This magazine has a short, memorable magazine title which is presented as a large, dominant icon – this is an easily noticeable masthead. The layout includes the title of the magazine, a heading, other articles which are featured in the magazine, a barcode, bands which are included with in the magazine but which are less important than the main articles, an offer to win a competition and the price and edition.
The main image is an MCU filling the page and the subject’s face is clearly visible as well as making eye contact with the audience. The subject is the lead singer of ‘The Courteeners’ (Liam Fray) who are a current 4 piece indie-rock band – it is made clear to the audience what type of music they play because it is presented through the rebellious look on his face and the way he is dressed in a black leather jacket, red t-shirt and jewellery which also interlinks with the colour scheme and the brand image.
There is a quote from the musician – this headline entices the reader “The people have spoken louder than the critics” – this involves the reader and makes them feel more important. This quotation is split into 3 lines it doesn’t cover the image. It is presented as an exclusive interview which will attract the reader and the other articles shown are in the same colours and font but in a smaller size although the written language catches the eye: “WARNING! NEW FESTIVAL TICKET SCAM”. “Godlike Genius Announced” – this has an element of suspension and importance - they have included the page number and logo which expands on this. The colour scheme consists of two colours: red and white which show up well on the dark background – these colours are used on almost every edition of the magazine. The text uses anchorage by featuring a member of a band who has released a new EP or LP – this is relevant to the magazine and its target audience.
The institution of this magazine is IPC Media who produce over 60 iconic media brands, with print alone reaching almost two thirds of UK women and 42% of UK men – almost 26 million UK adults – while their websites collectively reach over 20 million users every month. The target market is men between the ages of 17-30 in the ABC1 category. However the reality is that 73% of readers are male and 27% are female with an average age of 25. 80% of NME readers feel that music is an important part of their lives. 34% of readers are working full time, 18% are working part time and 26% are full time students.
The use of the conventional large font title followed by a smaller font size in bold highlights the main article making it much easier for the audience to read. The contents are teased along the bottom telling the reader which bands are featured in the week’s issue. The plain background with a single light coming from behind the subject makes the main image more prominent allows the audience to focus on the written text and main image. The clarity of the colour scheme (red and white on black) and the information hints could act as a connotation to show the magazine gives its readers an exciting, most authoritative coverage of the very best in contemporary music. The colours used would appeal to more male readers than female readers so it relates to the target audience.
The date of publish is shown in this masthead with the barcode to inform readers that this is an up-to-date copy of the weekly magazine. Both the barcode and price are included on the front cover but they are presented insignificantly as to make sure the attention is not drawn from the important text such as the main image, title and headings. There is a puff included which offers a competition to win items signed by the cast of ‘The Mighty Boosh’.
The NME is the longest published and most respected music weekly in the world. The award-winning www.nme.com, launched in 1996, has grown to be the biggest commercial music news site in Europe. There is also NME music channel and an NME radio station which delivers all that has made the brand so successful in audio form. The magazine’s website (www.nme.com) reaches a global audience and is cost effective.
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