Codes and conventions front cover

1. Codes and Conventions
Front cover
I have researched and analysed a number of regional magazines to find common
conventions. Below are the common conventions for regional magazine front
covers.
- Bold masthead, represents ideology of the magazine.
- Date or issue number.
- Main image, introduces genre of magazine.
- Colour scheme bold, stands out and is easily seen.
- Occasional barcode or price listed.

2. Masthead Bold black font, stands out, easily
identifiable to target audience.
Sell Line Multiple topics written, can attract all
types of audiences, widens the target audience.
Main Image Two young adults links with target
audience, makes it relatable.
Uses and Gratification theory Personal
relationship, audience can relate to image or
location.
Long shot
Male gaze women may be used to attract a male
audience as she is attractive.
Mode of address Clean layout, neutral colour
theme, classy- individuals may buy to become
‘classier’.
Issue number shows target audience magazine
is established, element of trust.
No direct mode of address goes against usual
conventions
Semiotics suggest this magazine is for those
with a busy lifestyle.

3. Target Audience for Cambridge
• Working class- classy style magazine
• Busy lifestyle- text easy to read, doesn’t require direct mode of
address from models to feel the need to buy the magazine
• Males and Females as colour scheme and photographs aimed at
both genders
• Interested in fashion/cars- few of the subjects in the sell line
• Masthead in a masculine font, text below in more feminine font

4. Masthead Bold black feminine font, stands out,
easily identifiable to target audience.
Sell Line A guide for small gatherings- attracts
audience.
Main Image Women with tattoos makes
magazine modern.
Uses and Gratification theory Personal
relationship, audience can relate to image.
Medium shot
Male gaze is not used in this magazine as the
woman isn’t sexualised.
Mode of address Clean layout, neutral colour
theme, classy, high class.
Volume number shows target audience
magazine is established, element of trust.
No direct mode of address goes against usual
conventions.
Semiotics suggest this magazine is for those
with a calm chilled lifestyle.

5. Target Audience for Kinfolk
• Target audience likely to be high class.
• Neutral colour theme.
• Uses and Grats- easy layout.
• No Direct mode of address may also make the audience feel as if
they can hide behind the book to find who they are, the magazine
gives them a sense of identity.
• Female focus group.

6. Masthead Bold white feminine font, stands out,
easily identifiable to target audience.
Sell Line Hard to read lost in background.
Main Image Women using direct mode of
address- personal relationship.
Uses and Gratification theory Personal
relationship, audience can relate to image.
Close up
Male gaze is not used in this magazine as the
woman isn’t sexualised.
Mode of address Feminine colour theme and
subjects.
Date shows target audience magazine is
established, element of trust.
Semiotics suggest this magazine is for those
with an extravagant lifestyle.
No text near woman's head- emphasis on
photography.

7. Target Audience for Absolute
• Target audience likely to be working class.
• Feminine text, layout and colour theme- aimed for women.
• Direct mode of address- attracts males.
• Audience interested in days out.
• Female focus group

8. Masthead Bold white masculine font, stands out,
easily identifiable to target audience.
No Sell Line
Main Image Women with tattoos makes
magazine modern.
Uses and Gratification theory Audience may
have an interest in nature.
Medium shot
Mode of address Nature theme, depth of field
used.
Obstinate theory (Zimmerman and Bauer)
Audience may recognise Tony Hadley.
Price, email and date listed shows target
audience magazine is established, element of
trust.
Semiotics suggest this magazine is for those
with a calm chilled lifestyle.

9. Target Audience for Suffolk
• Mature middle aged target audience.
• Interest in nature/animals.
• Direct mode of address from the deer and Tony Hadley- personal
connection.
• Male focus group and target audience.

10. Masthead Goes against usual conventions- not
in capitals or bold, doesn’t stand out.
Sell Line Luxury magazine- encourages sales,
widens audience.
Main Image Classy woman, advertising clothing,
magazine focuses on this model.
Uses and Gratification theory Personal
relationship, audience can relate to image or
location.
Mid shot
Male gaze women may be used to attract a male
audience as she is attractive, although she is not
sexualised.
Mode of address Sophisticated colour theme
and layout.
Date shows target audience magazine is
established, element of trust.
No direct mode of address goes against usual
conventions.
Semiotics suggest this magazine is for those
with an extravagant lifestyle.

11. Target Audience for Cheshire
Resident
• Focus group and target audience women.
• Interest in fashion.
• High/middle class.
• Classy/ expensive taste.

12. Masthead Bold green no caps font, stands out,
easily identifiable to target audience,
boring/simple text.
Main Image Image of location- personal
relationship (uses and grats)
Long shot
Mode of address Environmental theme, natural
colour theme- nature based.
Date of magazine shows target audience
magazine is established, element of trust.
No direct mode of address goes against usual
conventions
Semiotics suggest this magazine is for those
with a calm lifestyle, maybe those who have
retired or have time for days out.

13. Target Audience for Yorkshire
• Focus group and target audience male.
• Interest in nature and adventures out.
• Local reader.
• Country theme- so audience most likely have knowledge in this
area.

14. Masthead Font stands out
Sell Line Your San Francisco Connection-
personal connection.
Main Image Well known sports man- widens
audience.
Uses and Gratification theory Personal
relationship, audience want to read magazine
because of who starts in it.
Mid shot
Composition Simple and easy to read.
Season listed shows target audience magazine
is established, element of trust.
No direct mode of address goes against usual
conventions
Semiotics suggest this magazine is for those
interested in sports.
Obstinate theory (Zimmerman and Bauer)
Audience may recognise Dave Righetti

15. Target Audience for San Francisco
local
• Focus group and target audience older males.
• Interest in sports and sports men.
• May have an interest in the stars shown in the magazine.
• May be a weekly reader.