Several editions may indicate that it has become a standard source in the field. Scholarly journals are often published by academic presses and professional organizations. Scholarly journals contain few, if any, pictures. Charts, graphs, etc. They do contain bibliographic citations and bibliographies.
Advertisements appeal to professional people in the discipline.
Magazines contain advertisements of general interest to the intended audience and glossy pictures. They do not contain bibliographic citations or bibliographies. Generally, it is acceptable to use the major newspapers such as the New York Times and Washington Post in research. Do not confuse the popular tabloids such as the National Enquirer with these titles. If you are still uncertain, read some reviews of the source.