Rhys Bradshaw as media studies: Evaluation

Question 1: In what ways does your media product use, develop or challenge forms and conventions of real media products?

On the front cover, contents page and double page spread of my music magazine, I have made it clear that I have included the recognised and expected codes and conventions that are generally anticipated from a music magazine. I have completed this by comprising appropriate images, relevant text, precise positioning as well as the conventional aspects of magazines, such as pugs, cover lines and Mastheads. Moreover, I ensured that I documented and recalled the necessary improvements from my peer feedback which I have made on this blog. For example, I decided to completely redesign my double page spread as it was initially the weakest element of my design.

Question 2: How does your media product represent particular social groups?

Question 3: What kind of media institution might distribute your media product and why?

Bauer Media is an insitution that I think would be an excellent choice for the production and distribution of my music magazine. Bauer Media is a division of the Bauer Media Group, Europe’s largest privately owned publishing Group. The Group is a worldwide media empire offering over 300 magazines in 15 countries, as well as online, TV and radio stations. Bauer Media joined the Bauer Media Group in January 2008 following acquisition of Emap plc’s consumer and specialist magazines, radio, TV, online and digital businesses. Collectively, the Group employs some 6,400 people. Bauer Media is a multi-platform UK-based media Group consisting of many companies collected around two main divisions – Magazines and Radio - widely recognised and rewarded as being industry innovators.

Today, Bauer Media spans over 80 influential brand names covering a diverse range of interests. At present, it does not feature a Hip Hop magazine in its portfolio and so therefore, my magazine would be an excellent addition as it would represent a different demographic and target another niche audience.

Bauer claims that it has the UK’s most exciting and influential media brands. Delivering world class, engaging and unique content across multiple platforms. Their use of convergent media links is one reason why I think that Bauer would promote my product well. The continuing development of digital media has had a huge impact on media institutions and audiences alike. Due to the amount of progressive changes in the modern era, magazines have had to use convergence to have their genre represented on different media platforms. The magazine audience is split between many different audiences and therefore by using many different platforms, the institution can target different audiences.

Over the last couple of years digitalisation has developed massively. The internet and social media has developed on a huge scale. Millions of people globally use social media there for companies such as Bauer have used multimedia platforms to target different consumers. The benefit of using multi platforms is that it is easier for the consumer to access however, it may decrease the amount of sales made on the magazine. Bauer have used digital media to create a iconic recognition of the “K” brand for one of their brands called Kerrang!. The K brand is on all sorts of social media and has networks such as, K radio and K TV. This makes it more efficient for consumers to access.

An example of synergy in Kerrang! would be the partnership between Kerrang! and Bauer Media Group, Kerrang! is the brand behind the magazine and writes the articles. Bauer Media Group is the company that publishes the magazine, so that it can be released worldwide. The synergy within Kerrang! is effective because Kerrang! can write and send forward its magazine, keeping it how Kerrang! and the readers want and Bauer Media Group can get it published and released to the readers. Bauer also uses convergent. The convergence within Kerrang! is successful because the Kerrang! Magazine platform attracts readers to tune in to the radio platform, which also helps attract a wider range of listeners who may go on to purchase the magazine.

In conclusion, Bauer have made it more efficient for their users to access their magazine by developing their magazines through digital media.

Question 4: Who would be the audience for your media product? • How did you attract/address your audience?

Question 5: What have you learnt about technologies from the process of constructing this product?

Camera Skills: Throughout the process of the foundation portfolio, I have learnt how to use a camera correctly. Prior, to this I didn't know what most of the features on a professional standard camera did, from the photoshoot I took part in, I now know how to use a camera correctly.

Setting up a photoshoot: To get the images for my final product I had to set up a photoshoot, whilst working alongside a professional photographer. By doing so I was able to learn what equipment is needed for a professional standard photoshoot and what is needed to end up with the best images for my final product.

Some of things needed for a professional standard photoshoot are:

- the correct lighting equipment

- a backdrop

- ensuring I have the correct props/costume/makeup

- a good amount of space

- organising models

Working with a variety of programmes: Throughout the process I have used a variety of different programmes to create my final product. I have learnt different skills to work with these programmes and have used these as different ways of presenting information.

Some of the programmes I have learnt to use are:

- Canva

- Photoshop

- PagePlus

- Prezi

- Slideshare

- Coral

- Powtoon

- Emaze

The importance of digitalisation: Throughout the production of my magazine product I have learnt that digitalisation, particularity in the age we live in today, is more important than ever for media products. As shown for institutions such as Bauer Media UK and a popular music magazine, Kerrang!, digitalisation is a vital part of the success of the products. For example, Kerrang! has its own 'K' brand, which is effectively its digital products of the magazine, which reaches out to a much larger target audience than just its print media.

There are convergent links with social media a website and an app - with potential for it to extend to radio and TV, this will hopefully contribute to the success of my magazine, as it is adapting to the modern age audience and their technology habits.