This document discusses various conventions commonly used on magazine covers and front pages. It describes the masthead as the name of the magazine that identifies its brand. A barcode is also essential to allow readers to purchase the magazine and see the price. A skyline is used by pop magazines to promote social media and additional content inside. The splash is a short statement to entice readers with deals or gossip. The main image varies by genre but in pop magazines features a young, brightly dressed artist to convey youthfulness.

1. Masthead- A masthead is an essential convention for a
magazine, especially in a pop magazine like top of the pops. This
is the name of the magazine and differentiates the magazine from
every other pop magazine out in the market. This allows the
reader to become familiar with the magazine brand they are
reading from. A pop magazine has a different masthead style
than a contrasting genre like a rock magazine. For example; A
pop magazine will usually have a swirly, pink and girly masthead
that is quite feminine. On the other hand, a rock magazine will
have a dark, bold and aggressive masthead, which is quite in
your face, this is in order to attract the two different target
audiences.
Barcode- A barcode is a vital convention that not just a pop magazine needs that all
magazines need to include. This is to allow the reader to actually purchase the magazine and
to see the price. The barcode is usually set in the left hand corner of a magazine, but this just
depends on the layout of the magazine.
Skyline- A skyline is a common convention that
pop magazines use. This is because it allows
them to include further information to show the
reader what is inside the magazine. It is another
way to promote the magazines social media,
which is common in pop magazines. I would say
this isn't a common convention used in other
genre of magazines like; Gardening. This is
because it is not effective and does not relate to
the style of magazine.
Splash- This is a short statement about an article in
the magazine, this is to entice the audience and for
them to want to know what is inside the magazine.
The splash usually contains information that is
enticing, for example, offering them good deals or
offers, or even gossip about a celeb. They will often
contain words like ‘wow’ or ‘deal’, these are strong,
short words that automatically catches a readers eye.
Main image- The main image is an important convention used in
magazines. They vary within different genres of magazines, and are very
important to a reader when identifying the genre. For example, in a pop
magazine like top of the pops, they will use a main image of a young,
well known artist, with a bright costume on to symbolise their
youthfulness. This would usually be shown in a long shot, so their
costume is clear to the reader. This is contrasting to a hip hop magazine,
this is because, in this particular genre of magazine, they would use a
main image of stereotypically a male who looks quite aggressive and
criminal looking in a sense. This is shown in a close up shot, so the
reader can clearly see the emotionless look on the artists face.
TOP OF THE POPS CONVENTION
ANAYSIS ON FRONT COVER