Efforts to Engage Female Readers
Although aimed at men, Zoo made some attempts to engage female readers through inclusive articles, co-ed features, or crossover topics like celebrity gossip, These efforts, however, were limited and secondary to the core male audience.
Zoo Magazine's Efforts to Engage Female Readers
While Zoo magazine primarily targeted young heterosexual males, it made some efforts to include women in its pages through inclusive articles, co-ed features, and topics that would appeal to both genders. One example is the inclusion of celebrity news and gossip, which was often shared between partners or friends regardless of gender.
These efforts were limited and secondary to the magazine's main focus on sports, music, cars, and other subjects typically associated with men.
The majority of Zoo's coverage focused on masculine interests such as athletics, automobiles, and fashion. The magazine frequently featured articles about professional football players, luxury vehicles, and designer clothing brands.
Many of the photographs included in the magazine showed scantily clad models or celebrities posing suggestively. This may have further alienated female readers who were not interested in those topics or objectified images.
Despite these limitations, Zoo did attempt to engage female readers by including some articles related to relationships, dating, and intimacy. These pieces offered advice on how to maintain a healthy relationship or attract a partner using psychological techniques rather than physical appearance. Some articles also covered sexual education, body positivity, and other feminist issues. While these articles were a step in the right direction, they were still a small minority compared to the rest of the content in the magazine.
While Zoo magazine did make some attempts to engage female readers, their primary focus remained on male-oriented topics and imagery. To truly reach a broader audience, the publication could have expanded its coverage to include more diverse perspectives and interests.