Closer Magazine Analysis

Magazine Analysis

The Masthead:
Closer is the masthead of the magazine and it is used to show that this magazine is getting readers closer to the lives of celebrities featured in the magazine. The use of a 3D font maybe used in order to suggest it has depth or that the text is getting closer to the reader, however it is mainly used for its visual effect and professional aesthetic.

The Strapline:
The strapline of closer is used to show the contents of the magazine but also if combined with the masthead, suggests the quality of the magazine, for example, closer celebs etc. This strapline also shows the spectrum of content that is within.

The Main coverline:
The use of an exclamation is used to show urgency aswell as a sense of action in the situation. "Fighting talk" also promotes this as the fighting is a stem from drama, which is the predominant feature of a celebrity magazine. Furthermore, the language used is quite sensationalised and exaggerated. This enforces an idea that there is feuds between celebrities.

The Main Image:

The main image is a combined image of Cheryl Cole and Tulisa Contostavlos. However, there is a clear split between both characters which when combined with the main coverline, assumes that the "fighting talk" is between the two celebrities featured which is reinforced as both celebrities featured on 'X Factor' non-consecutively which assumes there is some traction between the two characters. Although, to assume this would be completely wrong as both celebrities featured are facing their own problems and are in no way are related. However, by sensationalising this it may cause people to buy out of interest to see what is happening.

Layout/Mise-en-scene:
The layout is very vibrant and there is a heavy use of the colour pink, which is seen as a very feminine colour and may appeal to a female audience but may also assume the audience of the magazine. The use of other vibrant colours is eye catching and grabs the attention of people who see it on a shop shelf or in a window which may lead to them buying it. Another point to extract from the text would be the use of sensational words such as 'saucy', 'defiant' and 'determined'. When looking at different issues of Closer its clear to see that this theme is apparent through out all editions. This means that the magazine can appeal to a mainstream audience. The audience it appeals to would be a mainstream audience of women between the age of 20-30 years old. The reason being the large font used, the language used and the colours used.


Interpellation:
Incentives are used as a device to attract readers. This is used in this magazine in the form of exclusive interviews and stories in order to entice people into buying the magazine. This is done by offering a service that other magazines cannot offer and therefore to read an exclusive story the reader will have to buy Closer rather than a rival or competitor. Another device used is the language used. This language tends to include words that could promote the ideology of female strength and defiance. Furthermore, it uses pregnancy stories from celebrities which enforces the idea that this magazine is aimed at women and that the contents of the magazine are aimed and appeal to women.

Target Audience:
In my opinion, I believe that the target audience for this magazine is women aged 20-50 due to the colouring, use of images and font size and bold styling. This is reinforced by the use of both older and younger celebrity stories. I also believe that it is aimed at a mainstream audience which is shown by the lack of an obvious price mark which wouldn't be required if it is a repeat purchase in the same way media in the mainstream is a repeat purchase. Another way in which this applies to the mainstream is the content of the magazine being generic as well as the celebrities being recognisable from tv shows or from bands that are or where popular. I also believe it could be aimed at mothers by the use of pregnancy articles, as well as the use of maternal language and articles.