Analysis of Contents Page - NME

Judging by the use of bright bold colours, and loads of images it’s obvious that this magazine is aimed at a young audience aged between 16-25. The page is very busy, suggesting its packed with loads of articles inside. This attracts a young audience because it’s fun lively and with a lot of choice. They have used bright colours behind the text because the writing is small and black and unnoticeable. But by having the colour there it makes it more eye catching. They have also used a range of colours so audiences can relate the different colours to the different sections of the magazine. The bright colours are attractive but they subvert the genre NME specialises in, which is indie/ rock, dark colours are associated with these genres. The subtitles are listed relatively close and in a vertical direction, this layout is straight forward and simple, makes it easier for audiences to find their desired article.

Most of the sub headings are accompanied by images; this attracts audiences as images are more noticeable then writing, plus they give a hint of what the article will be about, interesting the reader to read on. Numbers are also link to the article making it easy for the audience to navigate the magazine.

The main article is on the Kieser Chiefs, this is made prominent by the use of bold lettering, and large image which is placed in the centre therefore it’s the first thing we see. The image has a black and white background which also adds to it standing out from the rest. The image also includes a floating quote, so audiences have an idea of what the main article is about.

The contents page also includes a tie-in advertising a subscription deal, this is a common technique used in the contents page attracting loyal audience’s, it leads to them buying most of their issue therefore the magazine company makes more money.

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Rovena, your analysis of the front covers is detailed and intelligent. You have made a good start to the research and planning work.
Target: use the checklist to complete the set tasks by 18th Feb.

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Analysis of contens page -VIBE

> Unlike most content page this one is extremely subtle, it gives of a scary silence vibe contributed by the use of black and white colour scheme, which has also been used in the front cover to create brand identity. This vibe links in with the gangster image their trying to portray, RnB audience will be able to relate to this as the RnB genre is associated with gang culture.  It’s also a more serious but yet relaxed; this could reflect the articles in the issue.

> The editors would have wanted the main image to be the main focus as they have used it as a background. The image also portrays a gangster image as the people in the image are stereotypical gangsters made oblivious by the chains they are wearing, the cool urban clothing, the setting with is run down and the fact they are a group of men – some audience can relate to this as they might follow the same culture or they may want to emulate this culture. There is also no heading to go with the photo; this makes the reader curious of what it may be about.

> The sub headings listing the categories are also very simple to go with the whole theme. This suggests that this issue of the magazine is aimed at an older audience aged 18-24; younger audiences may be put of by the simplicity as bright colours and large fonts tend to attract their attention more.

> They have also used a smaller version of a cover page in the contents page, this is a typical feature as it allows audiences to reflect on the main stories they wanted to read about by reminding them of it.