Research and planning: investigating a music magazine on sale in the UK

Introduction/history

Q is a popular music magazine published monthly in the UK. It was first published in 1986 by Bauer media group, setting itself apart from much of the other music press with monthly productions and high standards of photography and printing. In the early years the magazine was subtitled “The modern guide to music and more”. Originally it was to be called “cue” but the name was changed so that it wouldn't be mistaken for a snooker magazine. Also that single letter would be prominent on news stands. Q also have their own music station called Q tv and launched their own radio station in 2008.

Content
The magazine has different sections, featuring: New releases, reissues, music compilations, film and live concert reviews. The magazine features popular music from the chart so targets a wide variety of people. Much of the magazine is devoted to interviews with popular music artists. It is well known for it's compiling lists, such as “The 100 greatest albums”. Often, promotional gifts are given away. Every issue of Q has a different message on the spine. Readers try to work out what the message has to do with the content of the magazine.

The publishing institution
Q magazine is published by Bauer media group, a large German publishing company based in Hamburg, which operates in 15 countries world wide.

The typical reader profile

Q's audience is composed of passionate, engaged and open minded music fans driven to continually discover new music and to use this lust for discovery to influence their friends. The audience is split 75% male to 25% female and is affluent.

Layout Trademark
Unlike most magazines Q has a masthead of just one letter, which is prominent on news stands. The single letter is not just the name of the magazine but the logo and uses bold colours; red and white which stand out and is the main trademark sign. Q also has a message on the spine of the magazine, which buyers read and try to work out how it is related to the contents of the magazine. Q generally uses unusual central images on the front cover. For example Lilly Allen topless with two dogs either side of her, lady gaga topless and king of leon smashing glass.

Does Q reflect the values of it's audiences?
Q manages to match its audience's values by providing a magazine with up to date articles, photo's and news based on the typical music related interests of the reader. The music is up to date and shows new up and coming artists.