Analysis of magazine front coversCover 1.NME Sept 2009

Dizzee Rascal Edition

FRONT COVER ANALYSISThe Masthead, NME, stands for ‘New Musical Express’.

NME sounds like ‘enemy’ so it suggests that the

magazine is rebelling against pop music.

The header reveals a special feature to the audience. It is above the target audience may be encouraged to buy the magazine by the fact that there is new content in this issue.

The cover lines give the audience an insight into other artists included in the magazine. Because they are in line with the masthead, the audience are more likely to notice the names of the bands.

The main image is at a canted angle to show that the artist is lively. The arm coming out of the image adds movement to the image. His clothes matches the colour scheme and relate to the genre of music.

The main cover line is at 2 different angles with a drop shadow to create the idea of movement and liveliness of the artist and his music.

Barcode, issue date and price are required on the cover because the magazine has to be purchased by the target audience.

The footer gives an insight into more features

in the magazine so that the contents are more

appealing.

The use of “man!” in the pull quote shows the target audience that the artist is informal, young

and happy.

The Background of the image is graffiti which relates to the genre of

Dizzee Rascal’s music. Graffiti fits in with the genre

because Hip-Hop/Rap is associated with the streets,

cities and rebellion.

The flash reveals an exciting feature included in the magazine to the target

audience

TARGET AUDIENCE OF THIS MAGAZINENME readers are very influential amongst their social groups and are most likely to be the first to know what’s going on.

Readers rely on the editorial and the ads to keep up to date with new music. This knowledge then makes them the authority in music in their peer group.

They are 3 times as likely to convince friends and family about what mobiles to buy.

Target audience Profile

Male 66%

Female 34%

Median Age 23

ABC1 61%

Price of NME £2.40

Circulation 23,924

Readership 289,000

Music and cultural content in magazine appeals the audience

Target audience who like the artists featured in the magazine will notice the list of bands next to the masthead. Being next to the masthead makes them look important.

Styling of cover star, background and layout of the cover are appealing to the target audience because it all fits into the genre of music in the magazine.

STRETCH AND CHALLENGEACTIVITY-

USE THE HYPERLINK FOR DIRECT ACCESS TO NME http://www.nme.com/magazine

The target audience of NME is made up of teenagers and young adults. 35% of readers are students. This is because the target audience of most indie and alternative music is younger people, therefore the magazine must appeal to them. Young adults and teens are more likely to spend money on music and gigs, which makes them a more reliable target audience.

IPC Media (Time Inc.) publish NME

First issue 7th March 1952

NME is a music magazine that focuses on Alternative music and its sub-genres. It regularly features bands such as The Smiths, Joy Division and Oasis because they are thought of as Pioneers for many areas of alternative rock.

MORE DETAILED RESEARCH INTO NME MAGAZINE

http://www.nme.com/magazine