TV Listings – Textual Analysis

Double page spread

First page of spread:

Colour scheme indicates audience

Celebrity name is meant to be recognisable

Main title of page

Stand first – engages the reader to article

Dynamic section combines graphics and textual content

Page number and name of magazine

Entices the reader towards the rest of article

Article written in columns, easy to read, creates audience interest

Makes TV magazine logo stand out to enhance reputation

Former association with the celebrity

Second Page:

Entire second page used to depict celebrity

States who the photo was taken by

Mise-en-scene of image depicts audience intrinsically

Central portrayal to represent celebrity as positive

Positive quote from the article

Name shown in large lights to attract audience

Image dominates page entirely, represents audience for article

Analysis of other spreads

In the top left hand corner, the words

“Inside Scoop” inform the reader that the

information is exclusive and is an indicator

that it is a spoiler into what is happening

in the soap. The main image is one which

will entice the reader, as it is of two of the

characters kissing, which is clearly shown

as a key moment in this weeks episodes.

There is also the insert of two smaller

images in the left hand corner, which will

show other smaller alternative stories that

will be taking place on the soap.

The title is in bold, easy to read letters which means that those flicking through the magazine will

identify the storyline and will quickly know whether or not they would like to continue reading.

Following this, there is the article, which starts with a drop capital which are the large capital letters

at the beginning of the first paragraph. They usually drop into text below the first line and are used

as a technique which engages and catches the readers attention. There is also an interesting pull

quote which will attract the readers attention and hopefully entice them to read the entire article. The

text here follows the colour scheme used for the background of the drop capital and the “inside

scoop” banner in the top left corner, this creates a house style which enables the reader to focus on

the writing, rather than the mix of colours presented. Despite this, there has been the use of a red

arrow in the bottom right corner, contrasting to the colours used throughout the rest of the magazine,

and I can suggest that this would attract the reader to this section and highlight its significance and

importance, with red having the connotations of danger. There is an added section at the right side

of the magazine which is a rhetorical question, and this causes the reader to think. This is followed

by an image and then describing text, so although focused on the main storyline, it recognises that

this may not interest everyone.

Like on the magazine previous, this double page spread follows the colour scheme of the

magazine. This again has the Inside Scoop written in the top left hand corner, which shows

the magazine specialises in bringing accurate, but effective spoilers for the week in soaps.

This double page spread is set out differently, with the text separating the image. The two

characters who look in conflict are featured on the left page and this dominates the focus,

with the text in between the right hand side image, showing two characters looking saddened

by what they are witnessing, and this gives the perspective that they are onlookers onto the

drama that is taking place. Similar to the other double page spread there are inserts of action

with small captions, this is again to show the other storylines which are going on at the same

time. The double page spread follows the convention of the drop capital, again this is to draw

the readers attention, but fails to have a pull quote, due to the text on the page being short

and concise anyway. The title is positioned on the left image, and I think this is used to

increase the importance of the picture. The title relates to this photo, so this is helpful to know

what the storyline is suggesting.

The magazine has used enticing images to

attract the reader to stay on this page and

find out more. The images show women in

power, and men looking cowardly which

goes against the stereotype. Through the

use of images you can tell that this is an

important storyline in the soap and therefore

the creators of the magazine are eager to

ensure they provide the best possible

coverage without giving away the entire

episode, through the images predominantly.

This double page spread has a different

feel, as the colours are considered cold

colours. This instantly provides an

atmosphere surrounding death, injury or a

tragic storyline. The images are also

predominantly blue, again creating a sad

effect. This will encourage readers to

continue reading the article so they can

empathise with the storyline. The double

page spread again follows the typical

convention of a drop capital, which will

draw attention to the beginning of the

article.

This double page spread has used a pull quote and this will be a good way to find out

relevant information, and will be used as a decider to read the entire article. The

images that are inserted have been used to show the build up to what will be the

‘tragedy’. The main image dominates the left side of the magazine, with the right hand

side consisting majorly of text, which is a technique used just to simplify the double

page spread as with the use of bright colours or a large collection of images would take

away from the intended effect and would create a sense of clutter, and is associated

with a more positive storyline. There are no bright colours featured even in the

photographs, and this further connotes the atmosphere the magazine producer is trying

to create. I like the style of this double page spread as I believe it fits with what is trying

to be shown through both the images and the text.