Magazine Analysis 1

"Kerrang Magazine!"
General
The company that produces and publishes the magazine is a company called "Bauer Consumer Media!" (http://www.bauermedia.co.uk/)
According the the publishers website the target audience is stated to be "individually minded, independent of thought and musically experienced. An audience which is defined by attitude, passion and loyalty. Furthermore, the website http://www.uktribes.com/ claims that the magazine is for the social groups known as "Gamers, Emos, Scene kids, Skaters, Metal heads and young alts".
The magazine has a specific niche audience as the magazine concerns topics and themes that are relevant to the listeners of rock music and its background. Information given suggests that the magazine is made up of devoted rock fans which includes 60% males and 40% female. All between the ages of 16-24 years of age. The young audience is evidenced by the font, layout and the presentation of the contemporary, up to date look. Also, "Kerrang" aims itself at men by appealing them to the use of metal iconic male bands on the front, using a violent or angry expression. Whereas, the magazine appeals to females by the use of male bands and free posters.

The magazine costs £2.20, which links to how often it is published and the circulation of the magazine. Therefore, the price depends on the profit made for adverts and for the magazine company itself. The magazine was first published June 6th in 1981 as a one-off supplement to the "Sounds" newspaper. When it grew in popularity it began to be published monthly, however its high demand allowed it to decrease to weekly. Kerrang's circulation reached 44,013 copies in the first 6 months of 2009. Compared to the last 6 months in 2008, it was lower. Therefore, "Kerrang" were at a high point of 50,128. This showed how successful and leading the magazine was. Despite the fact that the target audience was still a one demographic entity. The large circulation allows readers to write in and review what may be published in the magazine.

The cover
"Kerrang" was named after the onomatopoeic word that comes from the noise made when smashing an electric guitar. It links with the angry rock music which is advertised and promoted throughout the magazine.
The masthead uses a grungy font, which will automatically appeal to attract the target audience. Also, the font is very informal which may link with the young rebellious readers, the colours used links with the colour scheme throughout the whole front cover. Furthermore, another advantage to the masthead is that is very clear as it is in front of the main image and is easy to read. The strap line is commonly known to be placed below the title. However, Kerrang have changed this to look more different and placed it above the headline.

It seems the main image always features a popular band, and is usually a medium closeup. The style is dark coloured clothing, relaxing and casual to compliment the dark background colours. Other images that appear on the front cover are free posters you gain if you buy the product, which applies mainly to female audience to attract them to buy the magazine.








Language used on the front cover is very demanding and forceful, the use of exclamation marks and exaggeration, intrigues the reader to get the magazine fast!
"WIN!"
"FREE!"





Kerrang magazine is quite full of information, with facts and music info. It is a lot more exciting than other magazines, it is not plain and the front cover is very busy with different offers that the magazine gives you.

Inside
Pages 63
Adverts 16

The adverts mainly consisted of tour dates and tickets that were being sold, TV programmes and new album releases.

Features:
Interviews, posters, tour dates, music reviews, competitions, music programmes and reviews of the all of the latest gigs and performances.

The magazine contains 7 double page spreads which involve
Interviews
Full page posters (which can be used for posters)
Photos
Reviews
Adverts

The house style was used throughout as the magazine kept the same colours, fonts and layouts. Once again approximately 3 different font styles were being used. The house style suggests that the target audience are very loud and are into heavy rock as throughout the style consists of boldness.