Von Aerol Soberano Villanueva

1. Magazine Analysis
By Von Aerol Soberano Villanueva

2. The use of a weblink informs thee consumer
where they can go for additional information on
the magazine as well as the soap operas that are
featured. I can apply this to my own magazine so
the audience is aware that the magazine has an
online presence. This will specifically appeal to the
young demographic as they are more likely to
consume the magazine on their smart
phones/computers. This is a more convenient
method for the audience as this is a way of “going
straight to the audience via the web” (Plunkett).
The mast head is found on a white background with a combination of black and green
text. The text ‘soap digest’ is illustrated in a vibrant green colour which clearly stands out
and immediately attracts the consumer to inform them of the brand of magazine. I can
apply this to my magazine by making sure the mast head is emphasized through the
careful choosing of colours.
Blumler’s theory can be applied here as
the use of ‘PLUS’ attracts the consumer,
suggesting that there is additional
information on a soap within the
magazine. This may encourage the
audience to purchase the magazine.
The barcode and price is placed in the
bottom of the page to avoid distracting the
consumer from the other features found
on the page.
There aren’t many cover lines used in this
magazine, instead, the magazine attracts
the audience through the use of star appeal
(Richard Dyer) which will help promote and
sell the media product. Through the use of
male models, the magazine influences the
‘female gaze’ (Diana Saco) and will be
appealing to female consumers. In addition,
female stars are also presented in magazine
which attracts the ‘male gaze’ (Laura
Mulvey) and therefore will appeal to male
consumers.
A yellow background has been used as a
foundation for the whole page. The yellow colour
is not a dominant colour which allows the other
colours and features of the page to catch the
audience’s attention. For example the red and
black text of the headline contrasts well against
the yellow background.
There is a ‘repeated’ (Steve Neale) use of
squares as the structure for the magazine
front cover. The square shape creates a
sense of professionalism as the page
looks organized. I can apply this to my
own magazine by consistently using
similar shapes to portray my magazine as
an established media product.
The headline has been presented as a
rhetorical question. This makes it
more enticing as it is different
compared to the generic statement
from other established magazines. It
has been presented in a red text
which is a very dominant colour which
causes the audience to divert their
gaze on the headline. The question of
‘Who’s Leaving’ represents Levi
Strauss’ binary opposition theory of
the ‘male versus female’ as it denotes
that one of the stars is being fired.

3. Different font styles have been used for the cover lines to emphasise the contrast between them.
This makes it much clearer for the consumer to read the text. In addition, instead of conforming to
one font style, two styles have been used which makes the magazine more appealing.
The mast head is very simple and has not
been edited to stand out more. This is
effective as it avoids taking the attention
away from the main image and headline
which is what the magazine is promoting.
However a dominant colour has been used
which means the red text naturally screams
its presence by contrasting against the
white background.
The date of when the
magazine was issued has
been included to inform the
consumer of whether it is the
most recent magazine..
The price has been included in a black text
to allow it to stand out against the white
background. However it has been
displayed in a small sized font so the cost-
effective nature of the magazine will not
encourage the consumer to purchase it,
instead the magazine hopes to promote
the main image as well as the cover lines
which is what ‘InsideSoap’ wants the
consumers to be attracted to.
The consistent use of the colour red has
been ‘repeated’ (Steve Neale)
throughout the magazine to avoid
clashing with the other colours. The
limited use of the colours and repeated
use of the red makes the magazine seem
more professional and organised which
may appeal to the audience.
The strapline denotes that the magazine
will contain different stories of different
soaps every week. This is like a promise
made between the magazine and the
audience and is an example of Blumler’s
theory as it attracts the consumer and
encourages them to purchase the
magazine.
A one word headline has been used with
a big font and an exclamation point on
the end. The word ‘DOOMED!’ entices
the consumer as it is simplistic but
effective as it gives a dramatic event
because of its connotation which suggest
that someone is fated for something
negative.
Several cover lines has been included in the magazine with limited text or
description as a way to interest the consumer and specifically likeable to
the younger audiences as too much text would be unappealing to them.
By incorporating different shapes for
the cover lines, the page is less
simplistic and less structured. This
makes the overall page more
attractive.