codes conventions of tv

Authors Avatar

Marisa Ghazalli

 The Codes and Conventions of Factual TV Programs

In this essay I will be discussing the codes and conventions of the various different types of factual programs such as the news, documentaries and chat shows. Firstly, I have chosen to write about the news because it is probably the most watched example of factual programming on British television and appeals to mostly everyone in the home because it gives the audience an idea of what is going on in the world, discusses important and current issues, updates us on current and past affairs and gives us information on everything from sport to music and art. The news is shown on a variety of channels such as the BBC, Channel 4, ITV and Sky and not only relates information about our own country but also about events that are happening world wide.

By watching the BBC news you will see that the news reader is always sat behind a desk facing the camera which makes them look like they are speaking directly to the audience sat at home and also makes us feel like we are there in the studio. There are a lot of graphics used throughout the program such as the symbol of the world revolving around different countries and this is in varied colours such as red, yellow and white. If you watch ‘The News at one 2009 with Emily Maitlis’, you will notice that all the presenters were dressed in red which helps the presentation of the show as a whole because by doing this the show looks in accordance and neat. Their presentation is also very formal for example their expressions are serious as they need to respect all issues and the way they dress is also smart and appropriate being featured mainly in suits or office attire. The lighting and exposure is extremely light and their body language and posture is sat up straight with little movement.

Join now!

The news has changed dramatically over the years as back in the 1950’s you would only expect to see a white middle class male representing the news and nowadays you will find that there are new readers from all different types of races and backgrounds. I also noticed that for the opening stories at the beginning it is accompanied with music for example the fast quick beats stressing that these are of importance. It is also filmed using multi-camera’s to ensure they deliver high quality live broadcasts and because it can be filmed or taped much quicker then a ...

This is a preview of the whole essay