Based on my research, this magazine is designed for main-streamers or strugglers. This is because the magazine appeals to a large group of people (working class) and provides quick, temporary gratificaton. The target audience is 18+, predominantly female and predominantly white.
2) Look at the lesson slides: how does the editor introduce Reveal magazine?
The editor introduces Reveal as the reader's best friend. This creates a more informal tone and allows the reader to be able to relate/understand the way the magazine sends it's messages. It also allows the magazine to use slang and abbreviations. It prevents the reader from viewing the magazine as a serious source of information and relies on Reveal to provide gossip and advice.
3) What is the difference between the Reveal and Tatler target audiences?
The main difference is that Reveal's target audience is working class whereas Tatler's audience is upper class. Tatler is produced monthly after a lot of research and they are usually quite large and provide a lot of information. Reveal, on the other hand, is produced weekly and very little effort goes into the stories produced. Tatler's higher price gives it a more prestige reputation which could indicate that the readers demand quality whereas Reveal's price of 99p makes it seem accessible and available which suggests that it's readers only need something quick to read, they aren't concerned with details or the accuracy of stpries.
4) What issues are Reveal readers interested in?
The main issues that Reveal discusses involve relationship troubles, lives of celebrities(predominantly reality tv stars or less known actors) and fashion. It informs readers on celebrity gossip and gives beauty tips and advice (successfully playing the role of the best friend). It doesn't address issues of importance-the magazine is very light hearted and it's stories are quick and easy to forget.
Media Language
1) How many of the 12 magazine cover key conventions feature on this edition of Reveal?
Title of Publication- The title is mainly covered by the central image which suggests that the main focus is on the articles rather than the title.
Central Image- The central image is of two reality stars and their separate images have been photoshopped together.
Cover line-The magazine is bordered by cover lines and the cover is crowded with them.
Colour schemes- Red, yellow and pink-bright colours to attract immediate attention
Name checks-Mentions stars in every cover line in order to use celebrities' star power to attract readers but only uses first names so it makes it seem like the reader is familiar/friends with these people.
Language-Uses slang and quick snappy headlines to seem more modern and "friendly"/ relatable.
Bar code/date/price- Includes price which suggests that the low price is a dominant reason in why people buy this magazine.
2) What is the font choice used on the cover and what does this choice connote?
The magazine uses san serif in an attempt to seem more cool and modern. It makes a clear difference between Reveal and other, more traditional magazines.
3) How do the cover lines appeal to the Reveal target audience?
The cover lines are targeted towards lower class strugglers who want instant gratification from controversial articles with interesting stories.(e.g."I met Joey in jail.")
4) What are the connotations of the Reveal colour scheme on this particular front cover?
Red,Yellow,Pink: Bright, eye-catching colours to suggest the magazine is full of happy, interesting stories. The clash of such bright colours make the magazine seem quite crowded which could suggest the magazine is 'bursting' with news stories. The colours draw attention away from the news stories, potentially a way of distracting from the less interesting articles.
5) How are images used to create interest in the magazine? Find three reasons for your answer. (E.g. mise-en-scene such as props, costume and make-up, body position, facial expression.)
The outfits worn are casual and they don't look expensive-this is an attempt to make the celebrities look like regular people so the readers will be able to relate.
The pictures are taken in ordinary settings (car parks, houses not in expensive venues) which could be a further attempt to allow the reader to connect with the celebrities and it gives the impression that these pictures aren't staged-we get to see the real side of these celebrities.
6) What differences can you find between the use of design and typography between Tatler and Reveal? List at least three and explain the effect on audiences.
Typography-Tatler uses serif fonts to make their magazine seem more sophisticated and appeal to more upper class women whereas Reveal uses sans serif which is more common and modern which could imply that they try to attract more middle class/lower class.
Photos-Tatler has only one image which is from a professional photo shoot but Reveal is covered in overlapping photos from the paparazzi which suggest that Tatler has access to celebrities and can afford to have professional pictures while Reveal relies on free/cheap unprofessional photos.
Cover lines-Tatler has several cover lines though as the focus is on the cover model, they aren't noticeable but on Reveal, the cover lines are large and colourful and the reader is bombarded with different stories.
Representations
1) What different groups of people are represented on the cover? (Look at the image and text/cover lines)
The magazine represents celebrities but they aren't being portrayed as upper class, posh people; the use of paparazzi pictures, catching celebrities doing ordinary things make them seem more relatable.
2) What type of celebrities are represented on the front cover?The majority of the celebrities are reality stars, actors and musicians. This could potentially be a way of appealing to a mainstream audience and make celebrities they are familiar with more accessible.
3) Are there any stereotypes being reinforced or subverted? How? Why?
The stereotype that celebrities are stuck up and obnoxious is being subverted as they are being portrayed as ordinary and experiencing personal issues(they aren't perfect).
4) What view of celebrities does Reveal want the reader to have?
Reveal wants readers to be able to relate to the celebrities and view them as regular people.
5) What would be the preferred and oppositional readings to this cover of Reveal?
The preferred reading would be that this magazine is packed with interesting stories that will bring the reader closer to the celebrity and they will gain exclusive insight into the lives of celebrities. The oppositional reading is that the paparazzi photos suggest that because the photos haven't been authorised, the information in the magazine hasn't been confirmed either, nor is it credible. Additionally, by fitting in so many stories, they will be brief and not detailed.
Social and cultural context
1) What aspects of British life are reflected in Reveal? How does this compare to Tatler?
This magazine represents the middle class as it mentions habits that are partial to middle/lower class rather than wealthy, upper class women. There's a heavy emphasis on relationship troubles whereas Tatler focuses predominantly on fashion and social status.
2) What do the cover lines in Reveal suggest about the issues and lifestyle of Reveal readers?
The cover lines regarding motherhood('Blooming Baby Bumps' 'Cheryl becomes a very posh mum') suggest that the majority of Reveal readers are parents (mid 20's to 40's)
The magazine offers ''one simple trick'' for skin care which alludes that readers are conscious of vanity and enjoy improving their appearance.
3) Find three other front covers for Reveal. What issues or features regularly appear in Reveal?
Diet and Exercise
Relationship issues
Fights and Scandals.
4) Do any celebrities appear on more than one front cover of Reveal? Why do you think they are particularly popular with Reveal readers?
Kim Kardashian-She leads an extravagant lifestyle and is often idolised and admired from afar so it excites readers as they'll be able to find out more about her.
Cheryl- Cheryl grew up in a lower class family so readers will find her relatable and also inspiring as she is now very well known and successful.
Katie Price-She is viewed as quite a scandalous and a sensationalist so she is able to provide entertaining stories.
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