How does your media product represent particular social groups?

My media product represents the attitudes of 14-18 year old middle class females who live in the United Kingdom. My target market are people who like to believe that they are individual however as they will all be part of the Nerdfighter group they will all share similar norms and values.

 

This magazine cover is similar to the one I have created. Both magazines are primarily black and white and feature only one other colour. Both magazines also feature a small post it note style box down in the bottom right hand corner, which is positioned to attract attention to items in the magazine.  Both models are looking away from the camera this suggests that they are distancing themselves from the audience; this could be used to the effect of the magazine as it suggests that they are focusing on something on the cover. I have used an angle that as at the eye line of the model, this puts the audience on the same level as the artist/model and therefore suggests that they are equal, this makes the artist relatable to the audience and the magazine more appealing to buy.

Neither models are smiling; these moody facial expressions suggest that the magazines feature serious tones and were shoot in an editorial style. The title of my magazine has connotations of intelligence and literature; this reinforces some of the stereotypes of my audience. Even though in the title I have reinforced these stereotypes, my image, which suggests sophistication and elements of fashion, undermines other stereotypes that surround my target market.

I have used correct and grammatical English on my front cover; however, it does feature some slang that is specific to my target audience. This will help to define who my audience is and encourage my audience to buy the product. The black and white image also suggests that my audience will be middle class, as it is sophisticated and dynamic.

Chronicle will try to subvert conventional stereotypes that are seen in the media. For instance it will try to breakdown stereotypes that are seen in programmes such as ‘The Big Bang Theory’, where the nerds are shown as arrogant and obsessively compulsive, it will do this by featuring articles on nerds who are liked in the public eye and who support the cause; for example, Stephan Fry and his active promotion of Alex Day and Charlie McDonnell.

My magazine does encourage the readers to buy the products featured in the magazine, through and index in the back of the magazine. However the magazine is not completely converted to selling products, to combat the pro-consumerist feel that is needed to keep a magazine afloat, there is a section that is dedicated to encouraging people to donate to charity, and be proactive in helping out charities by doing charity work.