The document analyzes the contents pages of several regional magazines. It finds that they commonly use conventions such as: 1) Including subheadings to categorize articles by topic and make navigation easier. 2) Using a variety of images to entice readers about the magazine's content. 3) Employing sans-serif fonts and plain backgrounds to improve readability of text. 4) Providing page numbers, descriptions, and links between images and articles to allow readers to easily find and navigate to specific content.

1. CODES AND
CONVENTIONS
REGIONAL MAGAZINE CONTENTS PAGES

2. At least 154 pages
Month of issue – keeps reader
updated and in order = uses &
grats.
Long list of easy to navigate elements –
fulfils cognitive needs.
Page numbers clearly stated, allowing
reader to easily navigate around the
magazine, this is a common convention I’ve
found with a lot of magazines.
Variety of images used to show an array
of articles = fulfils cognitive needs.
All pictures are based on completely
different things, suggesting that it’s a
versatile magazine that can cater for
everyone.
The Cheshire magazine
Different fonts used on each description, separates text and
implies importance of each bit. Very conventional within the
contents pages I’ve looked at and I will do something similar
with my magazine.
‘Contents’ significantly larger than the
other text on the page, makes it clear to
the reader what page it is. Cognitive
needs
Black, white and grey colour scheme
– simple and stops the page from
looking messy & cluttered.
Brief descriptions make the
audience want to find out more –
Enigmas = Barthes
Clear layout means easy findings for
individual wants and needs

3. Absolute Brighton Magazine
Image challenges usual conventions by
having one long image instead of
multiple images to show the reader the
variety of what’s in the magazines
However because of this unconventional
layout it is more eye catching.
Headings are brief and neat – makes it
very easy for the reader to navigate
around the magazine. Fulfils cognitive
needs.
Doesn’t have a description under each
heading, which is quite unconventional. –
Suggests young audience because of low
attention span, (also a hegemonic
representation of youth as being willing to go
against the norm due to unconventional layout)
Heavily edited image.
Titles are in capital sans serif font –
emphasises the modern minimalism
of the magazine.
Small logo at the bottom of the page, unconventional as it’s
usually large and at the top. This is repeated on each page –
which creates brand awareness.
Credits take up a third of the page which is quite
unusual compared to other magazines I’ve
researched.
Reference to social media, suggests younger
audience because of online interaction – fulfils
audience’s informative needs.Language choice: ‘fizz’, ‘beats’, ‘boho’ –
words assosciated with a younger target
audience, creates a relationship with
audience (uses & grats) as communicates in
language that they use. (Preferred reading
– Reception theory, Hall)

4. The Kensington and Chelsea magazine
Unconventional layout with long images,
and hardly any pages featured.
However it is very neat, and
easy for the reader to navigate.
– Cognitive needs.
At least 90 pages.
Emphasizes the fact it’s a regional
magazine and also informs readers
where the magazine can be
purchased from.
Font colour theme is black and
white – could be boring in some
contents pages but looks
sophisticated in this one.
Focuses more on aesthetic
features than being
informative to the reader.
No sub headings used
Simple and minimalistic
approaches used.
Page numbers placed on images
to link them to the text, contrasting
colours used to make the numbers
easy to read.
Direct mode of address,
conventional, creates
relationship with audience =
uses & grats
Short description entices and informs reader –
uses & grats

5. VIVA Manchester
Direct mode of address, creates relationship with reader
(Uses & grats) - conventional
Large text draws attention and
alleviates importance.
Plain, undetailed background keeps focus on text
and images.
List of what’s included = wide range of
cognitive needs.
Different coloured headings to make it easier for the reader
to navigate – cognitive needs
Eye catching images contrasts to
plain text, and draws attention to the
images.
Numbered for easy access of
finding fulfillment of needs, very
conventional

6. The Bristol Magazine
White background helps the text
and images to stand out.
Small insights into what’s in the
magazine – makes the readers want to
read on (Enigma – Barthes)
Numbers placed next to the text so it’s
easy for the reader to navigate around the
magazine
Large numbers placed on the pictures to
link them with the articles
Columns used to help create
order and makes it easier to
read.
Large images – very eye catching. All
based on different things, shows variety
which is a very common convention I’ve
found within the magazines I’ve
researched.
Long list of easy to navigate
elements – fulfils cognitive
needs.
Multiple fonts used, very common
convention which I will use in my
magazine.
At least 92 pages Info about cover placed in the corner

7. COMMON CONVENTIONS OF THE CONTENTS PAGES I’VE LOOKED AT
• Sub headings usually include features such as ‘food and drink’, ‘features’, ‘regulars’ and ‘homes and
interiors’. I will consider including these in my contents page.
• Variety of images used to entice and inform the reader, using both close ups and long shots.
• Sans – serif font used to make the text easy to read.
• Plain background attracts attention to images and text on the page.
• Page numbers and small descriptions used to allow the reader to easily find the things they want
and navigate around the magazine quicker.
• Bolder, larger title positioned at the top to signify the contents page or producer of the magazine.
• Sub headings are bolder and larger than short descriptions