Cover and Contents Page Analysis

                 This is the front Cover and Contents page analysis of the Rolling Stones TV Magazine.

                                                                 Front cover analysis

This music magazine has got its inspiration from the band “The Rolling Stones” as we can see it has the same colour scheme and heading as the band also that it is based on music, TV and politics. From background research I know that Jan Wenner is the co founder of the biweekly magazine and it is also published by Wenner Media. Wenner stated in the first issue that the title of the magazine referred to the 1950 blues song, "Rollin' Stone", recorded by Muddy Waters, the rock group The Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan’s hit single "Like a Rolling Stone". Rolling Stone initially identified with and reported the hippie counterculture of the era.

The rolling stone magazine has a total circulation of 1,470,813 with 12, 162 readers and a price of £4.10. The Rolling Stone brand has developed a worldwide reputation as a trusted and premium quality voice of musical, TV and film authority amongst fans, musicians and actors. This reputation is extended not only through the magazine but also across online and an app for android and apple.

The magazine was known for its musical coverage and for political reporting but in the 1990s, the magazine changed its format to appeal to a younger readership interested in youth-oriented television shows, film actors, and popular music. In recent years, the magazine has resumed its traditional mix of content.

This mix would appeal to lots of generations as it focuses on popular music as well as old music for the older generation. From my social demographic of audience I can see that most of the buyers are men, perhaps because of the rock theme the magazine has.

The cover of this magazine features names of artists along the side with the main image of John Oliver who is an English, political satirist, writer, producer, television host, actor, voice actor, media critic, and stand-up comedian. He is widely known in the U.S. for his work on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, the satirical comedy podcast The Bugle and for hosting John Oliver's New York Stand-Up Show on Comedy Central. He reflects what this magazine is about and would appeal to all generations that rolling stone wants to attract. Assisted by this striking image, the cover succeeds in evoking a colourful and cool feel which will further entice the audience. The rolling stone masthead’s house style is a contrast between bold red and black compared to a bright white outline and the font has been maintained from 1967 except for the colours being added. The masthead creates a sophisticated style which would create an impact.

The magazine uses language that is easily understood by everyone and also the bright colours for the cover lines makes the cover look fresh and modern which would perhaps involve and attract the reader more to the magazine. On one side of the magazine it focuses on music and on the other side it focuses on the TV element and a blurb relating to the main image. There are no slang words used which demonstrates a clean and polished magazine.

The rolling stone masthead consists of a colour scheme of red, white and black and an instantly recognisable font. This font has been maintained from the very first magazine cover. The issue uses black and red font when talking about music and then different coloured font when talking about television. The colours are for both genders but predominantly associated with male which explains the higher sales for men however the magazine still has a sophisticated and stylish feel. Rolling stone would appeal to a wide range of people especially those interested in rock and pop also those interested in film and TV. The main image is the first thing that readers notice as it takes up at least 80% of the page. John Oliver is a successful comedian, TV Host and writer and his interview would appeal and be a unique selling point to the reader. The image is against a clear white background with no other images featured; this is to ensure that the reader just focuses on that image. He is staring right at the camera with his wide eyes, this will entice the audience and keep them focused on the magazine. The black and white suit he is wearing accommodates the colour scheme and fits in well.

The image itself it a mid shot and John Oliver is making eye contact with the camera which will again engage the audience. The language is straight forward and easy to understand for the reader. He is wearing glasses which create an intellectual feel for the audience and also he is wearing a suit which makes him seem professional and smart. The blurb under John Oliver’s name states “the angriest man in fake news” this is a short, snappy, dramatic statement which will entice the reader and make them want to read his interview in the magazine.

The writing stating John Oliver is large, bold and bright white and really stands out in the magazine. Also on the music side “U2” is in bold red writing as it would appeal to U2 fans as well as other rock music fans.

Utilisation of an uncluttered, relatively simple layout along with the striking colour scheme, eye catching cover lines and a single main image ensures that the piece’s presentation style comes across as professional, polished and sophisticated whilst still maintaining a youthful and vibrant feel.

To conclude, this magazine cover certainly succeeds in appealing to a target audience of all age groups who enjoy music, TV, politics and films. The vibrant masthead ensures it would stand out among others with a house style consisting of reds, blacks and whites creating an attractive contrast. The piece exudes sophistication and contemporary cool; readers are given the impression that Rolling Stone is providing them with the inside scoop of the music world. Overall, the front cover of this issue of Rolling Stone is eye-catching, creates impact and draws attention to the reader.

                                              This is the Contents page analysis

 

 

 

This is the Contents page of the Rolling stones TV magazine and the contents page is always  over the first page to make it easier for the audience to find out what they are looking for  and will entice them more into the magazine as they will see what it features. This mode of contemporary and yet sophisticated presentation reflects that of all Rolling Stone front covers and so will be easily recognised as an important aspect of the magazines house style which readers have come to expect from each piece. Similarly, the inclusion of the Rolling Stone masthead and slogan aids the pages in being instantly recognisable with this further illustration of the house style creating a sense of fluency between the pages. As always with this magazine, a strong colour scheme consisting of reds, blacks and whites is evident: the dominant shades create an eye-catching impact and a sense of continuity without over-complicating the page and so succeed in alluring readers to various images and articles.

The contents page features 3 images. One of the images features Lenny Kravitz who is a rock star; the image is very enticing and would appeal to the rock lovers. It is an action, mid shot of Lenny playing the guitar with sunglasses and leather clothing which is in keeping with the edgy persona of the magazine and will represent the rock culture. The next image is of a cartoon Television programme; it is a very colourful image and clearly stands out on the page against the black, white and red theme.

 

The final image is a close-up of Smokey Robinson who is a singer/songwriter. It is a black and white image with the caption “Smokey Robinson looks back” it looks like an image took years back and he is not looking directly at the camera which shows the casual and relaxed side of the image. The shot creates a sense of equality between the music legend and magazine buyers which will encourage them to read on. People will be enticed to see what the article consists of and includes exclusive information on him looking back in the past.

 

The masthead is placed at the top of the page and it is an abbreviated form “RS1219” RS meaning Rolling Stone and the 1219 is the issue number. The black letters and the white numbers are depicted in a bold font equivalent to that of the magazines iconic masthead which adds to the sense of continuity, coinciding with the house style and professional appearance. Placed beside the masthead is a quote stating “All the NEWS THAT FITS” this is very enticing for the readers and because half of it is in capital letters it stands out on the page and really promotes what the magazine consists of.

 

As mentioned, the colour scheme, depicting prominent reds, blacks and whites, immediately denotes the Rolling Stone magazine house style, creating an edgy, glamorous appeal. For those who regularly purchase the magazine, the striking shades are familiar and recognisable and so will help to sell the magazine with new readers being attracted by the fresh, vibrant combination. Employing the colour white for the backdrop of the contents pages, there are no clashing colours or illegible writing and so the magazine appears more professional and polished – this simplistic look also makes the inclusion of blacks and reds all the more eye-catching and effective.

 

Along the left hand side of the page is the “features” and “departments” section. At the top of the left hand side is the John Oliver section in a small box. It includes the page numbers on what he features on and in the small box it states “John Oliver Is Mad as Hell” this will engage the audience as it shows a humour and comic element to the magazine and readers would be interested in reading more about this TV sensation. At the top of the small box it states “The TV Issue” this is to show the audience that this is the TV section of the magazine and gives the entire page numbers associated with TV. The background for this small title is colourful which continues on from the front cover, this shows the continuity and house style of the magazine which makes it polished and cleans.

 

The “Features” section is a red font, again showing the continuity colour scheme and the writing underneath is just black, this shows a sophisticated element as it is not too overwhelming and in your face. The main story’s is in bold writing to engage the audience and underneath it gives a blurb on what that article is about and also the journalists name, with the page number beside it so it is easily located for the reader. The “Departments” section is the same as the features section in terms of colour and font, but above each heading is a sub-heading. The first one is “Rock & Roll” with the article based on Lenny Kravitz and the page number beside it.

 

In conclusion, I think the choice to place text at the side of the page with images on the other side, taking up most of the page as they are effective and eye-catching. This layout is very professional and sophisticate and the use of a dramatic colour scheme consisting of red, black and white is very striking and I may consider including such shades in my own piece as it draws attention and makes an impact. Rolling Stone magazine’s house style is prevalent in every aspect of the contents pages: I would also aim to develop my own house style and employ it throughout to create a sense of continuity and add the impression of my magazine as polished and professional. Finally, I really like the idea utilised in Rolling Stone of imposing the page numbers over corresponding pictures and so would hope to do the same thereby the page can be easily navigated and so would appeal to readers.

 

This is my collage of the rolling stones magazine contents pages