Mia's AS Media Coursework

The purpose of the contents page is to inform the reader of where and what stories and features are in the magazine.

Colour

The colour scheme on the contents follows the colour scheme of the front page, with red white black and yellow used again. By using a white background it allows the attention of the buyer to stay on the text in the contents. Black backgrounds are used for the side headings to maintain the indie/rock style of the magazine yet also compels it to stand out so readers can easily navigate themselves around the magazine. The magazine logo is again printed on the contents page, printed in bright red with a white outline against a black background. This allows the logo to define itself and allows the reader to identify with the magazine. The page numbers are all in red colour allowing them to stand out so readers can easily find what pages they want to read.

Layout And Design

The layout of the magazine is not as hectic as the front page allowing it to be easier followed to help the buyer to understand what is in the magazine and how to easily navigate it. Also at the side bar there are clear headings splitting the contents into sections with clear bold font, making it easy for the buyer to quickly find a particular thing they are looking for in the magazine. The stories have page numbers next to them, this is an important convention to a magazine contents as it is an essential in order for the readers to know how to get to the pages they want to read about efficiently. At the top of the contents page in bold capitals it states 'NME THIS WEEK' connoting that this magazine is weekly and has a new range of feautures within it each week. Beneath that in smaller writing is the date to ensure readers know which edition they are reading. On the left side of the page there is a band index column showing traditional buyers where to find there favorite bands, but also a good selling point to the one off buyers who will want to specifically find the bands they are interested in. In the contents page there are also arrows next tot he text in which reflects stories on the front page.

Images

The main image in the contents page is the Astoria pub showing that it is an important feature within the magazine and despite not analyzing the actual front page of this edition of NME, this story about the Astoria was featured on the cover of this edition, showing that the magazine uses the stories on the front page on the contents page showing the importance of the stories. The image of Astoria pub is also anchored by the text beneath it again emphasizing its importance to the magazine. At the bottom of the page there are also photos of previous editions of the magazines advertising them to be ordered weekly and if ordered today you could save over £45 causing a good selling point to the magazine. This also connotes to one off buyers that the magazine must be good as it is successful as people want it ordered weekly.

Words Used On Cover

The language is simple and easily understandable suitable for the magazine target audience of young adults/teens.In addition to this the story head lines show what story there featuring yet don't give too much away compelling the reader to want to read further and find more out about it. Exaggerate language is also used for example 'The UK'S number 1 gig guide' a good selling point to the indie/rock music fans as its showing that this magazine features the best gigs in the UK which is an interest in the target audience.

Overall Impression

The overall effect of the contents makes it easy for the reader to navigate there way around the magazine. It shows where to find and what the main features of the magazine are.