CASE STUDY

BACKGROUND DETAILS

• The magazine was first launched in February 1995

• It was published along side the TV show “Top of the Pops”

• It was originally the missing link between Smash hits and NME

• The format gradually changed with less music content and of a more shift towards the popular audience which initially is young girls.

Top of the Pops was published originally centred around music content, after the TV show.

TOP OF THE POPS; March 2001As today’s Top of the pops magazine the colours are chosen to highlight the artist’s clothing and used as a colour scheme through the whole front cover.

The main image is a typically pop artist with most attention focused upon the artist. The image represents classic iconography of a female pop artist.

There are more signs of music content shown. However its more information on the artist.

TOP OF THE POPS; TODAY

With the new addition of Top of the Pops you can see how much the focus on the artist has turned to their actions instead of their ability. There is also a shift in how fashion has become a main focus of the magazine getting the artists look for more affordable prices. There is a lot more happening on this front cover. There is also a focus on interaction of the audience. There is a massive change in layout to what it used to be.

BACKGROUND DETAILS

• The name of the magazine brought the genre of Pop around and made it well known.

• The magazine has achieved variable success over the years with sales rising and falling, alongside the TV show.

• The magazine has accommodated to a specific target audience which meant the magazine changed how much the content of music was published. As well as adapting to the new artist and songs.

TOP OF THE POPS TODAY!

• Issued monthly • Costs £2.99 per issue • Follows a standard magazine layout. The main

content of the magazine includes celebrity gossip, cringes, fashion and beauty advice, articles on pop and movie stars, quizzes, horoscope, posters and song lyrics.

• Top of the Pops! Has its own website, it did have a TV show but it was cancelled.

TOP OF THE POPS INSIDE

The colours used against the background stand out a lot more to ensure it to be noticeable as well as making it appealing. The image of the artists portrays that the article is mostly about them. The small bite size article photos are link towards the paragraph written. The most eye catching and unheard quotes are put in more bold font drawing attention to them and the article itself. The snippets of text are normal for a magazine with a youth audience. It also reflects how the magazine has a less serious approach.

TARGET AUDIENCE

• 11-15years old. • 100% female audience. • Active music purchaser and gossip. • Interested in fashion, gossip, boys, romantic films and

shopping. • Loyal to their friends and family and favorite artists, an

individual who loves to be the first with new accessories and is youthful and fun.

• See Top of the Pops as everything in one whole magazine with exciting new trends and music available for them with their interests.

CONTENT• Content is devoted to music, gossip, news and

articles, album reviews, concert information. Quizzes, competitions and posters.

• Artists commonly featured are those that the magazine has found new exclusive information and fashion tips.

• The magazine offers large posters of artists and bands reflecting the interests of the readership.

STYLE• Top of the Pops uses bright and attractive colour schemes which are

consistent throughout the magazine each month with a new colour. • Featuring a lot of iconography associated with pop and scenes

surrounding it for example light make up, quirky clothes, cheerful colours.

• The magazine has a lot of visual images from the artists. • Top of the Pops has feminine and girly font used throughout with

different styles with uppercase text font• Different shades of pink feature the most strongly upon the

magazine however each month this can vary. However it is only bright and noticeable colours for the direct attention of the audience.

The main colour used with the magazine is bright pink.

A lot of small article photos around the magazine.

Feminine and girly font used throughout with different styles

MODE OF ADDRESS • Informal language to interact with the audience. • Expressions and tones which the target audience can

relate to. • Phrases to create a relationship between the audience and

the magazine. • The language suggests that they understand music is

important but a joke can brighten their day which is what the magazine aims to do.

• It helps the readership to see Top of the Pops as a friend or like a cool big sister giving advice and information for them.

The informal language used is friendly and shows interest of the audience.

Phrases which the audience can relate to and understand.

The phrases can show interaction in a friendly term with the audience as it can comfort them.

Artists that can crack a smile and interest for the audience with the speech marks.

MODE OF ADDRESS • Examples of Mode of Address: • “OMG”• “PHWOAR”• “HSM POSTERS”• “HOT BOYS”