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