Magazine Front Cover Conventions (WJEC Eduqas GCSE Media Studies): Revision Note

Magazine conventions overview

• Magazines are produced in a wide range of subgenres with a specific focus on topics or interests such as health, film, music or video games

• General interest magazines are produced for mainstream audiences, but niche audiences are targeted for more specific interests 

• Different magazines use their own unique house styles to show their brand identity and make them easily recognisable

• Audiences interpret front covers to decide if the magazine will satisfy their needs, values and aspirations

• Producers follow codes and conventions to communicate their brand identity and content quickly to audiences

Magazine key features and terminology

Masthead

• The name of the magazine which gives clues about the genre/focus

• Helps the magazine stand out from others — brand identity

Central visual image (CVI)

• This is the central image and is usually the largest thing on the cover

• The image is matched to the main splash and is usually the main focus of that edition

Main splash

• This is the main feature of the magazine

• Usually in large writing it is often just a couple of words

• This is always linked to the CVI

Strapline

• Additional information about the main splash

• Gives a taster of the story inside the magazine

Banner

• Words running along the top of the cover

• Outline the content of the magazine

Sell lines/Cover lines

• The text around the CVI

• These usually outline the main features of the magazine

• They provide clues to the magazine genre

Puff/Boxout

• Sometimes indicates a promotion, competition or free gift

• May be used to highlight a special insert or section

Footer

• Words running along the bottom of the cover

• Outline the content of the magazine