Analyse media representation in last year’s coursework production

For my coursework last year, I created a music magazine. This meant that I had to do a lot of research into existing music magazines of a similar genre to my chosen one of Classic Rock/Rock. I done a lot of research during the planning so I had a good and clear understanding of how to attract an audience to my magazine. This meant I was looking at factors such as conventions, stereotypes and representation. Representation was one of the most important factors to consider as it includes all factors and is how you attract the audience by representing a certain idea, genre or stereotypes.

As I was creating a magazine,  I had to focus on the visual aesthetics that would draw in the correct audience, representing the readers and the music genre. As the genre was Classic Rock, I had to use themes and ideas during the production of my magazine to conform to the conventions. To do this, I did ask people a series of questions to assess which artists, colours and existing magazines they liked. This helped me get an idea of what represented them most and how my magazine could show that as well. I then split the magazine into sections to focus on how to create them accordingly to represent the genre in a positive way. This uses the idea of stereotypes to reject people who are not interested in Classic Rock, and attract those who are. This relates to Branston G and Stafford R, The Media Students Handbook (2010) stating that certain ideas are emphasised to attract certain people. For example, a black background would attract people who like heavier music most likely - when paired with other factors - and a pink background would attract girls interested in pop music, generally. When you think of rock music in general, you think of darker colours, harsher and heavier ideas overall. This kept in my mind throughout the whole process to ensure I got the best, more realistic result.


The model on the cover of the magazine is what would catch the attention of a potential buyers, and also continue throughout the magazine, being the main feature on the contents page and in the double page spread. He had to look exactly right as he was the main thing representing the genre, so he had to fit it right. I also followed Laura Mulvey's Male Gaze theory (1975) to show the model in a way that he would attract the audience, and also so that the audience could see him as a positive role model and someone to aspire to be like. To ensure this, I dressed him all in black as that is a typical colour associated with rock music as a whole, and gives an edgy, rough look. As rock musicians typically are not "squeaky clean", I made sure his hair was messy, he had stubble and was wearing eye liner to show the typical rock star image that most people can identify. His expression and pose when taking the image was also crucial. This was because I wanted to show him as someone approachable, and aspiring, but also have the rockstar quality similar to Liam Gallagher and Axl Rose. To do this, I made sure he looked slightly bored which gave him the right amount of attitude, but I also did not want him to look distracted so I had him looking directly at the camera. Another theory that applies to this is Blumler and Katz' Uses and Gratifications Theory (1974), particularly the ideas regarding personal identification. This is because people will relate and learn from the cover artist. I think that this represented the genre and artist well, showing the edgy rockstar image, but not in a negative and controversial way.

The colours used were also important in representing the genre and attracting the audience. After my research, focus group, and surveys I decided that the colours definitely had to be dark as the darker colours connote darker, more dangerous and daring ideas. I also decided to use red for the same reason as it connotes danger. Although these colours represent the rock sub genre of classic rock well, they do not suit and represent other sub genres as well. For example pop rock would use bright bolder colours, another example is punk as although it uses the red and black colours, it includes brighter, stand out colours as well. Seeing as classic rock covers metal, rock, indie, punk and grunge, I think the colours used work well as all the genres I just stated include these colours.





I picked the language used in the double page spread carefully so that it would appeal to and represent the target audience which is both male and females age ranging from 16 to 45. This meant the language had to easy enough to read, but also educated to match the audiences age and intelligence. This double page spread language focuses on talking to the artist in a personal way about himself and about the genre. This helps represent them both in a positive way for the reader to aspire and relate to. This also relates to Blumer and Katz' Gratifications theory. Another theory that links in with this is Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs (1954) regarding the points of self actualisation and self esteem. This is because the interview inspires readers, and gives the audience the change to get to know the artist. One of the ways the language and overall article represents the rock genre in a positive light is how it shows the artist as hardworking and passionate about music which then shows the genre is a positive way,  contrasting the stereotypical idea that rock musicians are drop outs and not hard working, instead in music for the party lifestyle.

Overall, I think my coursework magazine represents the classic rock genre in a positive way, and all elements were composed in a way that represents the genre and its fans in the right way. This is to attract the intended audience, repel those who are not interested. Another key reason to make sure you consider representation in the creation of a magazine or similar media is the fact you could ruin the ideas - in this case classic rock -  reputation by showing it in a negative light.