Task 3: Why is the front cover so important?

What is the Editor’s main concern?
Why is the front cover so important?
How does the Editor make sure the Kerrang! cover appeals to the whole of its readership?
What are, typically, the ‘main sells’ (selling points) on a Kerrang! cover?
How can a cover-mounted CD affect sales?
What other ways does Kerrang! use to draw in and keep its readers?
What typically features on the cover of Mixmag and why?
What are the disadvantages of a cover mounted CD on every issue?
What are the two most important areas on a magazine front cover, and why is each one important?
What are the two things most magazines try to do on their cover?

DEADLINE MONDAY 12TH OCTOBER

Task 2: Audiences & Institutions

Many media publications are produced by multi-media companies for example Bauer (who recently bought EMAP).

Bauer is the company responsible for Kerrang, Q and Mojo. The company also publishes around another 150 magazine titles as well as ownership of 40 commercial radio stations (including Magic and Kiss FM) and 7 digital music TV channels (The Box, Hits).

Multi-media ownership has obvious implications for the production of music publications. The successes of Kerrang! and Q have resulted in offspring radio and TV channels.
IPC is another major player within the British publishing world. IPC Media’s magazine portfolio includes NME, Uncut, TV Times, Marie Claire, Loaded and Nuts.

Future Publishing is another leading music magazine production with a range that includes Metal Hammer, Classic Rock, Guitarist, DJ, Total Guitar and Computer Music. The company started out publishing computer-related magazine and has gradually expanded into other entertainment coverage including Total Film and SFX.

It is quite clear that IPC Media and Bauer dominate the magazines market in Britain. BBC magazines are also key players that incorporate magazine publishing with their radio and television output. Each conglomerate is able to use different media ‘arms’ of their company to promote their produce.

Task 1:

Research the following publishers:
Bauer
IPC Media
BBC magazines
Development Hell

·Locate the official website of these companies and any related materials you can find on the internet
·Identify the key characteristics of the companies and their magazine profiles – what types of magazine do they produce (mainstream/niche)? Who makes up their target audiences? What is the brand image?

Are there any links between production of magazines and other media?

Task 2:

Use the internet to devise a profile of the music magazines produced by Future Publishing. Their specific music section identifies the range of magazines available and offers information on the contents of the latest edition of each one.

Write a detailed overview of these publications and note how music genres are addressed in their profile. Answer the following:

·What are the possible links between their music magazine portfolio?
·Are there any connections between publications that could be attractive to advertisers?
·How can their music magazines be used to promote their other entertainment publications and vice versa?

DEADLINE MONDAY 12th OCTOBER