Why people still buy magazines

Creating a personal identity is somewhat important to all of us; we like to have something different from a social norm…something unique. Most of us find that different thing we’ve been searching for in music, with music we’re able to express ourselves and have individuality.

Magazines use codes and conventions:

Magazines use striking images to captivate the audience into reading more about the article or use an interesting image on the front page attracting people to buying the magazine. There’s usually something interesting written or put on the sweet spot to do a similar job e.g. an interesting quote of an article that’s in the magazine. There’re pictures or small sell lines to give the reader insight on what’s installed in the magazine. We expect the Masthead to be Large and eye catching which it most likely will be.  Secondary leads usually give the reader a sneak peak of what’s in the magazine. Plugs are used to capture the reader’s eye. Inside a magazine you will most likely find a double page spread; typically one of the most interesting stories in the magazine with an image of what the article is about. A strap line is used to draw the reader into reading the article. A tag captures the reader’s interest in the story by using a word/phrase to engage them. Features are a main necessity in a magazine as they put in what is of human interest/what the reader will find interesting to read (current affairs). A lure is used as a marketing device to make the reader read what’s inside.

Audience:

Music magazines allow people to buy magazines that are suited to specific genres, music magazines intentionally set out to make their magazines for certain people…before creating a music magazine people discuss what the audience of the magazine is going to be and each month/week they set out to please that specific minority of people (their target audience). The person’s interest and music taste is usually met by the magazine. Music taste most likely influences which magazines people read e.g. NME is more for the alternative/indie rock audience where as top of the pop is more for people who listen to pop music meaning you wouldn’t generally find people who read NME to be major fans of pop music. People may read magazines due to the reason that their favourite artist is featured in the magazine. Musicians may possibly read magazines, as they’re interested in that particular genre of music.

The uses and gratifications theory help us understand why people read magazines:

·         Diversion; personal escape from everyday life.

·         Personal Relationships; using media for emotional and other interaction.

·         Personal identity; learning behaviors and values in texts and finding that the text reflects yourself.

·         Gaining information

·         Entertainment

Representation:

The representation of certain music genres is usually biased.  With rock music the text usually represents the genre/artist and aggressive, strong and confident, this is because they usually use large bold fonts which connotate those things. The colours used are normally blacks, whites and reds; red has the connotation of blood, violence, aggression as does black apart from blood. The white contrasts with both the colours which demonstrates strong and bold characteristics.

The main images usually have the artists wearing dark clothing which reveals which genre the artists come from; wearing dark colours represents the artists as violent and aggressive which links with the house styles of rock magazines. The facial expressions on the artists faces also link to the colour scheme by showing aggression (not caring what other people think).
Institution:

Magazine publishers make money by putting in adverts in their magazines and the revenue/profit that is made from sold magazines. Magazines attempt to retain their audience by offering them once in a lifetime chances like winning concert tickets, going to festivals, meeting their favourite bands ect. Using social media such as twitter and Facebook is one of the many ways magazines retain their audiences; people like to interact with other people who share the same similarities, it gives people a sense of belonging to something bigger than themselves. Using eye-catching front covers, regulars and special editions contributes to the preservation of audiences. Business models such as festivals, gigs, TV channels, radio stations and awards keep the audience part of a community they fell is their own and allows them to make social relationships and creates a brand image for the magazine.

Magazine assets:

Merchandise

TV channel

Radio stations

Festivals

Gigs

Stages at festivals e.g. V festival

Award ceremonies

Concerts