Denotative and Connotative Analysis - NME contents page

Denotative and Connotative analysis of a contents page

NME music magazine

Denotative

·         At the top of the one page, in the middle is the pages title “Inside this week”. It is in a sans serif font, it is the biggest font on the page, and is in bold. Under this in a much smaller font, but the same style is the date.

·         There are 7 main stories on the page, each has a picture. The page number covers the bottom right corner of each picture, the number is a serif font, it is bold and the biggest text in each story box.

·         Under the picture and number is a pull quote from each artist started in the story, the font is different for each story. Under the quote is some more text about the article, it is in a smaller serif font and is the same for each story.

·         There is also a plus box with a list of other stories and regulars in the magazine and page numbers.

·         Each story has a thin line around it.

·         At the bottom of the page in the right corner is a big res box with red font. In it says “ WANT TO GET NME FOR THE BEST POSSIBE PRICE?” and then details on how to subscribe to the magazine.

Connotative

·         The title of the page is the biggest thing on the page as it lets the reader know what the page is, how they can find out what is in the magazine, and also how to find it.

·         The 7 main features have pictures to draw attention to those stories, but they also break up the page.  The page number is also clear; this is so the story is easy to find in the magazine.

·         The pull quotes draw in the audience, they are quirky and odd things to say and therefore the audience want to know why the artists have said it. The text underneath is also to draw in the audience, the comments are very informal which then make the reader feel more included to the magazine, and makes it easier to read.

·         The plus box is to let the read know what else in in the magazine, but there regular features in the magazine and do not need advertising as much. They are also put on the contents page so the audience can find them if they need them.

·         The thin lines around the story make the page easier on the eye, and look simple, yet stylish.

·         Other than the pictures the red box is the biggest thing on the magazine. A main criterion in media is the interest in making money, and getting people to subscribe to the magazine is a way of doing this. For this reason they have made the box big and bright to instantly draw the reader’s attention to it. It is on the contents page because if the reader likes the look of what is in the magazine they are more likely to sign up, it is also an easy place to find if they reader just want the details. The editor have asked a historical question to make the reader think, and most people want value for money so this question grabs the readers attention.