Media Theory

In class we have explored Maslows 'Hierarchy of Needs' theory and 'Uses of Gratifications' theory (McQuail, Blumler and Brown) and how they can be discussed in relation to media texts and in our cases music magazines.

Maslows Hierarchy of Needs

Above is a diagram of Maslows hierarchy of needs. Abraham Maslows hierarchy of needs (1954) and he stated that human behavior reflects a range of needs, ranked in order from basic news to higher aspirations. When one needs been fulfilled, the next need emerges.The unsatisfied needs are what motivates are behaviour. This applies to in our topic magazines as these magazines promise to fulfill many of our needs to be accepted into social groups and our need for self-esteem and self- respect and this theory offers a useful insight into the reasons we are attracted to a certain products within the magazine industry. Maslow also stated that the hierarchy was dynamic and reversible. He acknowledged that behaviour can be influenced by a whole range of motivations and external pressures.
                                                         
                                                         Uses of Gratifications theory

This theory suggests that audiences actively use advertisements and magazines to meet some of the needs identified by Maslow. Magazines may be used by some members of their audience to compensate for a lack of self-esteem or social success. This is shown in their example of girls' teenage lifestyle magazines, which address their audience as 'best friend' rather than an authority figure.

McQuail, Blumler and Brown(1972) defined four major areas of need which the media in general seek to gratify;

• Diversion- an escape from our routine and problem, an emotional release
• Personal relationships- companionship, feeling part of a social group
• Personal identity- exploring or reinforcing our own values, through comparison with others' values (this would include the values of media producers and celebrities)
• Surveillance- the need for a constant supply of information about what is happening in the world

The coverlines

'So Whats So Bloody Good?' may satisfy someones need because it is going to explain more about Lana Del Rey, they can find out more about the celebrity and that is why they buy it. The word 'bloody' is used cleverly to link with the key image on the cover as she has blood on her face, this gives her a more edgey unique look and adds to the interest.   

                                                 

Mode of Address

'The Muppets Will See You Now' the personal pronoun 'you' is used to draw the reader in, like its personal to them and they are involved in the article inside. The article seems quite informal 'fueds, fights, feathers!' it is clearly aimed at younger people.

Planning Original Images

Below is a chart of my original image plan, these may change as I go through the process but it is good to have a rough plan so I know what I need to do.

Font Selection

Here are some possible fonts that I could consider using in my music magazine. I have selected these fonts because I think the sans serif font is good to use for a masthead because it is clear and easily readable, I will also make this font bold so it is clearly the masthead. I looked at some different fonts for the coverline, maybe more interesting so could be serif so they stand out well on the page.

Font ideas

Masthead
I've chosen to use either one of these texts below, I like the first text because of the italic 'e' as it could link in with music more than just a basic font because its showing movement which links with rhythm. The bold one is good because it is very clear as the letter are spaced and would stand out well on the front cover page.

Coverline

In the coverlines above I have picked a serif font because these are more interesting fonts. I am still not sure what font I will use for my magazine but I have gone on dafont.com and seen a variety, I will decide closer to the time what one I will use as I will know what fits in the magazine pages.

Planning ideas for Music Magazine

Here is a mind map that I have created on ExamTime which shows the ideas which I have thought of.

by mallory.furness