This section of my research report covers all the methodologies I have used, along with the core research findings (including primary, secondary, qualitative, and quantitative research). For each area I have explored, I have outlined the strengths and weaknesses in relation to my chosen research question. I have also explained how each part contributes to answering my main question or how it addresses any related sub-questions.
Below are some images of my plan when it comes to researching the themes and mediums for this project. I have gone into more detail when it comes to what I will do for each category of research and the specific sub-themes that I think will help looking into for this project.
The research plan is helpful for future research because it provides a clear framework and direction for exploring the chosen theme. It breaks down the different aspects of the project—such as themes, sub-themes, primary and secondary research, and audience analysis—which ensures that no key areas are overlooked. This structured approach is something that I think will save me time during future research by outlining specific tasks, like conducting interviews, creating surveys, and analysing existing works, making the process more efficient and focused.
Additionally, the plan highlights potential resources and techniques, such as the use of Google Forms or analysing published stories, which can be expanded upon as the research develops. It helps to identify gaps in knowledge and ensuring that future efforts remain aligned with the project’s goals. By having this plan in place, my future research will be more targeted, ensuring that every step taken directly contributes to achieving a deeper understanding of what makes an effective magazine and effectively conveying my research.
Primary Research
Contacting Journalists
This section includes a selection of questions and answers from interviews I conducted with Callum Bains and Kathy Bailles, both of whom are professional journalists. My tutor assisted me in making contact with them, which provided a valuable opportunity to gain insights from experienced professionals in the field. The purpose of these interviews was to deepen my understanding of what makes a magazine engaging and successful. I focused particularly on feature articles, as they are a key form of writing that I plan to include in my own magazine. By learning more about how to craft compelling articles and connect with readers, I hoped to gather useful advice and techniques to inform my project and help me develop my skills in journalism.
⬆️ Callum Bains, Journalist.
⬆️ Kathy Bailles, Owner of Thanet News.
What tips do you have for interviewing people?
Remember their story is important to them even if it is one of several you may write or research that day. Think about some questions beforehand but be prepared for the answers to take you down other paths. Listening properly to the answers is most important. Being aware of body language is also important, it will tell you if the person you are talking to is comfortable/upset etc.
Learn shorthand so you can take down an accurate record of what is being said. Never be afraid to ask someone to repeat themselves.
Generally have empathy, try and understand what it is like to be in that person's shoes and if there is a particular subject/issue/illness at the heart of the interview look it up beforehand so you have some understanding of it.
Always let someone know where you will be if you are meeting a person for an interview, your safety is also important.
What specific skills do you use to grab your reader's attention?
Crafting a story that is interesting, clear, has all the relevant points, good quotes and makes you connect with the subject
What's the best way to make an article interesting.
Relay it in plain English, don't waffle or use 10 words when two will do, make sure the main points are introduced early and are clear, use 'like us' for people (details like schools/jobs/kids/ages etc mean readers connect), how would you tell the story to a friend- that is probably your starting point for writing it
3. What are your go to resources to find out information.
Depends on the story, police/fire/ambulance for emergency incidents, council agendas/meetings etc, government, but mainly people, news is about people like you or people in your community, things that affect them - eg overflowing bins due to non collection is mildly interesting, more interesting is the family who are having to put up with the mess/rodents/smell etc and how that is affecting them.
What tips do you have for interviewing people?
Interviews are strange conversations, insofar as you must listen to what the other person is saying, while thinking of what insightful question to ask next and how their answers connect to the wider reporting you've already done. You can make that all easier with proper preparation. Head into the interview knowing what you want to get out of it -- e.g. a broad understanding of a topic, answers to specific questions, a killer quote that you can place in the headline -- and you'll be able to better concentrate as you navigate the conversation
Also, don't be afraid to interrupt your interviewee. People have a habit of talking very enthusiastically, and at great length, about things they find interesting. But if they go on a tangent that's irrelevant to your article, it doesn't matter how passionate they are, it's useless material. Politely interjecting to steer them back on course with a question can save you time.
I must confess that even now, after god knows how many interviews, I still get nervous doing them. They're a very contrived way of talking to someone. But if you remind yourself that everyone, even the most experienced journalists, find interviews stressful from time to time, somehow the nerves will disappear.
What specific skills do you use to grab your reader's attention?
It can be as simple as finding a great story -- the sort of the thing the reader simply can't tear themself away from because it's too bizarre, high-stakes, funny, emotive to put down.
But that's one in a million. Most of the time, when you're dealing with the more mundane stories of the news world, you have to rely on your writing to keep the reader's attention. It starts with the headline. Write a title that quickly conveys what a story is about, and if it's in a subject area the reader is interested in, chances are they are likely to click. Once they're in the question flips around -- not' how to grab the reader's attention' but 'how do you keep it'? Brevity is the most important element here. Keep your writing concise, say no more than you have to, and the reader won't get bored or distracted. Introduce new developments to the story as soon as you're finished explaining the last. Don't dwell or drag on something just because you find it fascinating. Always ask yourself if anyone else will.
Answers from Kathy at Thanet News: What specifically makes a great feature article?
There are many different types of feature articles but for 'people' features I'd say including really good details to make sure the reader understands the issue (make sure it is stripped of any jargon), quotes and images are key. Video can also be great. Making sure the reader feels in tune with the person/people you are writing about through what they say and how you describe their situation. Listening is key.
For issue features, an understanding of what you are writing about and relaying that in plain English, fact boxes, again good images/video, maybe a timeline/history break out.
What specifically makes a great feature article?
Features are defined by their length. They allow the writer to explore a topic in more depth than a typical news story. So the best features take advantage of that extra space -- whether by breaking down an issue from several angles, gathering a great many perspectives on it, spinning a narrative that hooks the reader, or simply chronicling a story that would be too long to fit into the short word count of a regular news story. Features can take many forms, but so long as the final product fits the format, it's worthy of being a feature.
Why do you think feature articles are circulated so much?
I don't think features are circulated any more than any other type of article. A short news story with a killer headline can go viral. In many ways, it's harder to pull in an audience to a features -- a long-ish article is less appealing to many readers who simply want a quick hit of news while scrolling their phones. Often it's the access that only the feature format can secure, like an interview with a famous name or a substantial break down of a complex but topical issue, that draws readers.
Is there anything that you wish you would have done differently when you wrote your first feature article?
Don't overthink it! The best way to improve in writing, and I suspect any craft, is to let others pick you up where you fall. When writing professionally, you'll always have an editor to check, correct, and rewrite your work. Their amendments are invaluable, and learning from them is the fastest way to improve.
What are the greatest values held by the greatest columnists?
I'd love to say an unwaverable commitment to preaching the truth, or an impressive knowledge across the most important issues of the day. In reality, most columnists trade on two things: connections and wit. Their connections land them a regular gig turning out 500 words for a newspaper (not a bad money maker even in today's media climate), and their wit means they can always find something entertaining to say even about the most mundane topic.
What makes a great attention-grabbing headline?
Put yourself in the reader's shoes and ask what part of the story would make you double take. What's exciting, funny, dramatic and, most importantly, new. What's going to make the reader think they have to read that story. Also, in today's digital world, following the latest SEO (Search Engine Optimization) best practices are pretty essential for getting any story in front of potential readers.
Strengths and Weaknesses
I found that my primary research was strengthened by the advice I received from professional journalists Callum Bains and Kathy Bailles. Their practical tips on interviewing, writing, and creating engaging feature articles gave me valuable insights that are directly relevant to my FMP. I think their responses helped me understand what makes good magazine content and how to capture and hold a reader's attention. However, I realize that the small sample size limits the range of perspectives I gathered, and some of the advice leaned more toward news journalism than magazine-specific writing. I also feel that I could have asked more detailed questions, especially about understanding target audiences and integrating visual elements. Expanding my research in these areas could give me a broader understanding and strengthen my project further.
Did this help my research? Yes
Did this develop me as a writer? Yes
Lessons for the future: Next time I will ask more specific questions based on my form of a magazine in order to gain a more specific insight,
Overall, for this research: +
Trip to Oxford Brookes
One piece of primary research I conducted was during a trip to Oxford with my family. During this trip, we visited Oxford Brookes University, due to my interest in their Journalism course. I took this opportunity to conduct some research. During a talk about the course from a Journalism, print, and media lecturer, I decided to interview a student about the work they were doing, specifically writing feature articles. As I think that feature articles are very prevalent as a form of writing in magazines, I thought this information would be interesting and helpful during my creative journey.
⬆️ Students I talked to/interviewed about writing feature articles
Interview Questions and Responses
Below I have included the questions I asked a student called Emma, and her responses:
What do you think makes a good feature article?
"Personally, when I am writing a feature I try to engage the reader's emotions or interests quickly and reward them for reading. Keeping in mind your audience is also key."
How do you identify your specific audience?
"I try to stick to something somewhat niche to write about - having a specific topic and sticking to it maintains engagement for a specific audience and keeps them interested"
Do you find news articles or feature articles more interesting to write?
"They both have their key differences, specifically when it comes to timing and language. I personally prefer to focus on a specific topic and zoom in on it, which is why feature writing is often something that piques my interest more."
If you had to give one piece of advice for a student writing a feature article, what would it be?
"A captivating story is one of the most important things to keep in mind. No one wants to read about something vague and uninteresting as it appeals to no one. Try to spark emotion in your piece and make sure you have conducted relevant information such as statistics and interviews to support your points."
Strengths and Weaknesses
I think this piece of primary research was useful because it provided me with direct insights from a journalism student actively writing feature articles, which ties closely to my FMP. Emma’s responses helped me understand the importance of engaging emotions, targeting a niche audience, and crafting captivating stories—key elements for writing feature articles in magazines. I also appreciated her practical advice about using statistics and interviews to add depth. However, one limitation of this research is that it reflects just one student’s perspective, which may not fully represent broader journalistic practices. I could have asked more detailed follow-up questions to explore other aspects of feature writing, such as visual design and structure, and interviewing more students would have broadened the scope of my findings.
Did this help my research? Yes
Did this develop me as a writer? Yes
Lessons for the future: I would ask a broader range of questions next time.
Overall, for this research: +
Google Forms Survey
To gain a deeper understanding of audience preferences and expectations when it comes to magazines, I created this survey as part of my primary research. The goal of the survey is to explore what makes magazines interesting, engaging, and appealing to different types of readers. It covers various aspects, such as preferred content topics, reading frequency, visual preferences, and what readers believe contributes to a captivating magazine experience.
The responses gathered will help shape my understanding of what audiences value most in magazine design and content, allowing me to make more informed creative decisions as I develop my own magazine ideas. The survey includes a mix of qualitative and quantitative questions to ensure I capture both detailed insights and measurable data.
By analysing this feedback, I hope to identify key trends, preferences, and expectations that can guide me in creating engaging, relevant, and visually appealing magazine content.
Below are images of the results from my Google Forms Survey, which are displayed via a Google spreadsheet.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The survey I conducted had several strengths, such as reaching a diverse audience and offering a variety of question types that provided both qualitative and quantitative insights. The questions were relevant to my research, focusing on what makes a magazine engaging and interesting, and the survey was easy to complete. However, there were some weaknesses, including a relatively small sample size and some vague or overly general answers that limited the depth of responses. Additionally, the survey's distribution was somewhat biased as it was shared mainly within my own network.
Did this help my research? Yes
Did this develop me as a writer? No
Lessons for the future: In the future, I would aim to increase the sample size by reaching a broader audience, refine my questions to be more specific, and include demographic questions to better analyse varying preferences. To encourage more detailed responses, I could offer incentives or follow-up interviews to gather deeper insights.
Overall, for this research: +
Secondary Research
Analysing Successful Magazines
To begin muy secondary research, I decided to analyse existing successful magazines, especially those related to fashion, lifestyle, and similar genres that I might want to include in my final project. I have loked at their content structure, visual style, layout, and the themes that resonate with their audiences. I have also studied both print and digital magazines to see how they differ in engagement strategies.
Vogue Magazine
Visual Style & Layout:
Print Version: Vogue's print version is known for its high-end, elegant layout. It employs a minimalist style with large, high-quality images that make a strong visual impact. The cover photo often features an iconic celebrity or model, and there’s a clear focus on fashion, luxury, and sophistication. Bold typography is frequently used for headlines, and the magazine maintains a consistent color palette that speaks to its luxury brand.
Digital Version: The digital version uses a similar high-end aesthetic but is more interactive. There are sliding galleries, interactive fashion features, and a focus on shorter articles optimized for quick reads. The website is designed with an emphasis on mobile-first design, making it easy for readers to browse while on the go.
Content Structure:
Print Version: Vogue often has a structured content flow with fashion spreads and feature articles in the first few pages, followed by lifestyle pieces (health, beauty, culture) in the later sections. They also include a mix of interviews with designers, celebrities, and experts in the industry
Digital Version: The digital platform is more dynamic, offering real-time updates on fashion news, behind-the-scenes content, and immediate access to trends. Articles are often broken into shorter, digestible segments with visual elements like videos, GIFs, and Instagram feeds integrated into the content.
Themes that Resonate with Audiences:
Vogue appeals to its audience by focusing on luxury, celebrity culture, and cutting-edge fashion. It also explores themes like inclusivity, sustainability, and empowerment. The content often focuses on elevating the reader’s lifestyle, encouraging them to aspire to a glamorous yet accessible world of fashion.
Harper Bazaar Magazine
Content Structure:
Print Version: The print magazine has a blend of fashion editorial, beauty advice, and cultural commentary. It’s structured into clear sections: the front of the book (which includes quick reads like beauty news, trend alerts, and horoscopes), followed by longer features, interviews, and in-depth style guides.
Digital Version: The digital version mirrors the print version in its structure but includes more interactive elements like "how-to" fashion videos, pop culture updates, and fashion forecasting that’s updated regularly to reflect current trends.
Visual Style & Layout:
Print Version: The layout is sleek and polished, with a heavy emphasis on high-fashion imagery. It uses a balanced mix of text and visuals, and each feature is designed to draw attention to the fashion elements. The typography is classic but modern, with clear distinctions between the feature articles and the smaller sections like beauty or lifestyle.
Digital Version: The website layout is more modular, with feature articles presented as clickable modules. Visual content is highly prominent on the homepage, with fashion galleries, style guides, and video content easily accessible. There’s also an emphasis on social media integration, which keeps the website connected to ongoing conversations.
Themes that Resonate with Audiences:
Harper’s Bazaar resonates with its readers through a refined approach to beauty, wellness, and self-empowerment. It often focuses on fashion as a form of self-expression and encourages its readers to stay ahead of trends while emphasizing inclusivity. Much like Vogue, it embraces both luxury and attainable fashion while also tackling global issues like sustainability.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The strength of this magazine analysis research is that it looks at successful fashion and lifestyle magazines, giving me a good idea of how they structure their content, their visual style, and how they engage readers, both in print and online. This helped me understand what works well in keeping an audience interested. However, a weakness is that I only looked at a few magazines, and I didn’t get direct feedback from readers on what they like.
Did this help my research? Yes
Did this develop me as a writer? No
Lessons for the future: Next time, I would analyze a wider range of magazines and try to get feedback from readers through surveys or focus groups. This would give me a clearer picture of what really appeals to different audiences.
Overall, for this research: +
Online Youtube Video Course
These tips offer a well-rounded approach to magazine design, focusing on aesthetics, readability, and audience engagement. Each tip emphasizes the importance of clarity, structure, and visual appeal in creating a magazine that will capture and maintain the reader’s attention. The advice highlights that good magazine design goes beyond just making things look pretty; it’s about creating a cohesive, navigable experience for the reader. In the future, I would apply these principles to my own magazine project, making sure to incorporate elements that will resonate with my target audience and using tools like layout design software to create a polished, cohesive magazine. I would also consider testing the designs with a small group to get feedback on the user experience and how well the magazine engages them. Below are my notes that I took while watching the video.
Video Notes ⬇️
Know Your Audience
Research and understand your target audience before you start designing. Their preferences, interests, and expectations should guide your design choices.
Create a Strong Cover
The magazine cover is the first impression. It should grab attention and clearly reflect the content inside.
Use Consistent Layouts
Consistency in the layout across pages helps readers navigate the magazine easily. Consistent margins, typography, and spacing contribute to a professional and readable design.
Balance Text and Images
Maintain a balance between text and imagery. Use visuals to complement and support the content rather than overcrowding pages.
Focus on Typography
Good typography is essential for readability and aesthetic appeal. Choose fonts that match the magazine's tone, and use different font sizes for hierarchy and emphasis.
Use Color Strategically
Colors should be chosen carefully to reflect the theme of the magazine and evoke the right emotions. Use a limited color palette to maintain consistency.
Make It Visually Hierarchical
Your layout should visually guide the reader’s eye from the most important to the least important content. Use headings, subheadings, and design elements like lines or boxes to direct focus.
Incorporate Engaging Photography
Use high-quality, relevant images that tell a story. Avoid stock photos unless they fit perfectly within the context of the magazine.
Pay Attention to Spacing and Margins
Adequate white space makes the content feel less cluttered and easier to read. Margins should be even and consistent across pages.
Design for Print and Digital
While designing, always consider both print and digital formats. The design should look good in both mediums, ensuring readability and visual appeal across different platforms.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The strengths of this research are that it gave me useful advice on how to design a magazine, covering things like layout, typography, and how to engage the audience. The video was easy to follow and helped me understand what makes a magazine look good and attract readers. However, one weakness is that the advice was more general and didn’t focus specifically on fashion magazines or their audience
Did this help my research? Yes
Did this develop me as a writer? No
Lessons for the future: Next time, I would look at more fashion-specific magazines and maybe talk to people who work in the fashion magazine industry to get more detailed insights.
Overall, for this research: +
Demographic Research
For my next part of my secondary research, I wanted to explore different demographics to improve my understanding of magazine reading ages, audience preferences, and popular elements of a magazine. To achieve this, I researched various past surveys and research reports from recent years, with each survey focusing on different aspects relevant to my report.
'Magnetic Media' magazine research report ⬇️
This article from Magnetic explores magazine consumption in the UK, showing that 72% of adults read magazine content monthly, either in print or online. It emphasizes the trust readers place in magazine brands, with print playing a vital role alongside digital engagement.
Popular content themes include food, travel, home, fashion, and health. It also highlights that magazine ads resonate well with audiences, influencing consumer behavior. This research is useful in understanding magazine readership trends, trusted content, and audience engagement.
'Fipp.com' - 'Magazine Readers prefer print' research survey ⬇️
This research showed me how magazine demographics are divided when it comes to format preferences. It highlighted that older readers tend to prefer print magazines, while younger audiences are more inclined toward digital formats.
This was helpful because it gave me a clearer idea of how different age groups engage with magazines, which will help me when thinking about the target audience for my own magazine. It also made me consider the importance of balancing both print and digital formats to attract a wider readership.
Resources and References
Oxford Brookes University. (2021). Media, Journalism and Publishing. [online] Available at: https://www.brookes.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/media-journalism-and-publishing [Accessed 24 Mar. 2025].
an (2017). What makes an engaging magazine research survey. [online] Google Docs. Available at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc10z2-iW183jMaETAF0R2lM5-DY1a0lSduklzeUo6FTc1Rhg/viewform?usp=header [Accessed 24 Mar. 2025].
Vogue (2019). Vogue Magazine: Celebrity Covers, Subscriptions, and More - Vogue. [online] Vogue. Available at: https://www.vogue.com/magazine.
Harper's Bazaar (2019). Harper’s Bazaar UK homepage | Fashion, beauty, art, culture, travel. [online] Harper’s BAZAAR. Available at: https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/.
Youtu.be. (2025). Available at: https://youtu.be/JGeIMOpYDsY?si=prWRboSiYVFgpM3L [Accessed 24 Mar. 2025].
Jones, G. (2024). 39m adults read magazine content online and in print every month - magnetic.media. [online] magnetic.media. Available at: https://magnetic.media/news-views/news/39m-adults-read-magazine-content-online-and-in-print-every-month.
Gavin, J. (2022). Magazine readers prefer print. [online] FIPP. Available at: https://www.fipp.com/news/magazine-readers-prefer-print/#.
