Research task seven: Independent Magazine websites

 The Wire website 

Overall, The Wire's front cover and website collaborate to establish a consistent brand identity through digital convergence, primarily on the homepage. Despite the change in colour, the masthead retains the same format and typography, contributing to the brand's coherence. The content layout, similar to the magazine's, is easy to navigate, with clear divider lines reinforcing the brand identity. The website's use of hyperlinks guides the audience to secondary pages, engaging them further and potentially leading to increased interaction and sales. 

The Wire's website showcases various examples of digital convergence through the use of a consistent masthead that unifies their physical and online presence. Customers can easily identify the publication because of this branding. The website also displays the physical copy's price and provides a subscription link, linking the website and magazine together. By featuring the current issue with an image and brief description on the homepage, the website prompts visitors to purchase the magazine, potentially boosting profits.

Furthermore, The Wire's website demonstrates cross-media convergence by promoting their social media accounts, newsletter, and radio show. This diversified presence signifies the publication's success and credibility. Encouraging consumer interaction (such as subscribing to the newsletter, listening to the radio show, and following social media) not only expands their audience but also engages in participatory culture, relying on audience interaction to broaden their reach.