The contents page of Time Out London magazine uses various techniques to target a young audience. The title "The Hot List" uses colloquial language to entice readers, while images of tattoos, celebrities, and events imply topics of interest. A large primary image of tattoo art and secondary images of Kate Moss and political venues visually represent the magazine's content. The date, editor's note, and features/regulars sections inform readers about the issue's distribution and content. Throughout, colors and layout conform to Time Out's house style for brand recognition. Various interactive options allow social engagement with the magazine's content online and offline.

1. A Textual Analysis of a Regional Magazine Contents Page- Time Out London
Title of Contents- The use of the phrase ‘The Hot List’ is
colloquial language and has been used to describe a contents
page. This connotes that the target audience are primarily
young, as this is stereotypical language that would be used by
them within society. The word ‘hot’ possesses connotations of
providing the latest and most exciting and interesting
information available to a mass audience of young people. The
use of this phrase allows audiences to identify (U+G) what the
contents of this issue would include. The placement of the layer
is positioned in the top left, which is stereotypical of contents
pages. Moreover, the colour scheme is intertextual to the
house style of Time Out; red, white and black. The title has
incorporated two of these colours which allows the target
audience to further identify (U+G) the house style.
Date- This information informs (U+G)
the target audience of when the issue
is distributed. It is assumed that
because a specific date has been
stated, with a day, month and year,
that Time Out is a magazine that is
distributed on a weekly basis. The
colour of the typography of the date
is conforming to the house style of
Time Out, whilst the layer placement
is stereotypical of a regional magazine
contents page; within the first third of
the page (rule of thirds).
Caption- These are used to
inform (U+G) the target audience
of where the information, topic
or article can be found in
reference to the order of the
magazine. They include the page
number, making it easier for the
target audience to consume the
media product.
Secondary Images- These are
visual aids for the target
audience, allowing them to
identify (U+G) the current topics
that will be included in this issue
of the magazine. The image of 10
Downing Street connotes that
there is an element of political
importance and interest.
Editors’ Note- This is an important
convention of contents pages. It
allows the target audience to have a
‘sneak peak’ of the magazine, and the
overall atmosphere of Time Out. It is a
piece of institutional information that
is an introduction to the magazine, an
almost ‘personal note’ for the target
audience to be able to identify (U+G)
with the magazine.
Features and Regulars- These are
conventions of contents page. They
are a way for the target audience to
identify (U+G) the different topics
that Time Out offer. The layout is
clear and concise, making it easier for
the target audience to read and
consume the information. The
placement of the text is stereotypical
of contents pages; they are presented
through columns. In addition, the
colour of the features and regulars
conform to Time Out’s house style;
black, red and white. The page
numbers make it easier for the target
audience to identify (U+G) the pages.
Primary Image- This image of the body art is clearly the
primary image. This can be identified (U+G) by the size of
the image. In reference to the other images on this
contents page, the tattoo is visually the biggest. The use
of colours within this image also reflects the importance
of it being the biggest. As the target audience are
primarily classified as young within society, this is a
stereotypical topic that they would fine interesting.
Tattoo art is a means of expression, and this is another
stereotype of the young generation within society. The
placement of the image connotes its dominance; it is at
the top of the visual hierarchy. The use of the number
one also connotes its importance within the placement.
Whether this was purposeful or not, the use of the
number one being in a larger typography size further
emphasises its importance.
Social Interactivity OptionsTarget audience can socially
interact (U+G) with the magazine.
Logo- This logo is a
piece of institutional
information. It is a
visual aid for the
target
audience,
allowing them to
identify (U+G) the
brand of Time Out. It
is important for the
target audience to be
able
to
connect
different institutional
information with the
brand of Time Out.
Copyright Information- This
information is crucial when
distributing
magazines.
Although the target audience
will not take much notice, for
copyright issues, it is vital that
it is provided. Stereotypically,
the copyright issues are
positioned in the bottom third
of the page (rule of thirds).
Time Out have conformed to
this convention. Copyright is
the
most
important
institutional information.
Website- Time Out
are
using
convergent
technology as a
means to promote
and market their
magazine.
The
target audience will
be able to access
more information
online,
allowing
them to be further
informed (U+G) of
Time Out’s content.

2. This textual analysis will be based upon the Time Out London front cover I have annotated. I decided to use Time Out
London because not only does it target a younger audience, analysing different regional magazines will allow me to
develop my knowledge and understanding of the diversification within the regional magazine industry, and the
different types of audiences they target.
Time Out have challenged the conventions of a contents page. Firstly, the title is ‘The Hot List’. This is a form of
colloquial language that would be used stereotypically to entice a young target audience. ‘The Hot List’ implies that all
the information that is presented to the target audience is relevant, up to date and the high topic of discussion. The
use of language is an indicator as to who Time Out’s target audience is; the younger generation. Not only is this
identified (uses and gratification) through the language, but the images used also inform (uses and gratification) the
target audience of the topics that will be included in the magazine. They centre around topics such as tattoo art,
celebrities and places to dine; topics that are stereotypically associated with a young target audience. Moreover, the
placement of ‘The Hot List’ is positioned in the top left hand corner, a generic convention of contents pages. This
allows the target audience to identify (uses and gratification) what pages this is. The placement of this layer allows
the target audience to read the page in a chronological order; their eyes follow from ‘The Hot List’ to the images and
then to the ‘Features and Regulars’, allowing the information to be instantly injected into the target audience
(hypodermic needle). The colours used are conventional to the brand of Time Out, and follow their house style. The
colours are red and white. These colours complement each other in terms of the typography being clearly visible to
the target audience. The use of red and white further emphasises the house style and the target audience are able to
identify (uses and gratification) through colour, placement and typography.
The primary image can be clearly identified (uses and gratification). Not only is it the largest in terms of size, but the
placement of it is at the top of the page, connoting its importance. The use of colour is important because it is visually
attracting. As the target audience are primarily young, this topic will stereotypically be of interest to them because it
is a way of expressing themselves. I found that when I looked at this page, my eyes were instantly drawn to this
photograph. The vivid colours of the colour spectrum are evident throughout the image and it is visually appealing to
look at. This image is representing London Tattoo Convention, a regional event. This further emphasises the concept
of a regional magazine because it is advertising and informing (uses and gratification) the target audience of an event
in London. The numbers are also effective in terms of placement. Whether purposeful or not, Time Out have used a
clever visual tool by using the number one. This creates the effect that this image is the most dominant on the page,
therefore ‘number one’ and has been placed in the first third of the shot of the page (rule of thirds).
The secondary images are also conventions of a contents page. The placement of them in reference to the layout of
the page is clear and concise. They are placed out clearly so it is clear for the target audience to identify (uses and
gratification) a range of topics. The image of Kate Moss has been cut out to fit the page. This creates a sense of
quirkiness and originality. The colours used in the secondary images range from dark greys and blacks to vivid blues
and reds. It is important that when targeting a young audience, there is a range of colours to be able to attract their
attention to the page. Additionally, the images of Kate Moss and the actresses from Downtown Abbey allow target
audiences to be able to identify (uses and gratification) with them, perhaps aspiring to be them. Dyer’s star theory
states that audience members are more likely to consume and be attracted towards a media product if there is an
element of a celebrity/star included. This is an excellent marketing strategy because young audiences are more
interested and attracted to celebrities, and want to be informed (uses and gratification) on any information that
relates to them. The image of 10 Downing Street was of particular interest to me because my own personal article is
centred on the topics of politics and education. I found it interesting that it was included in Time Out. This connotes
that the topic of politics, or references to politics is a feature that can be in a regional magazine.
The date informs (uses and gratification) the target audience of when the issue is distributed. It is assumed that
because a specific date has been stated, that Time Out is a magazine that is distributed on a weekly basis. The colour
of the typography of the date is conforming to the house style of Time Out, whilst the layer placement is
stereotypical of regional magazine contents page.

3. The editor’s note is a convention of contents pages, however not always included. It is important to have an editor’s
note because it makes the magazine more personal to the reader. By that I mean the target audience will feel a
connection with the editor and the magazine, in terms of the note being directed towards them as an individual.
Although this is not the case in reality, it is how audience members tend to feel. The editor’s note allows the reader
to feel a sense of ease whilst consuming the product. It is almost an introduction to the magazine, informing (uses
and gratification) the target audience of the ‘personality’ of the magazine and what Time Out stand for and are about.
‘Hello London’ is directly addressing the reader; it is allowing all readers to be addressed because whether you are a
‘Londoner’ or a tourist, you are consuming this media product in London.
Features and regulars are generic conventions of contents pages, and are almost always found on contents pages.
They are a way for the target audience to be able to visually see what Time Out has to offer, in terms of articles and
topics. The placement of the features and regulars is on the left hand side. This is clever because we as a society read
from left to right. The target audience will read the columns and then their eyes will be instantly drawn to the
accompanying images. The primary purpose of features and regulars is to inform (uses and gratification) the target
audience of what Time Out usually broadcast, and what is new. This is a good way to distinguish between the
diversity of the topics, whether they are brand new to the magazine, or a regular topic that is evident throughout the
issues. The colours of the typography again conform to Time Out’s house style colours; white, red and black.
Time Out’s logo is a piece of institutional information that is intertextual to their brand and image. Stereotypically,
institutions often use their name/title as their logo, allowing target audiences to identify (uses and gratification)
between the different element of their brand image; Time Out’s logo does this. Although the placement of the logo in
reference to the page is not that big, it is still visible. The use of the logo allows the target audience to identify (uses
and gratification) between different Time Out media products, whether it is the print magazine, online archive or
billboard advert, etc. The logo is intertextual to the brand, image and reputation of Time Out.
The copyright information is important for the protection and reputation of Time Out. Although the target audience
might not take much notice of it, it is very important. It allows Time Out to be protected from copyright issues and
any other legal requirements. Stereotypically, it is placed at the bottom of the contents page and is in a very small
typography (font); Time Out have conformed to this convention.
Time Out’s online website is placed at the bottom right hand corner of the page. Stereotypically, the online website is
often larger in terms of the typography size. Due to technological advances and the developments being made in
reference to convergent media, audiences often want to consume media products online. Particularly with
magazines, digital archives are in demand. Whilst the audience can consume the print version of magazines, often
they prefer to consume the product digitally. Additionally, Time Out’s online website address provides the target
audience with additional information that isn’t always included in the print edition. The typography of the website is
represented trough using the iconic colour of red to attract the target audience and conform to Time Out’s house
style. The target audience can book tickets via the online website, which could also possibly lead to social interaction
(uses and gratification) between the target audience and Time Out. The online website allows the target audience to
access Time Out via their smartphones, tablets, etc. This is evidence of media convergence because the target
audience can access Time Out via a number of different technologies.
The social interactivity options are quite dominant on the page in terms of placement and size. They are almost
placed in an arrow shape that is pointing right. This connotes that possibly the social interactivity options are a way
forward for the distribution of Time Out and the content that it provides. Again, Time Out have conformed to their
house style by using white and red, making the colours intertextual to the brand of Time Out. The social interactivity
options of Facebook and Twitter will allow the target audience to socially interact (uses and gratification) with Time
Out, and have access to the latest information (uses and gratification) and live feeds. Moreover, Time Out will provide
the information online for the target audience to consume, which will therefore lead to the target audience informing
(uses and gratification) their family and friends of the latest information that is available to them on various different
topics e.g. food, music venues, education, competitions, etc. (Two step flow; the information is filtered through a
number of different levels in the hierarchy- Time Out, target audience, family and friends).