Research and Planning: Sub-Genre Magazine Research (Kerrang!)

I chose to do more in depth research into Kerrang! magazine, as, although it is not specifically an unsigned magazine, it does feature unsigned bands each, as well as featuring the music genre that will be produced by the unsigned bands I am planning to feature in my magazine.

• First published: June 6th, 1981, as a supplement to 'The Sounds'.
• Kerrang! is onomatopoeic of the sound made when an electric guitar is strummed roughly.
• The original focus was Heavy Metal only.
• Started monthly, increased to fortnightly, now weekly.
• The world's biggest weekly rock magazine.
• Owned by Bauer, who own 237 others, including Mojo and Q.
• Originally criticized for changing every time a new music trend becomes popular.
• Describes audience as 'individually minded, indepent of thought and musically experienced, an audience defined by attitude, passion and loyalty'.
• Audience: D-C social class, ages 16 - 24, 60% male, 40% female.
• Full page advertisements for gaming, music, charities and ticket lines.
• Aims more at men, using angry facial expressions on featured band members.
• Sex appeal of bands attracts female readers.
• Reader feedback page offers prize (usually merchandise or music) for 'letter of the week'.
• TV and Radio stations attract a wider audience.
• Bauer advertises Kerrang! subscriptions in their other music magazines.
• Red, yellow, black and white theme connotes a dark, moody feeling.
• A different band featured as central image on cover each week, dressed casually, usually medium close up.
• Affordable (£2.20).
• 'Fly text'. Texts subscribers when/where bands are playing.
• 83% of bought an album because of Kerrang! magazine.
• The Kerrang! Tour held annually to boost profit.
• Slogan: 'Bringing the best in rock online, on the radio, on TV and in print'.