AD-BUSTERS

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Ad-busters has potentially socialist views/anti-capitalist views.

The masthead changes every issue. This is a terrible idea because it means the magazine is unrecognisable. This magazine does not have a clear brand identity. They lack a brand identity.  Ad-buster's brand identity is edgy, this is connoted by the front cover designs.

Ad-Busters facts:

  • The set edition is the May/June 2016.
  • The magazine's frequency is by-monthly
  • Website is adbusters.org
  • It is published six times per year, by an independent company called the Ad-Busters Media Foundation, 1989 to present.
  • The price is £10.99
  • Ad-Busters circulation has 120,000 readership, according to the website in April of 2017
  • Genre: Independent/campaigning/culture-jamming 
  • Subtitle 'Journal of the mental environment'
  • Based in Vancouver, it is a Canadian Magazine
  • It is a not-for-profit magazine.
The Genre is anti-advertising.

Ad-busters does not contain any adverts, this makes it almost unique. Instead, they rely on the cover-price, which is why this magazine is £10.99.

  • Masthead is plain, white sans serif font, clearly visible at the top of the cover, although this is partially covered by the pasted over effect
  • The background is black, main image of male in camouflage jacket, angry expression, clenched fist, image partially pasted over - subverts codes of consumer/lifestyle magazine.
  • Title of this edition 'post west' in the same, white font as the masthead. This is dominantly positioned on the lower third of the cover.
  • This could be referring to Donald Trump and phrases saying 'post-truth' etc.
  • Social/political message - image linked to article 'time for a radical rethink of what is considered a normal life in the decadent west' Also suggesting a link to 'post truth'.
  • Front cover of image is not fully anchored - assumes a level of understanding in the audience.
  • Front cover lacks conventions, eg; cover lines, copy.
"Genre conventions in magazines are completely informed by the social and historical context to which they are made." - Michael Collins. Evaluate this statement with reference to Ad-busters. Make reference to genre hybridity. 

Evaluate - list the pros and cons. We need to present an argument.
Social and Historical Context - what was happening at that time
Genre Hybridity -  mix of genres
Conventions - tells us which genre is is


How to structure an essay

  • Firstly, read the question. 
  • Underline/circle/highlight the key terms in the question (as done above in red)
  • What is your gut reaction? Reaction you have before even thinking about it. What's your opinion? What argument will you make? If in doubt, agree with the question.
  • Make a plan. Do this on the answer paper. This is because the examiner will see it and will know what grade they are going to give you, even before they've read your whole answer. Your plan should look like you've just vomited on the page, jot down all the information which comes to mind.
  • Introduction: D, A, C . You can change the order. Definition/Genre. Genre is the type of media product. Argument - "I shall argue that genre is completely influenced by the social and historical context of the time period, in order to illustrate this point..." Context.
  • Structure paragraphs with P, E, A. Point - from the question. Evidence - from the source, use media terminology/language. Analysis - what does this mean.
  • Rephrase the question in your point.






















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