1. The target audience for the magazine in terms of both demographics and lifestyle of the readers it attracts. I chose the Family Circle and Time magazines. The Family Circle catered to women mostly and family, which usually is a topic for women. The Time magazine was all over the place. It did not target any special; I believe because it is read by all walks of life. Most likely though it will be read by adults. Anyone past the teen stage.
2. The percentage of the magazine’s pages devoted to advertising versus editorial content (articles and other non-advertising copy). Time magazine I would say advertised about 25% and Family Circle about 50%.
Is there a clutter problem in the magazine? Why or why not? I realize that the Family Circle being at 50% would appear to be cluttered but I would not say it is a problem because it kind of goes with the content of the magazine articles, Food , family and health. As far as the Time magazine; I don’t think that it showed signs of clutter. They were very well spaced.
3. A breakdown of the types of products and services advertised in the magazine. Why do you think these advertisers are attracted to this particular publication? Family Circle is family oriented as the name suggests and women. This follows suit all the way through-ads concerning food and beauty products. The marketers see and know that women will be reading this magazine and target them. Time magazine on the other hand did not target anyone in particular except to say maybe towards the more sophisticated person as in mature. You don’t see kid’s ads. Ads like insurance and investments were most of the ads. They are attracted to this type of magazine because it is a more grown up sort of magazine and the readers may possibly be business men/women.
4. An analysis of the editorial climate and mood created by the publication and how it affects who chooses to advertise in it. How might the editorial climate of the magazine affect readers processing of the advertisements? Family Circle is upbeat and children oriented. If the magazine is purchased it is most likely a woman and the mood is set by the articles which would be of interest to her. I would say that it is a given for the advertisers in this magazine. The Time can be more complex. But the articles are serious and about news so therefore the ads are more business or more serious oriented. It is obvious if you are reading upbeat material you are going to be more receptive to happy go lucky ads and if you are reading about the troops overseas you are likely to respond to more of a serious type advertisement.
5. How the magazine positions itself as a media vehicle to potential advertisers. Well for Family Circle again I say it is all about family and women so therefore it caters to that group. So when it has its recipes and antidotes; it is a good way to expose advertising to customers. Most likely the magazine does not have to worry about getting advertisers because it is bound to be a hit. Time magazine; on the other hand I believe was all over the place and did not have a specific plan as to the layout of the magazine and the advertisements.
