Analysis of 4 existing TV listings magazine front

covers:

The first 2 are general T.V magazine front covers, and the last 2 are soap – specific front

covers.

I am doing this to look at the conventions of T.V listings magazine front covers, for when I

create my own.

Large masthead, that links to the genre.

Photo in medium close up. The star has attitude, the picture has good focus and lighting.

Secondary feature with photo. This convention creates variety in the features.

Buttons have a clear colour scheme, that is consistent throughout.

Main feature stands out on the page. The name of the programme being there entices the reader, as it is recognisable.

Sub-heading that links to main feature. This creates genre, as it links to the programme name above.

Lots of relevant features to entice the reader.

Strap at the top – genre convention.

Secondary feature – the reader may recognise the TV characters.

Large masthead, that links to the genre.

Lots of relevant features to entice the reader. The features have a clear colour scheme.

Main feature stands out on the page. Mode of address in the subheading entices the reader.

Strap at the top – genre convention.

Photo in medium close up/medium shot. The star has attitude, and is in costume. The picture has good focus and lighting.

The price is in a button. ‘Still only’ entices the reader to buy.

Lots of features with photos. The photos show the actors in character. This adds to genre.

Strap at the top – genre convention.

Large masthead, that links to the genre.

Main photo feature – actors are in character and have attitude. This constructs genre and narrative.

Fonts used throughout are bright and bold.

Main feature is prominent on the page. ‘Showdown’ links to the soap, and constructs genre.

Sub-heading links to the ‘Showdown’ main feature, and links to the soap, and constructs genre.

Details about the content of the magazine to entice the reader.

Large masthead, that links to the genre.

Large masthead, that links to the genre.

Main photo feature – actors are in character and have attitude. This constructs genre and narrative.

Secondary feature with photo. This convention creates variety in the features, and constructs genre.

Secondary feature with photo. This convention creates variety in the features, and constructs genre.

Main feature is prominent on the page. ‘Prime Suspect’ links to the soap, and constructs genre.

The price is in a button. ‘Still only’ entices the reader to buy.

Tabs containing the days of the week – shows the reader that the magazine is going to cover the whole week of TV.