Audience and Institution - XXL

Audience
I looked at the XXL Media Kit to help research the magazines target audience.

- The 'Demographics' page shows us who exactly reads a XXL. They has a predominently male audience, as they take up 78% of the readers, and appeal to men throughout each issue as articles focus on the success of male rappers. If women are featured, they are often sexualized to appeal the male audience, and entice them to read the magazine.
- 67% of the readers are African-American. This shows that even though rap has branched out, appealing a mainstream audience, XXL stick heavily to the roots of rap and where it started, umong African-Americans.
- The average age for an XXL reader is 29. This shows that fans of the earlier rap music, who were supporters from the beginning, enjoy reading the magazine. It also shows that an older more sophisticated audience read the magazine, presenting XXL as bringing a classy and mature tone to rap.
- 'The Reader' page tells us why readers in the rap community buy XXL. XXL respect its readers as much as they respect the magazine. This creates a tight community and connects the audience to the industry, to help them enjoy rap the best they can. Many readers are part of the rap industry. The magazine helps musicians and producers grow and create a following. 

Institutions
- XXL is published by Townsquare Media, who acquired the magazine in 2014 In October of 2014, they announced they would be releasing four issues a year, one for each season.
- Other publications by Townsquare Media include the country music news website 'Taste of Country', the MOG Music Network and the amusement park comapany 'North American Midway Entertainment'.
- Townsquare Media has cross-media interests in webites, streaming services and magazines.