FOCUS GROUP

In my focus group I have ages ranging from 16-18 years old. My focus group contains 14 members both male and female.

When asking my focus group if they read regional magazines, 0/14 read them regularly however 2/14 had read issues before.

I then asked my focus group which magazines they read regularly:

3/14 read VOGUE 4/14 read HEAT 1/14 read Q

2/14 read OK!1/14 read EMPIRE3/14 read MARIE CLAIRE

Because 0/14 of my focus group read regional magazines, I asked them what they would look for if they were to purchase a regional magazine. Together my focus group came to the conclusion that they would like the magazine to focus on subjects which are aimed more towards the interests of people their age group. For example, the majority of regional magazine focus on events in the area, which is aimed more towards adults and families looking for events and things to do. My focus group decided they would rather the magazine focus on topics such as fashion, music or upcoming events for teenagers in the area.

After I gathered this information from my focus group I decided to research into regional magazines which focus on these particular things. In my research I found that the regional magazines absolute and time out may be more suited to the age range of my focus group. Therefore I am going to use these magazines to help create my own.

After researching into regional magazines I have found that the layout seems to be quite sophisticated. I also found that on the majority of the magazines dull colours were used. The focus group agreed that these were negative aspects of regional magazines. They also said that they find the articles in the magazines are usually based on dull subjects, that do not interest them very much.

Therefore for my magazine I am going to try and use simpler language, however keeping a sophisticated style to keep in tone with the style of a regional magazine. I am also going to include articles in my magazine which will interest the ages in my focus group.

The focus group also suggested that the magazine should be free as they would not pay for a regional magazine in particular, as it would not be something they would prioritise.

When asking my focus group specifically about the front covers of regional magazines they explained that the main photograph can sometimes be dull and not entice them into wanting to read the magazine. Therefore for my magazine, I will still take a landscape image to keep in tone with the regional magazine however, will try and make it more captivating by finding a specifically interesting landmark or including a model in the photograph.

When asking my focus group specifically about the contents pages they said that they can sometimes be to complex. Therefore I am going to create a simple yet still sleek contents page for my magazine.

For example, the following images would not particularly interest the ages of my focus group.

CONCLUSION After gaining feedback from my focus group I have

decided that I want my magazine to have a sophisticated look to it, however will keep a simple and relaxed tone to the language to reach my target audience.

I have also decided that for the main image I am going to use either a model around the same age group as my target audience or a landmark which would specifically interest people of their age, as well as more interesting colours, so that the main image is more enticing.

I am also going to make my magazine free as my target audience would not be willing to pay for this particular type of magazine.