Q is a music magazine published monthly in the United Kingdom, first published in October 1986, the magazine was sub-titled "The modern guide to music and more". Originally it was to be called Cue (as in the sense of cueing a record, ready to play), but the name was changed so that it wouldn't be mistaken for a snooker magazine. Another reason, cited in Q's 200th edition, is that a single-letter title would be more prominent on news stands. Q Radio launched in June 2008 as a full service radio station. There is also a Q TV television channel in the UK. Q also holds a yearly awards ceremony called the Q Awards.
Editor: Nichola Browne
Q Magazine Covers AnalysisThis Q magazine issue is from the 1980's, i quite like how the cover is set out and the colours are ok in my opinion. I don't think i would be drawn to this magazine if it was in a shop. I don't particularly think it looks appealing either. I think one of the main selling points of this particular magazine is the free gifts that comes with them, this one says in large text "free book!". I also like the funny photo at the top of the cover next to the masthead, i think it adds a humorous element.
This issue if from the 1990's, i don't think that it is any different in the style compared to the 80's cover. This cover in particular reminds me of the modern day newpaper, However i do like the large black and blue image layered behind Rod Stewart and the free CD. One similarity of the 90's and 80's issue is that both covers display red bold font infront of a bright yellow block of colour. I like how they've used this because it makes the text pop out of the page because of the contrasting colour.
This Q magazine cover is from the 2000's, this is my favourite cover out of the 3. Obviously it looks more modernised than the previous 2 magazines and i love how they've played around with the masthead and located it in the center of the page surrounded by photos of Courtney Love. However, i think one bad point about the magazine cover is that they're isn't enough text on it to display what the audience can read inside it. But i think it can also be seen as an effective look.
Q's Typical Reader Profile
Males or females aged between 15-60 depending on what style of music they're into. Q appeals to people who are interested in rock/indie/chart/pop music mixed in with a couple of comercial artists etc. They are interested in knowing about their favourite bands and singers and reading interviews with them. They are also wanting to know where the latest Giggs are and getting free gifts with the magazine. The 200th magazine above appeals particularly to females.
Kerrang! is a rock music magazine published by Bauer Consumer Media in the United Kingdom. The magazine's name is onomatopoeic and refers to the sound made when playing a power chord on an electric guitar. Kerrang! commenced publication on 7 June 1981 and was edited by Geoff Barton, initially as a one-time supplement in the Sounds newspaper, which focuses on the genre New Wave of British Heavy Metal and the rise of other hard rock acts. AC/DC appeared on Kerrang!’s first cover.
Editor: Paul Rees
Kerrang! Magazine Covers Analysis
This Kerrang! Magazine issue is a recent cover,I really like this cover of kerrang!. I love the vivid colour schemes of red,black,white and yellow and how they match and intertwine with the main cover image. I also like how the main cover image is layered over the top of the Kerrang! masthead showing that people already know what the magazine is so the image can cover some of it which makes it more effective. I also like how they’ve incorporated the person’s bright red hair into the colour scheme as well.
This issue is again another recent Kerrang! cover; the first thing that jumps out at me on the page is the main cover image. Due to the two men’s appearance, gestures and expressions it really shows the audience what type of genre the magazine is- Rock. In a way it’s almost a stereotypical view of heavy metal band members however it appeals to its target audience and in my opinion draws the consumer in. I also like how both of the men are looking into the camera and one of them is pointing as if its pointing to you which can bring in an aspect of Integration and Social Interaction within the magazine. The offensive gesture the other man is doing is offensive but again shows the audience the personality and genre of the music magazine.
This recently produced Kerrang! magazine is again very similar to the two other Kerrang! magazines. They all have the colour schemes of red, black, white and yellow which can be seen as a trademark within the appearance of the front cover. It also makes the magazine recognisable to the audience by just the colour scheme and look of the magazine without even knowing which magazine it is. However, this is my least favourite magazine out of the three, I don’t like the main cover image- they look too boring and in my opinion uninteresting.
Kerrang!'s Typical Reader Profile
Particularly men (or women!) who are into the heavy metal/rock genre of music. They are wanting to know about their favourite bands and knowing about the lastest types of guitars out for example. They are also wanting to know ehre the lastest giggs are at.
Regulation and Control
Regulation and Control basically means what should and what shouldn't be allowed in Magazines, events may regularly occur within the industry which debates how free the press should be controlled and regulated.
A code of practice was agreed to by editors and owners of News Papers/Magazines which is essentially a form of self-regulation. However due to events like the death of Princess Diana for instance issued a tighter control into the public domain. This code which was introduced covers:
- The right to reply for individuals that are written about
- The need to distinguish between comment and fact
- Accuracy & Not to mislead
- Privacy and harassment
- Misrepresentation
- Cheque book journalism
- Intrusion into grief or shock
- Identifying relatives and friends of convicted individuals
- The reporting of issues relating to children
- Dealing with victims of sexual assault
- Confidential sources
- The definition of public interest
Because of these issues that are under tight control, when producing my music magazine i will take these regulations and controls into consideration.
Producing Process
To briefly explain what happens when producing magazines there are several stages. The first stage is important meetings with the magazine production team: editors, journalists, photographers, researchers etc. In the meetings they discuss what they want in the next issue of the magazine and talk about layout and other features. They then produce a draft copy of the magazine and send it to a higher person on the editing team who decides what goes where, recommend changes to improve the magazine and overall decides if it is good enough to be produced as the final cover. When the final draft is eventually decided they production team design it on a computer using a programme such as "quark" for example. Once the team have produced the magazine, layout, photographs, text etc, it is finally printed and distributed.
Publishing Companies
One world wide magazine publishing company is Condé Nast Publications. Its main offices are located in New York,Chicago, Miami, Madrid, Milan, Tokyo, London and Paris. Condé Nast is run by S.I. Newhouse Jr, and is a division of Advance Publications, who have owned the company since 1959. Condé Nast is credited with creating a used magazine marketing strategy emphasizing magazines focused on a particular class or interest, sometimes known as lifestyle magazines. Many Condé Nast magazines have their principal focus in fashion, although the company's publications also include travel, food, home, culture, and other interests.
(Information Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cond%C3%A9_Nast_Publications) Just some of the magazines Condé Nast have produced are:
Vogue, Teen Vogue, Mens Vogue, GQ, House and garden, Vogue Decoration, Brides, Golf for women, Golf World, Wired, Vanity Fair and the New Yorker. To the left is a collection of different brands of magazines produced by Condé Nast. I really like every single one except "The New Yorker" and "Vanity Fair" because i really don't like animation for the main cover image. I think it looks old-fashioned, boring and un-appealing. My favourite one especially is the 1st Vogue with Kate Moss. I love the layout, colour scheme and mostly the photo of her as its very high fashion and appealing to women aswell as men.
