I chose to do a LIIAR analysis of the rock magazine 'Q' because it is similar to the genre of my magazine being Pop/Rock.
Language -
The magazine cover is presented in a colour theme, consisting of: red, white and grey. All of these colours contrast with the black background, so therefore it is easy to read the text, but also these specific colours connote danger and create a dark image, which relates to the genre of rock - which is the genre of Q magazine. In addition, by using this colour scheme it creates a house style; this presents a professional and aesthetically pleasing to the reader. the masthead 'Q' is presented very large and is against a bright red background, the red background stands out against the dark background, as well as grasping the readers attention. Furthermore, by the masthead just being the letter 'Q' it is easily recognisable as to what magazine it is; and because it is a branch of magazine's, the reader will know what magazine it is. As well, a kicker is featured at the top of the splash which states 'The UK's biggest music magazine' this attracts the audience's attention and persuades them to read the magazine, as the kicker promotes it. All of the cover lines displayed around the main image, relate to the magazine and the music genre, for example it labels other various rock artists, such as 'John mayer, Vampire weekend and Muse'. By each of these artists having their own cover lines, it will attract the reader to read the magazine, as they will relate to the magazine. Furthermore, at the bottom of the page, an anchorage is featured saying '3 words... Cheryl Cole ROCKS', not only does this promote the artist, but it also reinforces the music genre of rock and showing how the artist signifies this genre. The main image is a close-up of Cheryl Cole, which takes up the majority of the cover. This is effective because she is a well known artist, the reader will recognise who she is and be persuaded to read the magazine, as it features her.
Ideology -
The ideology of the magazine is to attract the audience's attention and persuade them to buy and read the magazine, because of how the front cover appears. Q magazine promotes new rock music, produced by current artists. Q features artists that are either in the rock genre, or have produced music similar to a rock style; such as cheryl Cole. Therefore, the magazine needs to appear aesthetically pleasing to a target audience, who would be interested in this magazine style. For instance, the layout of the splash matches the genre of rock; this is presented through the dark house style, which connote the dark edge of rock music. In addition, the main image of Cheryl Cole, shows that she has a rock edge to her, as she is wearing a ring, like a claw, this connotes that she has a darker side waiting to come out, which relates to her releasing rock music. Furthermore, the colour scheme of red is reinforce in the main image, this is shown by her red lipstick. This connotes danger and matches with the house style. This shows a contrast to the 'Billboard' magazine, where iconography of the main image is flowers and a girly colour theme - representing Pop genre; compared to the dark and dangerous representing layout, of Q magazine, representing rock.
Institution -
Q magazine is a popular/rock magazine published monthly in the United Kingdom. Founders Mark Ellen and David Hepworth were dismayed by the music press of the time, which they felt was ignoring a generation of older music buyers who were buying CDs — then still a new technology. Q was first published by the EMAP media group in October 1986, setting itself apart from much of the other music press with monthly production and higher standards of photography and Printing. In the early years, the magazine was sub-titled "The modern guide to music and more". The magazine has an extensive review section, featuring: new releases (music), reissus (music), music compilations, film and live concert reviews, as well as radio and television reviews. It uses a star-rating system from one to five stars; indeed, the rating an album receives in Q is often added to print and television advertising for the album in the UK and Ireland. It also compiles a list of approximately eight albums, which it classes as the best new releases of the last three months. Much of the magazine is devoted to interviews with popular/rock musical artists.
Audience -
Q magazine is a rock/pop music magazine and so appeals to people who like rock/pop music. The target audience is for teenagers and young adults, aged between 15-25 years old. This is because this specific target audience who are most likely to be interested in this magazine genre, or go to concerts and festivals related to this music style. As well, this age group will easily recognise who the artists are that feature in the magazine, than an older or younger audience. Seen as this target audience will feature young people who will most likely be students, the price of the magazine would have to be relatively cheap. This is due to this target audience, being stereotypically with either no jobs or on minimum wage, so they wouldn't be able to afford expensive magazines.
Representations -
The main image on the splash cover, is the artist Cheryl Cole. This is significant because she is promoting her new music, which is the genre of rock, so therefore relates to the magazine. Moreover, as the main image is of her, the audience will identify her and will therefore attract their attention to the magazine, and persuade them to buy it.
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