Uses and Gratifications Theory suggests that audiences use media to fulfill various needs. It identifies four main reasons for media use: diversion or escape from daily life through entertainment; social interaction by discussing media with others; personal identity through comparing one's self to media personalities; and surveillance or learning about the world through news media. Music magazines should consider this theory, as readers use them for diversion and relaxation after work, to feel connected to artists by learning about their lives, to discuss music with friends, to feel happiness for successful bands, and to stay informed about the music world.

1. Uses and Gratifications Theory
And why music magazines need to take this into
consideration

2. Rough Definition
A rough definition of the uses and gratifications theory
is that an audience uses media for different reasons.

3. Blumer and Katz
Blumer and Katz decided to split these into sections:
Diversion
Personal Relationships
Personal Identity
Surveillance

4. Diversion
Escaping from the pressures of every day life through
media

5. Personal Relationships
where the reader/viewer/listener can socialise with
others about what they've seen or feel a connection to
the characters/story

6. Personal Identity
where the viewer can compare themselves to what is
happening e.g. laugh at a bad singer that is on x-factor
while feeling relieved it wasn’t them in that position

7. Surveillance
When people want to know about the world so they
turn to media e.g. news articles etc.

8. Readers use music magazines to:
 1. Relax after a hard day of work
 2. Feel involved in an artist/ band's life by reading up
on what they're doing
 3. Talk to friends about the newest album etc.
 4. Feel happy for a successful artist/band
 5. Learn about what is happening in the music world