Friday 2 March 2012

22. Uses and Gratification

Theorists suggest that every magazine follows the following reasons for media uses so as to appeal to their target audience:


Information
- finding out about relevant events and conditions in immediate surroundings, society and the world
- seeking advice on practical matters or opinions and decision choices
- satisfying curiosity and general interest
learning/self-education
- gaining a sense of security through knowledge


Personal Identity
- finding reinforcement for personal values
- finding models of behavior 
- identifying with valued others in the media
- gaining insight into oneself


Integration and Social Interaction 
- gaining insight into the circumstances of others; social empathy
- identifying with others and gaining a sense of belonging
- finding a basis for conversation and social interaction
- having a substitute for real-life companionship
- helping to carry out social roles
-enabling one to connect with family, friends and society 


Entertainment
- escaping, or being diverted, from problems
- relaxing
- getting intrinsic cultural or aesthetic enjoyment
- filling time
- emotional release
- erotic/sexual arousal


A lot of these apply specifically to music magazines, for example finding out about relevant events (gigs, release dates), finding models of behavior (role models, favourite artists), filling time and gaining cultural enjoyment. 


Some can even be found on the front cover, the first point of contact with the target audience. The front cover will be the main reason for sale, as it details content which should be of interest, therefore it must demonstrate persuasive reasons. The highlighted features are the ones which I believe can be found on the front cover of 'NME'. 

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