codes and conventions

1. Regional Magazine
Codes and Conventions
Danielle Todd

2. Masthead
The mastheads are all a clean white to contrast the image on the front
cover, they are of a clear bold font that is not either feminine or
masculine due to the unspecific gender target. All include the name of
the region but are short and only consist of two words maximum to be
straight to the point.

3. Main image
Main images on the front cover of regional magazines are often of
water (a lake or river) amongst greenery quite often with a building in
the centre. Others have included a close up shot of wildlife. When
looking on a shelf full of magazines, a beautiful image of nature will
stand out.

4. Secondary images
The second image on the front page all give a small insight into what
will feature inside the magazine, usually the most interesting feature in
order to make the potential customer to buy the magazine and
therefore read the inside. If the potential customer does not like the
main image then the second image may appeal to them instead

5. Plug
Plugs are often a competition that acts as an incentive for the reader to
buy the magazine and enter, I have found that the contests are usually
aimed at females with prizes such as designer handbags, shopping trips
and makeovers but can be for both genders. The plug is always in a
colour that contrasts with the background so that the attention is
drawn to it but still goes with house colours

6. Barcode
The barcode allows the magazine to actually be purchased and will
show the price of the magazine unless it is placed elsewhere on the
front cover. The barcode is situated in the corner at the bottom of the
front cover so that it doesn’t take up more space than necessary that
could be used for something more interesting but is still easily
accessible

7. Tag
Special, enthusiastic word or phrase such as ‘exclusive’ that sets the
magazine a part from others by engaging the readers interest, with
regional magazines having less competition than other genres because
potential customers tend to buy the magazine for their own region
rather than any other, this feature is used less often than others