Codes and conventions of a magazine listing

1. CODES AND CONVENTIONS OF A
MAGAZINE LISTINGS ARTICLE
With analysis of two examples

2. OUR MAGAZINE ARTICLE
• Before we actually start creating the magazine article we need to look
closely at other professional articles to make sure we include the key
codes and conventions.
• Although I am writing the copy of the article, it is important to look at
the physical layout too to make sure that it replicates a real product.
• I will look two articles from the Radio Times, which is where we would
imagine our article to appear in as well

3. This is the heading and title
of the article and acts as an
enigma code as we wonder
who the statement is about
– is it about the woman in
the main image? This is the
biggest and boldest text on
the double page spread.
The body/copy of
the text Is the written
part of the article
which is place on the
left hand side.
A drop cap is a very
common convention of a
magazine article and it
signifies the start of the
article.
There are other
images in the article
apart from the main
image to show what
else is in the
programme.
Although, a page number may not seem significant it is
an important convention of an article to signify it is part
of a professional magazine.
The main image on is located
on the right hand side of the
double page spread with the
image also overlapping on the
left hand side of the page and
the writing going around her
shoulder to show that the two
are connected/.
There is a caption of the
image provided to
explain clearly to the
reader the connection
between the image and
article.
The sub-heading or a stand first is a great way to
give the reader a short snapshot of the
programme and also what the article is about. It
should be the second biggest font size after the
main heading
The font size of the
body/copy is quite small
but includes a wide range
of information for the
reader. It is normally in
three columns for a
magazine article.
This writing here is
important information for
the reader about where
the programme is being
broadcasted and when.
This is pull quote
and usually provides
the most interesting
comment made
about the
programme.

4. This is information
about other
programme’s and does
not directly link in with
the main article but
shows what else is
popular. I don’t think
we will do this but just
focus, like the previous
one, on one
programme.
There is a consistence
colour scheme of
black, white and red
which seems
conventionally for the
‘behind the scenes’
section of the radio
times. I think we will
have a three colour
scheme too.
The top half of the
article layout is
occupied by images
whilst the bottom
half has the copy of
the article. I prefer
the style of the
previous article,
though.
This article uses two headings to give the
reader the impression that they are getting
exclusive access to information. “Being the” is
written in a red font and smaller size to
distinguish it from the other writing
Again, the stand
first is used to give
the reader a small
insight into the
article and it is
followed in smaller
but bolder text by
airing information
for the episode of
the programme.
Again, there is a
description of
how the image
links in with the
article/programm
e. The font
colour is in white
to make it clear
and visible for the
reader. So, we
need to make
sure we consider
font colours too.
The body/copy of the article is in a diary form from the
point of the view of the protagonist of the documentary.
As out documentary is not based on one person I will not
write like this but follow how the previous article was
The clock graphic is an
interesting and unconventional
aspect of a magazine and makes
it a different. However, I think we
should stick to normal codes and
conventions.

5. CODES AND CONVENTIONS
1. Main Image – you will usually find a large main image on a double page spread. It usually summaries what the main
message of the article or can be quite ambiguous in its meaning to intrigue the reader.
2. Masthead/heading – this is important to introduce the article and keep a consistent house style for the article.
3. Subheading – this gives the reader a short but informative summary of the contents of what the article discusses.
4. Main article – this is the written contents which is usually split into three different columns. An image or pull quote
can be used between sections of the copy.
5. Colour scheme – there is usually two or three colours for the colour scheme to keep things simple as it is for an
older audience rather than a younger audience so bright colours are not really used.
6. Captions – captions are another way of providing information to the reader with the image
7. Pull quote – this is used to provide the audience with an interesting or ambiguous quote
8. Website link/name of magazine – at the bottom in small writing these two features are usually present
9. Secondary image– other images are used to show that there is a variety of scenes in the show.
10. Drop cap – this anchors the start of the article

6. WHAT HAVE I LEARNT?
• The Radio Times does not challenge conventional codes of magazine articles and is therefore
has a very simple, but traditional, layout.
• We need to make sure our article follows these codes and conventions especially the
following:
• Having one main and large image along with other small images
• A subheading/stand first which uses captivating language
• A main heading/masthead which is not boring i.e. it could be a pun about video games
• At the bottom of the page we need to include page numbers and ‘Radio Times’
• The use of consistent colour scheme throughout with simple colours
• At the end of the article, credits for the article writer/producer.
• We need to include a font that is not fancy but clear and simple to read for the copy.
• Give clear information about when the documentary is going to be aired – exactly when, i.e. the exact
time and date with which channel.