The document provides an analysis of the key components and layout of TV listings magazine covers. It finds that covers typically feature a logo in the top left, a "soap bubble" highlighting a key event below the logo, and an advertisement for a major program or finale in the top right corner. The main feature takes up most of the cover space and includes a dramatic quote over an image of two characters. The bottom quarter advertises other television programs in yellow boxes.

1. WHAT’S ON TV COVER
RESEARCH & ANALYSIS

2. • After extensive research, I reached a
decision that my magazine cover print
work would be based on the cover of a
‘What’s on TV’ cover. Before I started
creating a draft for my actual cover
print work, I needed to gather examples
of What’s on TV covers. Once I had
found appropriate examples I needed to
carefully analyses the key components
of the publication. I then had to break
down these features and need to ensure
they all appear in my own work
OVERVIEW

3. Example Covers

4. • The logo is always positioned in the top
left corner of the cover., accompanied
above by the relevant dates. The logo is
reasonably large so is easily identifiable.
Although it is bright and bold it isn't
overbearing and (although easily
identifiable) it doesn’t take away from
the main part of the article.
LOGO

5. • Underneath the logo, there is almost
always a circle or an object (such as
heart we see in this edition). This
bubble is usually reserved for the soap
shock of the week or if there is an
important event on (in this case
Eurovision). Personally I feel this is quite
an interesting touch as it allows you to
emphasise any point you want within
the issue. Additionally in-between the
logo and the ‘Soap Bubble’ there is a
smaller semi circle with the price in
attached to a rectangular box stating
‘ONLY’ emphasising the impressiveness
of the price.
‘SOAP BUBBLE’

6. • On all of the covers I researched there
was a either a series finale, new
programme or ‘shock story’ positioned
in the top right corner of the cover. It is
positioned away from the other main
articles so (again like the ‘soap bubble’
whatever is being advertised here jumps
out at the reader. In this case it is the x
factor final and on a similar issue the
dancing on ice final is advertised there.
This could suggest only the most
popular/most viewed programmes are
positioned here.
ISSUE FEATURE

7. • The main feature takes up the majority of
the entire cover. For What’s On TV the
main feature always includes two
characters looking directly into the
camera creating a relationship with the
audience. In all articles they have a piece
of Bold capitalised text in front of the
picture. The colour of which varies from
White with pink outline, Yellow with black
outline and white with a Purple outline.
The Quote in the text is always picked to
create drama such as “I’LL SAVE YOU
STACEY!”. Underneath the larger text, is a
bar with much smaller writing that adds
context to the statement without taking
away from initial drama.
MAIN FEATURE

8. • As this is a listings magazine it has to
include more than one or two
programmes on the front cover. This is
because they need to include a variety
of programmes so they can sell their
product to a wider audience. The
bottom quarter of the screen is taken
up by advertisements for other soaps.
They are typically of main characters in
the soap (like the main feature) looking
into the camera. The programmes are
put into yellow boxes with rounded
edges and has a box running through it
with the title of the show.
OTHER SOAPS