This document analyzes the layout and design of TV listings magazine spreads. It discusses how the spreads use images, text, formatting and color schemes to attract readers and convey information about television shows. Key techniques included are using recognizable celebrity names and photos, descriptive titles, pull quotes, drop caps and columnar text for easy reading. Color schemes and sad or dramatic images are chosen to set certain moods for different stories. The spreads examine soap opera or drama plotlines in an engaging way without revealing full episodes.

1. TV Listings – Textual Analysis

2. Double page spread

3. First page of spread:
Celebrity name is
meant to be
recognisable
Colour scheme
indicates audience
Main title of
page
Stand first – engages
the reader to article
Dynamic section
combines graphics and
textual content
Page number and name of magazine
Former
association
with the
celebrity
Entices the reader
towards the rest of
article
Article written in
columns, easy to
read, creates
audience interest
Makes TV magazine
logo stand out to
enhance reputation

4. Second Page:
Entire second
page used to
depict celebrity
Mise-en-scene of
image depicts
audience
intrinsically
Central portrayal to
represent celebrity
as positive
States who the
photo was taken
by
Image dominates
page entirely,
represents
audience for article
Name shown in
large lights to
attract audience
Positive quote
from the article

5. Analysis of other spreads

6. In the top left hand corner, the words
“Inside Scoop” inform the reader that the
information is exclusive and is an indicator
that it is a spoiler into what is happening
in the soap. The main image is one which
will entice the reader, as it is of two of the
characters kissing, which is clearly shown
as a key moment in this weeks episodes.
There is also the insert of two smaller
images in the left hand corner, which will
show other smaller alternative stories that
will be taking place on the soap.
The title is in bold, easy to read letters which means that those flicking through the magazine will
identify the storyline and will quickly know whether or not they would like to continue reading.
Following this, there is the article, which starts with a drop capital which are the large capital letters
at the beginning of the first paragraph. They usually drop into text below the first line and are used
as a technique which engages and catches the readers attention. There is also an interesting pull
quote which will attract the readers attention and hopefully entice them to read the entire article. The
text here follows the colour scheme used for the background of the drop capital and the “inside
scoop” banner in the top left corner, this creates a house style which enables the reader to focus on
the writing, rather than the mix of colours presented. Despite this, there has been the use of a red
arrow in the bottom right corner, contrasting to the colours used throughout the rest of the magazine,
and I can suggest that this would attract the reader to this section and highlight its significance and
importance, with red having the connotations of danger. There is an added section at the right side
of the magazine which is a rhetorical question, and this causes the reader to think. This is followed
by an image and then describing text, so although focused on the main storyline, it recognises that
this may not interest everyone.

7. The magazine has used enticing images to
attract the reader to stay on this page and
find out more. The images show women in
power, and men looking cowardly which
goes against the stereotype. Through the
use of images you can tell that this is an
important storyline in the soap and therefore
the creators of the magazine are eager to
ensure they provide the best possible
coverage without giving away the entire
episode, through the images predominantly.
Like on the magazine previous, this double page spread follows the colour scheme of the
magazine. This again has the Inside Scoop written in the top left hand corner, which shows
the magazine specialises in bringing accurate, but effective spoilers for the week in soaps.
This double page spread is set out differently, with the text separating the image. The two
characters who look in conflict are featured on the left page and this dominates the focus,
with the text in between the right hand side image, showing two characters looking saddened
by what they are witnessing, and this gives the perspective that they are onlookers onto the
drama that is taking place. Similar to the other double page spread there are inserts of action
with small captions, this is again to show the other storylines which are going on at the same
time. The double page spread follows the convention of the drop capital, again this is to draw
the readers attention, but fails to have a pull quote, due to the text on the page being short
and concise anyway. The title is positioned on the left image, and I think this is used to
increase the importance of the picture. The title relates to this photo, so this is helpful to know
what the storyline is suggesting.

8. This double page spread has a different
feel, as the colours are considered cold
colours. This instantly provides an
atmosphere surrounding death, injury or a
tragic storyline. The images are also
predominantly blue, again creating a sad
effect. This will encourage readers to
continue reading the article so they can
empathise with the storyline. The double
page spread again follows the typical
convention of a drop capital, which will
draw attention to the beginning of the
article.
This double page spread has used a pull quote and this will be a good way to find out
relevant information, and will be used as a decider to read the entire article. The
images that are inserted have been used to show the build up to what will be the
‘tragedy’. The main image dominates the left side of the magazine, with the right hand
side consisting majorly of text, which is a technique used just to simplify the double
page spread as with the use of bright colours or a large collection of images would take
away from the intended effect and would create a sense of clutter, and is associated
with a more positive storyline. There are no bright colours featured even in the
photographs, and this further connotes the atmosphere the magazine producer is trying
to create. I like the style of this double page spread as I believe it fits with what is trying
to be shown through both the images and the text.