Double page spread analysis - NME

• The layout of this double page spread article involves a main image and title covering most of the first page, and then lots of text on the second, where four columns have been used, separated by lines, making the page appear symmetrical and easy on the eye. When you first look at the double page spread as a whole, your eye is drawn to the article title covering part of the main image, as it has a contrasting white background and therefore stands out. This is also where the article begins so it is convenient for your eye to be drawn here. In terms of the ratio between text and images, it is quite even, there is about one page worth of each, and they complement each other well. No sub headings have been used for this article, but there are two boxing devices containing text that relate to it. The font used for this article is basic and traditional, but this ensures the reader’s attention is focused on the content of the article and not distracted by elaborate fonts. The colour scheme is also basic, being mainly black & white, with a small amount of blue/turquoise, reflecting the rock genre and keeping with the classic newspaper style.

• The mode of address of this article very much reinforces the target audience being 18+. It is quite formal and uses reasonably sophisticated language, along with very explicit language too. The content of the article contains information of an artist having a breakdown, it is very current information and I get the impression the article aims at keeping the reader up to date with gossip from the music industry. There are references to rehab, drug and alcohol abuse and this further suggests an older, more mature target audience.

• The main image included with this article takes up most of the first page. It is a snapshot from one of the main events mentioned in the text and so helps aid the reader’s understanding of the article. The clothing in the picture reflects the rock genre and the subject’s facial expression conveys anger and frustration. Two other smaller images are displayed on the second page which help break up the text, one is a second shot from the same event as the main image and the other is an older photo from an event earlier on in the year that gets mentioned in the article, both are presented with captions informing the reader of the location and time of the photo.