Magazine Shows

Magazine Shows

Typical Examples
Magazine shows are usually broadcasted across the major channels e.g. ITV, BBC and Channel 4. 
Examples of magazine shows are:

• This Morning
• Top Gear
• The One Show
• Blue Peter
• Sunday Brunch

Format

Magazine shows usually are continually broadcasted.  Most of them will be broadcasted every weekday, either during the morning or early evening e.g. This Morning and The One Show. Others may be scheduled to be broadcasted every week on a specific day at a certain time e.g. Top Gear and Blue Peter. Magazine shows will usually have presenters in a studio that will cover a range of topics like entertainment, current affairs, real life issues and more. Some of this will be broadcasted from the studio interspersed with links to reporters in specific locations during news features. It will usually have two presenters maybe one male and one female.

Appeals

I think the appeals of Magazine shows is that it provides a lot of information about a range of subjects. There are so many subjects within the show that most people could relate to at least one part. If they watch the whole show they will gather enough information about a range of subjects that this will allow them to discuss what they've learnt and communicate with their friends. This means magazine shows can be used for the use of information due to the news featured included in them. Also it helps with social interaction as since the audience gains new information on a range of subjects they will be able to use this new knowledge and form connections with friends and family. It may even help with personal identity as the audience may be able relate to the people being interviewed and the situations that they have been in. The shows usually have a similar layout every show, touching a range of subjects but at certain times e.g. a feature on showbiz. With this conventional layout the audience will know when to tune in and what to expect so the audience is more likely to come back and return to what they know. The audience will know the presenters as they will be famous, they will see them at least once a week so will trust the show and become familiar with it, due to this the audience will take the preferred reading.

Audience 

I believe that the target audience is the mainstreamer as most magazine shows e.g. Top Gear become known among family and friends and so do the people on it therefore this will appeal to them as their core need is security. It will also deal with the issues of everyday lives and is very family oriented, and usually shown at a time when younger children or mothers are around. Again, appealing to the mainstreamer as it's very domestic.I think it may also appeal to students or elderly people as they may have more time on their hands of a morning or early evening so will tune in to these shows. Another audience type that may watch this show are Groupies, as these types of shows are very popular as they tackle a broad amount of subjects, so this will appeal to them as they will want to be accepted by those around them. They can even gain information from the shows allowing them to be more diverse so people can form more of a relationship with them. Drop-outs may also enjoy these types of shows as they wont have to tune in every week to know whats going on, this means that they wont have to commit, which will appeal to them.

Opening Sequence

        
The opening sequence of This Morning is very bright and colourful. This lighting makes the programme seem very positive encouraging people to watch it as its very natural and bright, maybe reflecting how the presenters and show is. Paired up with the lively, upbeat theme tune this reinforces the idea that this show is welcoming and supportive. It shows Phil and Holly in very normal surroundings, walking down a lively city street and meeting common people, this may make them seem down to earth encouraging the audience to relate to them and watch the show. However we see that one group of people want to get a picture with Phil, a selfie in fact, maybe showing that he is of a higher status than common people, as others will stop for a picture with him. This may also show that even though he is older he is still up to date with new ideas and technology. They also constantly display a smile upon their faces when interacting with others, and each other, this is shown through medium close ups so we are allowed to see their facial expressions and their body language. This warming behaviour shows how they have a good relationship with each other and others allowing the audience to again, form a relationship with them and want to watch on.

Setting

Most of the shows will be filmed within a studio. The studio may be filled with homely furniture making it feel familiar to the audience. Most of these shows will be intertwined with features that are live or prerecorded in specific locations. This will create a sense that the presenters are only receiving the information as the audience is reinforcing that connection. The features that are mostly filmed in locations where the information is coming from creates the impression that the show is up to date and connected with the world, allowing the audience to trust the show and the information even more.


Technical codes

Most of the shows will have shots that are straight and a long shot, allowing the audience to see both of the presenters and the studio around them. The camera will sometimes use shot reverse shot during interviews so the audience can see the interviewees facial expression and feel closer to them but are also allowed to see the presenters reactions. There are close ups and medium close ups used, especially during features outside the studio again allowing to connect and see the presenters reactions. There may be prerecorded footage of events so people can see what happened before the interview so they can gain extra information and actually see the events unfold, rather than just hearing someone talking about what happened. This will make the audience trust the show even more as they may see this as if they are actually watching an event happen from a neutral perspective. However we know this is not true, how the magazine shows edit these features will have a great influence on what the audience thinks e.g. only including certain shots, using low angle angle shots to create suspense, close ups to add emotion etc. The theme tune which is a non-diegetic sound will sometimes be used when coming back and leaving from a break,letting the audience to know what they are still watching and reinforcing the programmes brand.

Characters and Representations 
I believe that the presenters are expected to be bubbly and represented as people that are down to earth, this will allow the audience to feel that the presenters are on their level. However even though they are empathetic they are not too over the top, they remain professional and non patronising. This allows the audience to respect them. This will also be shown though their body language e.g. they will lean and nod in agreement when interviewing others, making them seem understanding and inviting. They will be smartly dressed with nothing too revealing, emphasising that the main focus is their job.  Most people within the show are usually represented in a positive or mostly neutral way, this allows the audience to make their own decision on the subject and the people. However the audience may still be influenced and take a preferred reading by the type of the questions they get asked and the technical codes, e.g. more close ups will influence the audience to relate to the person more.

Narrative
Magazine shows will usually have a quick preview of the stories and topics, usually so brief that they will ask a rhetorical question that will then be answered further into the show. This creates suspense making the audience want to watch on and see what happens. All the stories within the show will be resolved by the end giving the audience a feeling of satisfaction. The show may have certain features at certain times e.g. home cooking feature during dinner time. These shows will usually cover quite positive themes, covering topics such a love, and family. The shows usually encouraging audiences to get involved in some way.