Kerrang LIIAR analysis

Language – this magazine only sticks to a few of the usual magazine conventions. The masthead is done in a san serif font which makes it bold an stand out and the white text on the black background adds to this. This is also a display font meaning it wouldn’t be used again in the rest of the magazine. The connotations of this type face is that of a smashed mirror. This could be linked with the  genre of music and the fact it can be turned up that loud it would smash mirrors. The main image on this front cover is almost centralised and this has allowed them to put text and images on either side of the main image. The main headline which is linked to the main image is in a banner which goes right across the page. This as a background is also dark with red text on it which follows the theme of the rest of the magazine front cover. A lot of smaller images are used to advertise what else is in the magazine. A splash is also used as a screamer to advertise a prize that can be won.

Ideology – Kerrang is all about rock and metal music from all over the world. It is a way of interaction for all rock and metal lovers shows an understanding that it is not wrong to like that type of music.

Institution – Kerrang was first published on the 6th June 1981. To begin with it was a one time supplement in the Sounds newspaper which had a focus of the new wave of heavy metal in Britain and other rock bands. Angus Young from the band ACDC was on the first ever cover. Originally Kerrang was owned by United Newspapers but they then sold it on to EMAP in 1991. In 2008 Kerrang was then sold on to Bauer who are the current owners of the magazine.

Audience – the mean age of the Kerrang reader is 22 and it has an ABC1 profile meaning a lot of its readers are in the upper class or people with good jobs. It has a circulation of 44013 and a readership of 396000. 87% of it’s readers buy every issue which is produced on a weekly basis.

Representation – in the main image Jared Leto is starring straight into the camera clenching one fist against a flat palm. This beard/stubble gives him a rough edge and the clothing he is wearing does too. These connotations go with his reputation and the type of musician he is. His eyes are very blue which creates a slight innocence to the way he is. Also on the cover there are other pictures of stars just looking like they’re enjoying themselves.