Print Media Analysis

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Another interesting difference between these two issues is the use of color. While certain images are shown in color throughout the magazine, certain pages are not extraordinarily visual in the 1965 issue of TIME magazine. This may be due to the increased interest of readership in written content as opposed to images and other elements. It also creates an impression of the type of interests that drive magazine consumption (86: 14-20). The 2015 issue features high-resolution images on nearly every page with few pages containing solely texts. The enhanced use of images to describe articles and present information is one theme that has emerged over the past fifty years and is reflected in contemporary issues of this magazine. The greater availability of technology and photography in general can be attributed to the scope of these practices in the publishing world and for TIME in particular.

TIME magazine represents a classic American brand that has consistently delivered news and editorial pieces about political and world affairs. The subtle changes noticed in this analysis point to the magazine having a broader focus with greater interest in political and international issues than in the past. Advertisement initiatives are consistent across the sampled magazines, while the use of images has increased in recent times. Many of the changes identified in comparing publications from different time periods can be associated with changes in publishing technology and distribution platforms. However, the content and stylistic differences of perspective and topic selection are contingent on the magazine’s overall voice and interest.

Ultimately there are significant differences between the magazine copy dated fifty years ago and the contemporary edition. While there are lasting themes based on the publications target audience and focus area, the style, design and content have changed significantly over the past half-century. The key differences in layout and editorial composition are essential to this understanding and identify areas of future research. Based on this investigation it would be valuable to understand and assimilate the contemporary intentions of the publishing world compared to ideals from previous generations.

Works Cited

TIME Magazine, 86.12. (1965): 2-40. Web. 14 Sept. 2015. .

TIME Magazine, 186.9. (2015): 3-36. Web. 14 Sept. 2015. .