Week 6

1. In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?
My media product is a college magazine contents page. It is colour co-ordinated with blue, white, black and yellow, similar to the college magazine cover I have created. Within my college magazine contents page i have included an editors note on the left hand side. My contents page includes bold text that stands out to catch the audiences eye. These magazine contents pages inspired me in creating my college magazine contents page.

The image on the left is a music magazine contents page, and its layout inspired me to create my college magazine contents page. The contents page used blacks, whites and reds within its contents page, therefore i chose to use the same colours in my magazine cover for my contents page, to show a house style within my magazine. Also similar colours will show proffessionalism and consistency. The layout of this contents page inspired me most as it had the masthead/header at the top and its contents page details below it. Also it had a huge right hand centre of the page which made a huge effect and made the magazine stand out more. The pictures used within the contents page have similar house style to the contents page as well, which helped me decide the picture i will have in my contents page, will have to be a similar shade to my house style colours i will be using within my magazine. My media product uses, develops or challeneges forms and conventions of real media products because like this magazine contents page, my magazine also has a contents header, 4 or more images, and content pages and information stated. Furthermore my magazine has a house style and consists of four colours throughout the contents page.

The image on the right is a magazine contents page, and it has inspired me as it is eye catching and entertaining, also it is informative. This inspired me to include an editors note within the left hand side of my contents page, so it can be more informative as well as get a little bit personal with the readers so they can relate. My media product uses, develops or challenges forms and conventions of real media products because like this magazine contents page, my magazine also consists of a personal note, however instead of this, my one is an editors note. Also my contents page is informative and eye catching. It will relate to my audience.  

This is my college magazine contents page:

2. How does your media product represent particular social groups?


My media product is representing teenagers and college students. It may also target teachers and parents indirectly as parents and teachers may also be able to use this to be more aware of college life and what students might be getting up to. college students and teenagers are also represented as my media product includes tips for exams and other factors. It captures what college students are interested in, striving in, and whats on offer. College students and teenagers are interested in a majority of things, therefore to represent their age group within my magazine I referenced facebook and twitter. Also I included the college magazine website so readers can keep updated. Social networking and the internet usage is very popular amongst this age group therefore by using these factors within my magazine i can relate more to my target audience. 

Within my magazine I have included things like examination techniques, extra curricular activities and fitness. These factors will interest readers as at this age, students are looking to get fit and healthy, therfore they may want some advice and help on how to go about it. The extra curricular activities will help build on UCAS points therefore students will be interested in this, and by including this within my magazine it will be able to cater to their needs and update them on latest and most popular, also the variety of extra curricular activities available. 
 
For example, they may want to know more about the Duke of edinburgh award which is very interesting and is popular with many people. The Enrichment activities, debate society, and LRC are mentioned within my magazine contents page and these may also represent the teachers within the college as well as the students, this is because the teachers may be interested in the debates, and some of the teachers may be leading the enrichment programme. Also some teachers may want to teach one of their lessons in the LRC or set some homework based on it, therefore they can find out more, as they can use the magazine website referenced within the contents page or get in contact. Social events are also mentioned within my magazine contents page, as most students are interested in socialising and having fun.  


3. What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?

A number of Media institutions might distribute my media product as it meets the expectations of a college contents page, as it is colourful, bold and stands out. Also my media product is similar to other magazine contents page and will suit my previous media product, which was my magazine front cover. Media institutions like the National magazine company, IPC Media, Conde Nast publications, Bauer consumer media might distribute my media product.

National magazine Company
Hearst magazines UK is the trading name of National Magazine Company Ltd which was established in 1910 by William Randolph Hearst. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hearst Corporation, one of the largest diversified media companies. One of their major interests include magazines. The types of magazines NMC publish is health related. My school magazine is quite health related and it includes the similarities and features, codes and conventions of a real magazine contents page. Therefore one type of media institution that may distribute colleducation is National Magazine Company.

Bauer Consumer Media

Bauer Media is a division of the Bauer Media Group, and is Europes largest privately owned publishing group. It is a worldwibe media empire offering over 300 magazines in 15 countries both printed and online. Bauer Media is a multi-Platform UK-based media group consisting of many companies colleged around 2 main division - Magazines & Radio. It is built on influential media brands with millions of personal relationships with engaged readers & listeners. They connect to their audiences with excellent content through their broad multi-touch point brand platforms, wherever and wherever and however wanted. Bauer magazine spans over 80 influential brand names covering a diverse range of interests. As Bauer media publish for a diverse range of interests, this institution will be the perfect match to publish my media product.

4. Who would be the audience for your media product?

The audience for my college school magazine contents page is college students, aged from 16-19 of both sexes ( Male and Female). My magazine is also aimed at all ethnic backhgrounds, religions and cultures, as it is not pin pointed to a certain one. My magazine should promote multiculterism and equality therefore everyone (16-19) can benefit from this magazine no matter their sex, or culture. My magazine may also target the pink pound.