Magazine conventions

I have decided to conduct a small analysis of the typical conventions of existing music magazines. I will be using NME an my example and will discuss the different features that are necessary for a successful front cover

MASTHEAD - The name of the magazine (the masthead) is located at the top of the page to make it easily recognisable. It acts as the logo which will brand the magazine to its company. Each magazines masthead is unique to their magazine so that each magazine is recognisable by its brand name.

TAGLINE/SELLING LINE - This is also unique to each magazine and basically gives the reader a description of the magazine in a short, sweet and punchy line. In NME's case it says 'new musical express' which is what NME stands for.

COVERLINES - These give the readers insight into what is going to be included, they are their to promote the different articles in the magazine and to persuade the readers to want to read them. The coverlines would be carefully chosen as they need to be the most exciting or mysterious coverlines to get the reader interested.

BANNER - this usually conatins information about a FREE CD that is being included or some promotional information such as 'the best music guide included inside' this is there to grab the readers attention and to make them want to learn more

MAIN IMAGE - the main image is usually taken of the artists who are taking up a lot of pages in the magazine 'starring artists'. A mid shot is usually used as this gives the readers an idea of the artists without giving away to much, however a close up can sometimes be used if more emotion is trying to be shown. the strong eye contact from the band is powerful and makes an impact on the readers.

MAIN COVERLINE - This links to the main image; it tells the reader who is being shown, and a quote is usually taken from the featured article in order to get the readers interested in reading more. It is always written in a larger font that the other coverlines so that the readers attentions is brought to it first.

BARCODE, PRICE AND WEBSITE URL - the bar code is there for the retailers so that they can easily scan and sell the product, the price has been included to show the reader which issue they are about to buy and the website URL is solely there to promote the other products that the conglomerate may own that is linked to the magazine.