1. The denotation of this magazine is the National Music Express, and it is a weekly British magazine that is
largely associated with rock, alternative and indie music.
The target audience is men aged 17-30 who are middle or working class. I can tell this as the fonts used
are quite bulky and bold, and don’t appear to be very sophisticated. This implies that the magazine isn't
aimed at older or upper class men as. I can also tell that the magazine is aimed toward this age range
because Dizzee Rascal fits into this age range, and so he would have been chosen for the main image as he
would be more relatable. NME is aimed towards rock, alternative, and indie fans, which you can tell from the
coverlines and the images.
The masthead clearly stands out as it is in a huge bold font. It would be the same style for every issue, so
that it become clearly recognisable for the target audience. The capitals create emphasis and make it seem
more important to the audience. As the magazine is branded, the masthead can still be noticeable and eye-catching
when behind the main image, which is what’s happening on this cover.
The main coverline is written in a very bold font, making it stand out a lot. Again the use of capitals make it
seem very important and exciting. As it relates to the main image, it is clear that this is the main image in the
magazine. The main coverline will appeal to the target audience as it is about a very well known artist, and
so the audience will want to read about him.
The coverlines are a lot smaller than the main sell line, however they are still emphasised as the title is
written in a large bold font, and is in capitals, implying that even though it isn't the main article, it’s still worth
the read.
The main image is a shot of Dizzee Rascal, who is a well known R&B artist. It is obvious that it is his as the
image clearly relates to the main coverline. This image would appeal to the target audience as fans of this
genre are included in the target audience.
The header gives the audience extra information and tells them about tours that the target audience will be
interested in because of the genre.
The footer gives even more information about the artists included. Fans of these artists will be included in
the target audience.
The puff makes information that will attract the target audience - news about a popular band reunion - stand
out more, making it more noticeable and eye-catching.
The issue number is included as it makes it easier for the audience to organise if they collect the magazine.
The price is written in a small font as the magazine isn't free, and so it isn't one of the main selling points.
The barcode is included for legal obligations.
The colour scheme includes mainly red, black and white. The colour red has connotations of aggression,
which implies that this colour was used to target men, as men are stereotypically more aggressive than
women. Black and white will have been used as they are neutral colours.
The Rule of Thirds has been applied on this magazine cover. Important features such as Dizzee Rascal’s
face and the main coverline are both located where the lines would intersect, which makes them more
noticeable. The masthead and the main coverline are located in the left third which means that when the
magazine is stacked on a shelf, these features will still visible, thus still being appealing to the target
audience.
The mode of address is quite informal, due to the colloquial language used. For example, words such as
‘man’ and ‘wowee’ make it seem friendly, thus making it more welcoming.
The overall impression of this magazine is very busy, which makes it look as though it is full of information
which the target audience will be interested in. I also get the impression that this magazine is very exciting
due to Dizzee Rascal’s facial expression and the use of exclamation marks.
2. Header
Masthead
Puff
Main coverline
Quotation
Footer
Main image
Coverlines
Date
Issue number
Price
Barcode
