Research - Analysing Music Magazine - Contents Page

Above is the contents page for the music magazine NME. You immediately notice that the main colour scheme for the contents page has been carried on from the front cover showing continuity. Black, red and white are not colours that are linked specifically to either gender therefore promoting that the magazine is unisex. Red connotes warning therefore NME has used this to their advantage, they used red when is came to numbering the pages which prioritises this information, the audience will notice this first and can easily locate the page to its article. The contents page shows good organisation as the different articles are put under certain subheadings regarding their nature for example 'reviews', because of this it makes it easier for the reader to find what article they are looking for saving them time flicking through the pages. The main image on the contents page which is located on the top left hand corner is of the Arctic Monkeys this again is a reminder of what type of audience read this magazine as it features another band in the indie/rock genre. By including bands and artist that their readers enjoy it grantees a purchase from their audience, it also keeps their existing readers happy. Below the image is a short paragraph about what the article is about which will interest the reader into turning to that page as it has now hooked its audience. Situated at the bottom of the magazine is an advertisement about a discounted subscription the NME's music magazine. They give the audience an offer where if they used the code given it will certify a cheaper subscription this will make the audience more likely to want to subscribe and is a way for the magazine to keep its readers interested. Furthermore by making the reader use the website to use the code they are more then likely to have a look around the website at other articles making them want to subscribe even more. Next to the advertisement is a red arrow pointing in the direction of the next page, this will encourage the reader to turn the page and read on through the magazine. The language used throughout this page is informal this also is great for the reader as the target audience this magazine aims at will talk like this in everyday usage therefore it makes it easier for them to enjoy reading the articles.

Overall I think that this music magazine front cover is successful as it provides the reader with an organised page through subheadings therefore it is easy for the reader to locate and be directed through the magazine. The main image and paragraph underneath gives an insight into what articles may be like inside and what they may contain which keeps the reader interest especially if it is a band or artist that they are interested in. The offer of a discounted subscription is effective as the reader feels like they are getting something from the magazine, it makes them feel like they have had something unique unlike usual subscribers. My one criticism is that when you first open the contents page it appears to be very busy and messy and takes a while to realise that in fact it is very organised however this could put the reader off at first glance.