ASPECTS OF THEORY TO DO WITH THE AUDIENCE

A target audience profile (TAP) is a detailed, written appraisal of your customers' characteristics, attitudes and behaviours. TAP information typically falls into 2 categories: demographics and psychographics. Target audience profiles (TAPs) can be used to appraise your customers' characteristics, attitudes, and behaviors. A TAP helps you evaluate both demographics (who your customers are) and psychographics (what motivates them). 

--------------------------

AUDIENCE DEMOGRAPHICS

Demographics are the statistical characteristics of human populations, such as age and income, that are used by businesses to identify markets for their goods and services. Demographics are used to identify who your customers are (now and in the future), where they live, and how likely they are to purchase the product you are selling. By studying your customers and potential customers through demographics, one can identify changing needs in the market and adjust to them.

--------------------------

AUDIENCE PSYCHOGRAPHICS

A term that describes consumers or audience members on the basis of psychological characteristics initially determined by standardized tests.

--------------------------

Uses and Gratifications Theory is a popular approach to understanding mass communication. The theory places more focus on the consumer, or audience, instead of the actual message itself by asking “what people do with media” rather than “what media does to people” (Katz, 1959) . It assumes members of the audience are not passive but take an active role in interpreting and integrating media into their own lives. The theory also holds audiences responsible for choosing media to meet its needs. The approach suggests that people use the media to fulfill specific gratifications. This theory would then imply that the media compete against other information sources for the viewer’s gratification. (Katz, E., Blumler, J. G., & Gurevitch, M. 1974)

There are three main paradigms in media effects: hypodermic needle (i.e., direct, or strong effects), limited effects, and the powerful to limited effects. "Uses and Gratifications" falls under the second paradigm which reached its apex around 1940-1960, when studies helped realize that the first paradigm was inaccurate. (from wikipedia)

This is Tom and he is an example of my target audience. He is 18 years old and lives in the centre of London. He is currently working a part-time job in Topman and attends college where he is studying music journalism. He aspires to be a music journalist as he has a passion for indie music. He thinks he would make a good writer due to his interesting personality and different take on life. Tom dresses casually, wearing mainly skinny jeans and tees as shown in his picture. When going out he will dress smart but unique as he likes to look different from his group of friends. His favourite shops are All Saints, ASOS but occasionally River Island and Topman. Tom's has a big passion for indie music and attends gigs and festivals whenever he can. Tom is a fairly quiet person and often shows little expression but he likes to be occupied as he gets bored easily. He enjoys watching TV in is spare time. His favourite programmes are Skins, Simpsons, 8 out of 10 cats and mock the week. He often watches comedy stand up on Comedy Central. His favourite stand up comedians are Lee Evans, Russell Howard and Michael McIntyre. Tom is a trademark example of my target audience as although he is quiet he is very intelligent and has a big passion for music. My magazine will provide a release for teenagers feeling down or just looking for 5 minutes entertainment.

Each of us is motivated by needs. Our most basic needs are inborn, having evolved over tens of thousands of years. Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs helps to explain how these needs motivate us all. 

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs states that we must satisfy each need in turn, starting with the first, which deals with the most obvious needs for survival itself.

Only when the lower order needs of physical and emotional well-being are satisfied are we concerned with the higher order needs of influence and personal development.

Conversely, if the things that satisfy our lower order needs are swept away, we are no longer concerned about the maintenance of our higher order needs.

Maslow's original Hierarchy of Needs model was developed between 1943-1954, and first widely published in Motivation and Personality in 1954. At this time the Hierarchy of Needs model comprised five needs. This original version remains for most people the definitive Hierarchy of Needs. 

My magazine would be placed at the top of the pyramid as it is not a necessity to survive and can be seen as a luxury good.

This is a Kerrang double page spread featuring the band Fall Out Boy. The layout is simple as the left hand side is mainly used for text whereas the right hand side is mainly about the image. However the image is used as the background bu t this suits as the image is in black and white which are common colours for a rock magazine. The other colour used on this spread is red. This is also common for a rock magazine as red can denote love, passion or anger. This relates the the songs Fall Out Boy perform. The main headline is located at the top left of the page. The First word is the largest and written in both red and white. Kerrang have used an effect that could be described as a spray paint as half the word is red and half is white. It also creates an effect of blood dripping which is another rock stereotype. Below this is 'COULD HAPPEN'. This is written in white writing which stand out on the dark background. The whole headline is written in bold capitals and using different sizes adds to the effect on the reader. It is also written in quotation marks which shows the reader that someone has said it and draws the reader into reading the rest of the article. Below the heading is the sub-heading which follows the same colour scheme with the use of red and white. Again the first word, 'EXCLUSIVE', is in red. The rest in white. This will draw the readers eyes to the red and let the reader know this is an exclusive with potentially one of their favourite bands. Finally, in the bottom right and corner is a competition also using the colour red. This is in the bright and in the corner to catch the readers eye after the main story is read. Overall this is a very effective double page spread with the good use of an image, colours and bold headlines to keep the reader interested. 

The headline matches the way that this story was advertised on the front cover. The writing is white with a black background to catch the views eye. NME have used a a quote that has been pulled from the text as the headline which interests the reader as they know that it is relevant. The same colours are used throughtout with black, white and red. This is because these colours can denote darkness, hate, love, passion but also innocence which relates to many of Lily Allen's songs. Lily's clothes also follow this colours scheme as she is wearing a typical checkered, black, red and white shirt. This could be described as an indie style of clothing. Her face is pale and her has is black which is another rock/emo stereotype. Lily's name is written in red unlike the other black font to catch the readers eye so it's obvious who the article is about. The left side of the spread is mainly filled with text and the right side is used for the main image of Lily. This is a very simple layout that keeps it simple for readers to focus on the text then the picture. 

This is an NME double page spread of the band 'The Teenagers'. As usual, NME use a small collection of colours to not overcomplicate things and make the page easy for viewing. White, black and a light blue are used as these colours can signify rock but blue also dennotes as calming, laid back feel. This links to the name of the band and the stereotype that teenagers are laid back. The main image also plays on this stereotype as the picture is of the band members laying on a bed. The room is supposed to represent a typical teenager's room with lots of posters on the walls etc. The band members have all adopted a relaxed, plain and laid back expression which adds to the relaxed vibe created by the rest of the page. This spread has been cleverly divided into the two pages. The lefthand page has been used for the main image and the righthand page has been used for the text. This is effective because its simple and also the headline has been split across both pages so the reader links the picture to the text. The blue colour has been used sparingly around the page as a background to draw the readers eyes to important information on the page. Down the righthand side a black background is used for the only time on this spread. This is because this part of the spread is separate from the main story and isn't related. White writing is used to make the text stand out and the heading says 'EVERYBODY'S TALKING ABOUT...' which will intrest the reader. Overall, this is an effective double page spread with the basic use of images, colour etc. that will keep the reader interested and informed.

This contents page shares many of the same features as classical NME front covers and contents. The colours black, red and white are used which is typical of NME as these are their trademark colours. The colours red and black denote passion, love and darkness. Typical trates of indie music which will relate to readers. The white is used mainly in the background to make the black and red stand out and catch the readers eye. At the top of the page. Again the masthead is at the top of the page slightly towards the left as it is on NME's front covers. Next to this in bold white writing is 'THIS WEEK'. This catches the readers eye and signifies that this is the contents page as the job of a contents is to inform the readers what will feature. Also below this is smaller font is the magazine date to let the reader know what issue it is. All this is written on a black background as the colours red and white contrast to catch the readers eye. The page is cleverly divided into three sections as is most NME contents pages. Down the left hand side there is the a column for all the bands that will feature in this issue. This is called the 'BAND INDEX'. Again, black bold writing is used to catch the readers eye. All the bands and artists that will feature are written in red and the pages which they will feature are in black. This is continuity of NME using the same colours over and over. In the centre of the magazine is the main image of the band Kasabian playing live. The reader knows this because of the headline just below the photo. A short paragraph about the band follows to inform the reader regarding the photo. "The moment that..." is a feature of NME contents that has been used before. Down the righthand side is a list of what the magazine will feature by story rather than by what band. It has been divided into a NEWS, RADAR, REVIEWS, LIVE!, FEATURES and a plus section. There are tags of 'ON THE COVER' next to the stories that are on the cover. This helps the reader find the stories that induced them to buy the magazine in the first place. At the bottom of the page is an offer to subscribe to NME and save money. Different colours have been used in this section to catch the viewers eye. This offer is a way of drawing potiential customers to buying the magazine and to boost sales revenue.

This is a very simple layout Q have used for their contents page. It is very similar to regular Q front covers as the masthead appears in the same location, the top left corner. The colours used are also the same as used on the cover. The red, white and black can signify love, passion and darkness. This can link to stereotypes of indie music. The page is split down the left with 2 images on the right and listed text on the left. Below this is a 'Oasis Special'. Gold writing has been used and I believe this signifies a bonus for readers as this kind of 'special' would not normally feature. This is why the different colour has been used. The red is used to make the white writing stand out and catch the readers eyes where it say 'features'. This section of the contents allows to readers to see what will be written about in this magazine. Below this the same colours have been used for 'Every Month'. This section is aimed at regular readers and potential customers. It gives the reader of what is featured in the magazine every month and something to look forward to. Also all the text on this page is mainly written in capitals apart from captions. This is to draw the reader toward the important information and if they are intrigued they can read the smaller captions. The Main image on the contents is of the band The Courteeners. The clothes worn and bands style is very typical of indie music and will relate the readers as they will probably also be styled this way. Below the main image is the final section of the contents, 'Q REVIEW'. This is followed by the tagline 'the world's biggest and best music guide'. This my influence potiential customers to buy the magazine. The review section also shows the reader what will be reviewed in the magazine, such as albums, dvds, etc. Overall this is a very simple and organised contents page used because of it's basic layout and colours. This type of contents page is very easy for readers to use to get what they want from the magazine.

In the top right hand corner of the page in the biggest font on the page is Contents in bright yellow writing in a black box. This attracts the readers eye as these colours contrast. Allowing the reader to know the purpose of this page. Also in the same box but in smaller font is the issue number and cover date to let the reader know what issue this is.

Beside this is a note from the editor accompanied by a smaller image of the issue's front cover. This is a common feature of Kerrang contents pages. This is a way for the editor to try to relate to the audience and make the reading experience more enjoyable. Lots of pictures with small captions have been used to give the audience more of an idea of what will feature later in the magazine. Down the right hand side the colours black and yellow are used once again to point out the main features of the magazines and let the audience know which page their favourite artists will feature. This is common of Kerrang as most of the contents pages follow this layout. In the bottom right corner is an offer of Kerrang delivery in a red box. It has been put in red to attract the audiences attention as an effort to boost sales revenue. Overall, the colour scheme is basic and very typical of Kerrang as this layout and colours has been used in many of their magazines.

This issue of 'Q' magazine portrays a 'rock' feature, shown by the image of the lead singer smashing the masthead with his guitar. It reveals anger and links to other rock conventions. Yet it is very different from other "Q" magazine features because as well as having rock bands, they feature pop artists and r&b singers. 'Q' have used the colour red throughout which can portray passion, love or anger. In this case, it shows passion and anger and may be related to what his article may be about. It also links to the masthead as 'Q' often use white on red background.  The whole background of the cover uses a dark grey colour throughout which makes brighter colours stand out more. The dark colours could also portray the feelings of the cover singer. The main headline is written in big, bold, white writing to contrast to the darker colours and make the reader immediately aware of who will feature. Q have used callouts down the right hand side by printing band names in black writing with a white background. This is eye catching and allows the reader to see if the bands they like will be featuring.  Below this is another cover story which also continues the theme of red, grey and white writing followed by an image of the Beatles. The picture is embossed with a white outline which is meant to draw the readers attention from the main image to the other cover stories. 

2nd magazine analysis

This is a conventional KERRANG front cover because of the simple layout used. But the use of fonts and pictures make it interesting for it's target audience. There is a black banner at the top of the page with 3 bands written in white to catch the readers eye. It also gives the reader some insight on what bands will be featuring in the magazine. Underneath this is the masthead written in black over a white background. The main image is of Panic! at the disco and is partially covering the masthead. Imprinted on the main image over a black tee is the bands name in white. This contrasts to the tee colour and makes it stand out. Below this are the other cover stories. Above the lower left photo of the lead singer of paramore is an added feature. In white bold writing on a red background, tells the reader than there is a 'FREE' poster special indicating that the magazine comes with a free poster. This will make the reader feel they are getting more for their money and boost revenue for the company. The red background matches the red hair of the paramore singer making the reader relate the poster to paramore. The next photo uses the same effect as the main image as the white writing contrasts the black tee. A yellow arrow has been used to draw the readers attention from the main image to another cover story. Along the bottom they have used white writing on a black background with embossed a black outline to give it an eye-capturing effect such as a shadow. This gives the reader an insight to what other bands will be featuring in the magazine. Just above this in the bottom right corner is the price tag which uses the smallest writing on the magazine so it is the last thing the reader will see.

1st Front Cover Analysis

At the top of this cover there is a bold skyline with the word "GLASTO", which is short term for a music festival, in black bold writing. Also featuring in the skyline is 2 bands and a singer in small bold writing. Finally there is a smaller, less bold, headline to give an insight of what the magazine will include. This was all written in black with a yellow background as they contrast making the text eye-catching.

Underneath the skyline, there is the masthead in big bold red writing. This is used as the colour red draws the eye so we can all see that the magazine is NME.

The main image is of the band, The Wombats. We know this printed over the photo is 'The Wombats' in yellow and white, bold writing. They used these colours to draw the readers attention to the main article. In the photo they are either pulling funny expressions or actions. This adds to the viewers interest as the band seem funny and friendly. Under this is the subtitle also written in yellow. The word 'why' is used to arouse curiosity and make the reader buy to get some answers.

Either side of the main image are the other cover stories. The use of contrasting blue and white colours draws the reader to these after viewing the main cover story.

On the bottom left there is a pug using the same blue, white and yellow colours as the rest of the magazine. On the bottom left is the selling line and bar code using the smaller than anywhere else on the magazine.  

First Post!

Hello, my name is Harry Isham. I am an A Level media student at Goffs School and will be uploading all of my coursework onto this blog.

Preliminary Tasks