Case Study Research & Analysis

When was the magazine founded?The Source magazine was founded by David Mays and Jon Shecter in 1988 as

a newsletter.

Spin magazine was founded in 1985 by publisher Bob Guccione Jr.

Who are the Publishing House?For The Source James Benard (senior editor) and Ed Young

(associate publisher) as equal shareholders in the ownership of the magazine. At the time, Mays handled duties as the publisher for the magazine, and Shecter was the editor-in-chief. The magazine's offices were moved from Massachusetts to New York in the 90s, this was to

expand the magazine into a mainstream market publication.

And Spin magazine’s publisher is the Spin Media LLC.

How does the magazine adhere genre expectations of the music?

Both magazine constantly illustrates feature artists, groups and duets who are connected to their genre: The Source - Hip-Hop. Spin – Indie/ Hip-

Hop/ Rock.Both magazine also features other subjects for instance political views,

fashion trends and sport news.

How does it attract the audience?• The Source uses house style colours

occasionally: Red, Black, Grey, Gold & White. These colours come very vivid to the eyes of the reader as it stands out

compare to other magazines. • These colours are also contained inside

with bold text as well; depending on the theme used. This creates a lively and

luxury ambient whilst reading the issue.

• Spin uses house style as well: Red, Blue, Black & White. These colour are seen to

be neutral because they are seen on both US & UK flags.

• The colours also fore-shadow the strange background Spin often adapt.

Both Magazines illustrate explicit images towards their scene/ theme for the certain issue. For instance the image of The Game about to

shoot himself reference to the main sell line and Spin’s outlet to Eminem as the best artist at the

moment.

What featured articles are in this magazine?

• Man of the Year & Rookie of the Year. Artist of the Year.

• New Artists.• Letters & Reviews.• Trends of the Year.• New Signings.• Fashion.• Crime.• Sport & Politics.• Last Word.

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RepresentationThe representation of The Source is shown to

be very commercialised and shown to have very strong and vivid colours. However in the 90s they were critiqued about the way the production portrayed rappers and black culture.

Spin, is represented with a twist and being very abstract, but simple and clear about

their issues. And hardly commercialise their artists and figures. Although, they happen to be appalling towards to the

public as a late news feed to fans of Indie, Hip-Hop and Rock.

So now over the years, their format has gotten better at representing the genres

they offer to fans.