Audience - scholars in  academic field

Readers have some understanding of the subject

Articles are refereed: must contribute to the existing body of knowledge in the field

Authors experts in the field

Generally no advertising, not a profit making enterprise

Generally few, if any pictures

Distributed mostly by subscription

Refereed, or peer-reviewed articles are ones which are reviewed by a board of editors who are expert in a given field.These readers/editors determine if the material submitted for publication adds something significant to a body of knowledge that already exists. Refereed (or peer-reviewed) materials are important to the research and the literature of most academic fields; they assure readers that the information conveyed is reliable and timely.

Note:
The term "scholarly materials" is often used to describe refereed (or peer-reviewed) materials. However,the term is not exclusive to refereed material. While non-refereed materials may not by scrutinized as intensely as refereed materials, they can still be considered scholarly (or academic)!

Audience is general public

No previous knowledge is required

Articles must help sell the magazine

Authors are not necessarily experts

Carries lots of advertising, probably more than editorial content

Lots of glossy pictures

For sale at newsstands