For this magazine, it can be assumed the target audience is aimed at American citizens, between the age range of thirty and sixty, who are looking for opinions on political matters in the USA. They would most likely be middle-class, and it can be assumed they would also believe in right-winged ideologies. In terms of the 4Cs, this particular group of people would be fall into the category of 'The Succeeder' who have a strong-goal orientation and occupy positions of importance in society. Their core need in life is control, however because of their aggressive approach to life, they seek out reward and prestige to relax - my main assumption for this group being the main audience of this magazine is because whilst it still centres around something as important as country politics, it takes a much more entertaining and praising stance on the matter.
The preferred reading of the text is that Donald Trump is the 'Person of the Year', identifying with both their political ideologies and 'The Succeeders' need for control. Viewers of the magazine align with the need to be 'the best', as the cover showcases America's president. Even those who don't agree with right-winged politics are forced to acknowledge the success of the figure on the cover. The text, or lack of, is particularly important on this magazine. The first is the headline 'Person of the Year', obviously alluding to Trump as he is the main model of the cover. This appeals to the audience of this magazine as it is praising their preferred political figure, and as an extension praising their preferred political party. The second and only other piece of text on this magazine cover is Trump's title from 2017 to 2021, reading: 'Donald Trump - President of the United States of America'. Such a prestigious title appeals to 'The Succeeder' audience as it is seen as the highest possible position in America, and it is given to the person who runs the country. The lack of text on this magazine cover is so significant as it speaks volumes, showing how we're already aware of who Donald Trump is, alongside his beliefs, and any actions he may of taken at the time of release of this magazine. Once again, this appeals to 'The Succeeder' as they strive to be the very greatest they can be, feeding into their ideas of control as well as being able to identify with someone in a position of power as they themselves are most likely in some sort of position of power, too.
There are various aspects of the magazine cover which would appeal to any Americans interested in politics, as taking up a majority of the cover is a very well known political figure: Donald Trump. He's most well known for his republican stance and presidency over the United States from 2017 to 2021 (as well as the occasional aggressive or problematic tweets!) He has an atmosphere of importance surrounding him, as seen by his stance in the cover - he is sitting in a leather armchair, staring directly into the camera with a very serious expression. He is the ideal role model for any right-winged American, and is often painted in a light of succession to them.
The preferred audience may be for a lower age range such as those 18-25 who are likely voting for the first time, as those in this range may be more easily influenced into choosing Trump for the next election based on the covers headline labelling him under 'Person of the year.' This younger audience has a wider range of spreading this information to others around them especially through forms such as social media and could increase the amount of positivity circulating around the name Donald Trump.
The target demographic may also be a higher status upper class region as they have more power over political matters and their view would be seen as holding more power. The target audience in…