Final mojo written qns[1]
- 1. Ayesha Iqbal LA109 AS MEDIA STUDIES CASE STUDY Analysis of Mojo Magazine Front cover (Issue 203) The photograph on the front cover is a close up shot, from a photo library, and this is known because the image of the man (Paul McCartney) was taken long ago, during his youth. Yet the readers still buy the magazine because it interests them to know how Paul McCartney survived the Beatles. Most of the body of Paul McCartney is covered by the free CD; however his face is more important and is given more attention as it contrasts well with the dark background. It is a dominant feature of the front cover which proves its importance. He is wearing a suit and tie, which suggests that he is from the upper social class or of a high status and shows sophistication. This could also indicate the social status of the magazines target audience. The image on the front cover is important because it shows the viewer who the main feature discussed inside the magazine is. This may attract others who do not usually buy the magazine, but seeing the image of the featured famous person may decide to buy it. As he is looking at the camera, it catches the attention of whoever looks at it at all times from wherever the viewer is seeing the image, creating a very dramatic effect, pulling them towards it, to pick it up and buy it. It is a very captivating psychological technique. The next most important featured issues are shown either in writing or an image format on the front page, so that the reader has an idea of the information inside the magazine. On the top left-hand corner, an indication of a free CD, which is related to the main feature (The Beatles) available to buyers, is shown, persuading people to buy the magazine. Even people who
- 2. Ayesha Iqbal LA109 dont usually buy it, they may be attracted to the free CD and decide to buy it, especially if it is difficult to get hold of. The title is of the largest font type; however it is covered slightly obscuring the magazine name. This could be interpreted as it being targeted at a very specific and niche audience, who are already familiar with it. The masthead has two images of people who are also featured inside, one of them titled Unseen, which displays mysteriousness further encouraging the reader to buy it and reveal for themselves the hidden components of the artist, Bob Marley. Behind Paul McCartney is another image of the rest of the Beatles members. It is obvious that the rest of the Beatles members are presented as having less importance because they are standing behind Paul McCartney. Down the right-hand side, there is a column depicting what else is featured, informing the reader as much as possible, to show value of the magazine for their money. As the magazine is targeted at a specific and niche audience (72% male and 36% AB), it aims to specifically attract to these audiences by presenting in a professional and appropriate way. The main colours used are black red and white, mainly because black and red are colours which usually associate with the way classic rock is perceived in most of the Western world, the white also stands out against the dark background, making the text easily read. The masthead, initially should attract the reader, with its colour and information, however, in this specific issue, the masthead is black, the same as the background, but it still makes the images stand out as the contrast is effective. The font used is generally standard and commonly used, as it is aimed at the higher end of the social status; it attains the level of professionalism required. The magazine front cover does not refer to the website itself but a Mojo website does exist, allowing self promotion, and benefits the
- 3. Ayesha Iqbal LA109 magazine publishers, as the cost of advertising through other companies could be very high, and decrease profits. However, it does not have a radio station or television channel, perhaps due to the very small number of audience, which limits it for promotion. The magazine costs 贈4.50; compared to many magazines it is quite expensive. This shows that the audience at which it is aimed is affluent as it can afford to spend this much on a magazine. Representational issues identified are gender, which is male. This is obvious, as the magazine content is filled with male images and products for males. Also, the colour schemes used attract the mostly a male audience. A typical stereotype of rock artists is that they take drugs; the picture of Bob Marley smoking spliff conveys this message as negative but almost true, as he is representing the rock genre, by being featured in Mojo. The language is very formal and clear, aiming to attract a niche audience of the A/B social category. The magazine is produced by a major corporate German company called Bauer. This means that the magazine producers do not have to spend so much money on advertising, but can easily promote Mojo magazine through the other magazines part of their company such as Empire, Kerrang and Q. This is because these magazines are mainly aimed at a male audience and have similar music genres which could attract and make the Kerrang or Empire magazine readers aware of Mojo magazine as well. Institutional factors do affect the look of the magazine; as the target audience is affluent and dominantly male, the magazine overall is professional, informed and uses less bright colours that are nonetheless effective. Also, there are no images on the front cover or inside of women; this clearly suggests that it is a male targeted magazine and the producers have the power to influence and represent classic rock to appeal and interest males much more than females. Contents page
- 4. Ayesha Iqbal LA109 The opening left hand side page has an advertisement of a rock music documentary by amazon.co.uk covering the whole page. This is advertised in the magazine because it relates to the specific genre of Mojo. Also, through advertising, do the Mojo producers attract their audience with relevant products, and at the same time make money to promote other product companies. On the right, is the contents page showing a list features discussed inside. There is also a medium shot image of Bob Marley on the right. On top of the page is the title of the magazine again, under it information of the issue number and date of issue. The date is also important because it tells the reader whether they are buying/reading the latest issue or not. The advertisement on the opening left hand side page is linked to the genre of the music magazine, as it is commentated as irresistible by Classic Rock magazine. This link between the comment of Classic Rock magazine and the advertisement is further evidence that Mojo is also a classic rock magazine. There are three different font types, indicating importance, such as the title of the magazine, colours that link for example the page numbers and the feature titles. An image of Bob Marley on the contents page represents him as the second most important person to Paul McCartney discussed in the magazine. All the images on the contents page indicate what is featured in the magazine. Language is targeting the audience by being clear, concise and informative, as the audience is affluent males. E.g.: Cover Story: ...For Paul McCartney, it meant boozing, battling... I survived he tells Tom Doyle The contents page has a grey background, red page numbers and black featured titles, because these colours are generally associated with the classic rock genre, in the West. Double page
- 5. Ayesha Iqbal LA109 The title on the double page spread High times has a double meaning. On the one hand, it indicates the golden age of reggae (1975-6) and Bob Marley at the peak of his powers and on the other hand the photograph of him smoking spliff signifies him getting high on drugs. The article seemingly attempts to discuss issues which are likely to intrigue readers familiar with Bob Marley, as he seems a very influential person who is passionate about his music. The article also says that people have asked whether Bob Marley was Jewish because of the chai necklace he was wearing, but it is simply because chai means life directly linking to the title and the photograph of him and referring to his life at that point. The picture covers most of the two pages, with some text on the left hand side page, perhaps because his pictures are so rarely seen, that the publishers decide to give their readers full advantage to see it. There are four types of fonts used, mainly to distinguish between the title and the article. Different font types also make the article look readable and interesting and less daunting, unless the topic discussed is fascinating in which case, of course the reader would prefer more text to pictures. The register is aimed at adults so the language is formal and informative. E.g.: ...intangible. The colours red yellow and green in the title High Times represent the Caribbean. This links to Bob Marleys origin, Jamaica. His top is green and yellow which also represents his country. The artist (Bob Marley) is discussed, and how rare his portraits are, so this could engage the audience who are familiar with him, especially his fans. The fact that photos of him, which are so rare have been collected, this would most likely intrigue readers familiar with him.
- 6. Ayesha Iqbal LA109 The title on the double page spread High times has a double meaning. On the one hand, it indicates the golden age of reggae (1975-6) and Bob Marley at the peak of his powers and on the other hand the photograph of him smoking spliff signifies him getting high on drugs. The article seemingly attempts to discuss issues which are likely to intrigue readers familiar with Bob Marley, as he seems a very influential person who is passionate about his music. The article also says that people have asked whether Bob Marley was Jewish because of the chai necklace he was wearing, but it is simply because chai means life directly linking to the title and the photograph of him and referring to his life at that point. The picture covers most of the two pages, with some text on the left hand side page, perhaps because his pictures are so rarely seen, that the publishers decide to give their readers full advantage to see it. There are four types of fonts used, mainly to distinguish between the title and the article. Different font types also make the article look readable and interesting and less daunting, unless the topic discussed is fascinating in which case, of course the reader would prefer more text to pictures. The register is aimed at adults so the language is formal and informative. E.g.: ...intangible. The colours red yellow and green in the title High Times represent the Caribbean. This links to Bob Marleys origin, Jamaica. His top is green and yellow which also represents his country. The artist (Bob Marley) is discussed, and how rare his portraits are, so this could engage the audience who are familiar with him, especially his fans. The fact that photos of him, which are so rare have been collected, this would most likely intrigue readers familiar with him.