and is now moving rapidly into the future with artists rapping in country songs which is great! It means that the magazine have to ensure they satisfy their audience which they
do by including features on the newest country stars, articles, interviews and fashion features for the younger audience and articles and interviews for the older audience.
However being a music fan means that even if you are sixteen by reading about the older country stars can help you understand the new style of country further as its all about
the roots and birth of the genre. Similarly the older audience can keep on top with what new is going on and experience the changing genre. This rough graph can showcase
how the 16-24 year old readers are the core audience (including the females) with the different age groups leading up to fifty decreasing but still remaining strong. Looking at
the audience can help ensure the magazine suit ALL their target audience‘s needs.
16-24 year olds 24-35 year olds 35-43 year olds 43-50 years old
The social class for the COUNTRY WEEKLY reader is represented by a blue coat worker which is the equivalent of the British working class. Originally the magazine cost £3.49
but then to boost sales they reduced to £2.49 and in modern times its only a dollar compared to another country magazine (People Country). The £3.49 price could perhaps
represent the price the skilled working class such as plumbers, electricians etc would pay for their country fix and then through economic times the price has come down to benefi
and allow access for more people to country music. This can show how country music is a big part to peoples lives and they want to share it all. The final change to a dollar can
show again economic times biting but also that the magazine is more accessible to those who are perhaps the semi-skilled working class. Similarly the magazine is quite small and
the paper is quite thin and of not great quality however the audience are so dedicated and are lured in by the price that they do not really mind and just enjoy having all the news
and souvenirs that COUNTRY WEEKLY offers.
11. Methods used to attract the audience
The reference to the slash in price can
The way they use personal
perhaps show the magazine helping their
pronouns such as “you vote” can
audience as they did not have to show
attract the audience who feel
this as they could have just changed the
special , important and like they
price but they have used it to make it
are in control.
clear that they are about the music and
the audience.
The large and supplementary
The bold and variety of colours in in the images are all of males which helps
fonts and images can catch the readers support that the core audience are
attention and set the tone for what females.
seems to be an exciting magazine due
to the happy and friendly colours. The language about “stars”, “inside
stories”, “hottest "and “sexiest”
The older country star on the cover can can also help draw the reader in
support that there is an older audience who who are intrigued by what they will
will know the artist but similarly there are be getting this week which is
younger country stars which could be for the exciting for them.
teen audience so creates an attractive balance.
The notepad linking to the
The words “free!” with the exclamation “school” story can stand out as it
mark shouts at the audience and can grab is an unusual feature that will
the audiences attention who think they are catch the readers eye.
getting more than what they are getting
already which is amazing. There are also
capital letters which also shout at the
audience and catch their eye.
