CODES AND CONVENTIONS OF A MAGAZINE LISTINGS ARTICLE

With analysis of two examples

OUR MAGAZINE ARTICLE

• Before we actually start creating the magazine article we need to look closely at other professional articles to make sure we include the key codes and conventions.

• Although I am writing the copy of the article, it is important to look at the physical layout too to make sure that it replicates a real product.

• I will look two articles from the Radio Times, which is where we would imagine our article to appear in as well

This is the heading and title of the article and acts as an enigma code as we wonder who the statement is about – is it about the woman in the main image? This is the biggest and boldest text on the double page spread.

The body/copy of the text Is the written part of the article which is place on the left hand side.

A drop cap is a very common convention of a magazine article and it signifies the start of the article.

There are other images in the article apart from the main image to show what else is in the programme.

Although, a page number may not seem significant it is an important convention of an article to signify it is part of a professional magazine.

The main image on is located on the right hand side of the double page spread with the image also overlapping on the left hand side of the page and the writing going around her shoulder to show that the two are connected/. There is a caption of

the image provided to explain clearly to the reader the connection between the image and article.

The sub-heading or a stand first is a great way to give the reader a short snapshot of the programme and also what the article is about. It should be the second biggest font size after the main heading

The font size of the body/copy is quite small but includes a wide range of information for the reader. It is normally in three columns for a magazine article.

This writing here is important information for the reader about where the programme is being broadcasted and when.

This is pull quote and usually provides the most interesting comment made about the programme.

This is information about other programme’s and does not directly link in with the main article but shows what else is popular. I don’t think we will do this but just focus, like the previous one, on one programme. There is a consistence colour scheme of black, white and red which seems conventionally for the ‘behind the scenes’ section of the radio times. I think we will have a three colour scheme too.The top half of the

article layout is occupied by images whilst the bottom half has the copy of the article. I prefer the style of the previous article, though.

This article uses two headings to give the reader the impression that they are getting exclusive access to information. “Being the” is written in a red font and smaller size to distinguish it from the other writing

Again, the stand first is used to give the reader a small insight into the article and it is followed in smaller but bolder text by airing information for the episode of the programme.

Again, there is a description of how the image links in with the article/programme. The font colour is in white to make it clear and visible for the reader. So, we need to make sure we consider font colours too.

The body/copy of the article is in a diary form from the point of the view of the protagonist of the documentary. As out documentary is not based on one person I will not write like this but follow how the previous article was written.

The clock graphic is an interesting and unconventional aspect of a magazine and makes it a different. However, I think we should stick to normal codes and conventions.

CODES AND CONVENTIONS

1. Main Image – you will usually find a large main image on a double page spread. It usually summaries what the main message of the article or can be quite ambiguous in its meaning to intrigue the reader.

2. Masthead/heading – this is important to introduce the article and keep a consistent house style for the article.

3. Subheading – this gives the reader a short but informative summary of the contents of what the article discusses.

4. Main article – this is the written contents which is usually split into three different columns. An image or pull quote can be used between sections of the copy.

5. Colour scheme – there is usually two or three colours for the colour scheme to keep things simple as it is for an older audience rather than a younger audience so bright colours are not really used.

6. Captions – captions are another way of providing information to the reader with the image7. Pull quote – this is used to provide the audience with an interesting or ambiguous quote 8. Website link/name of magazine – at the bottom in small writing these two features are usually present 9. Secondary image– other images are used to show that there is a variety of scenes in the show. 10. Drop cap – this anchors the start of the article

WHAT HAVE I LEARNT?

• The Radio Times does not challenge conventional codes of magazine articles and is therefore has a very simple, but traditional, layout.

• We need to make sure our article follows these codes and conventions especially the following:• Having one main and large image along with other small images • A subheading/stand first which uses captivating language• A main heading/masthead which is not boring i.e. it could be a pun about video games• At the bottom of the page we need to include page numbers and ‘Radio Times’• The use of consistent colour scheme throughout with simple colours • At the end of the article, credits for the article writer/producer.• We need to include a font that is not fancy but clear and simple to read for the copy.• Give clear information about when the documentary is going to be aired – exactly when, i.e. the exact

time and date with which channel.