Music magazine cast study- Q magazine

Q magazine is a popular music magazine that is published monthly in the UK. The name of the founders of the magazine were Mark Ellen and David Hepworth; both were journalists and magazine editors. The magazine was first publishes in October 1986 by the EMAP media group. In 2008, EMAP sold its consumer magazine titles including Q to Bauer Media Group. The music genre for the magazine would be rock, indie and pop, although the magazine regularly explores, electronica, soul, folk, hip hop, house and jazz.

 Whether we’re having an intimate sit down with Kanye West, shadowing Paul McCartney in his home studio or psychoanalysing Muse in Sigmund Freud’s house, no one gets you closer to the music and the stars that make it.’ – A quote taken from the website.

The magazine was originally going to be called ‘Cue’. This relates to cueing a record but the name was changed in order for the magazine to not be confused for a snooker magazine. In Q’s 200^th edition, it was also stated that another reason for changing the name ‘Cue’ was because a single letter title would be more prominent on a newsstand. Another change to the magazine includes revamping its image. In 2008, Q changed its style with a smaller amount of text and an increased focus on subjects rather than music. Often known as ‘the Rolling Stone- isation’ which refers to the ‘Rolling stone magazine’.

It was set apart from other publications because of its high quality standards of photography and printing. In its early years, it was known as ‘the modern guide to music and more’. This appeals to its target audience which is a more mature and sophisticated audience who are interested in the music. Statistics show that the majority of Q’s readers are male, with the percentage for men being 66.2%. They also show that 83.8% of the readers are 15-44 years of age. The magazine sells for £3.90.

The magazine has a review section that features new release of music, reissues of music, music compilations, and film and live concert reviews as well as radio and television reviews. The pieces are reviewed using a fives star rating system. The rating that a product such as an album receives often appears on prints and on television advertising in the UK and Ireland. Another feature of the magazine is interviews often with popular musical artists. Q is also known for creating lists such as ‘The greatest 100 albums’ etc. A special edition of the magazine is produced every month. Every issue of the magazine has a message written on the spine of the publication for a unique selling point and as a recognisable feature.

Q magazine works closely with Glastonbury festival. It creates newspapers for during and after the festival for the festival gooers.

Q radio was launched in June 2008 as a full service station with a complete roster. The station was transmitted on digital television networks in the UK as well as online. The station was closed in 2012 after Bauer decided to focus on launching other stations. Q TV was a UK music channel based on the magazine launched in October 2000. It was closed on the 3rd of July 2012 in order for ‘heat’ to be launched. Q also holds a yearly awards ceremony called Q awards which were originally launched in 1990. Q has a digital edition that has an interactive gallery, videos and music links. The Q music magazine is also online.