2. The codes and conventions of a news show
Codes are systems of signs, which create meaning. Codes can be divided into two
categories – technical and symbolic:
- Technical codes are all the ways in which equipment is used to tell the story in a media
text, for example the font and font size in a newspaper.
- Symbolic codes show what is beneath the surface of what we see. For example, the size
of the text in a newspaper, to show its importance.
Some things you’ll expect to find in a news show-
• Studio news readers
• Actuality footage
• Eye witnesses
• Links to the studio
• Mode of address to the viewers
• Interviews
• report structure
3. News readers
A brief overview of a news reader’s job description
To carry out in-depth research to a broad brief, with minimal supervision across the whole range of Regional
Broadcasting news and current affairs output.
To write material for programme scripts, bulletins and links, exercising editorial judgement, maintaining
professional journalistic standards and adhering to the company policy and legal and contractual guidelines.
To undertake interviewing and reporting duties, under broad direction in both recorded and live situations, in
studio or on location, for both Radio and Television.
To prepare and present bulletins, including assessing incoming copy, sub-editing news copy and deploying the
necessary resources.
To produce live and pre-recorded radio news and current affairs programmes and to prepare radio and TV
packages under supervision.
To originate and develop programme ideas; to assist in forward planning of material for future programmes.
To provide briefings for reporters, camera crews and other resources staff and contributors.
4. News reporter
TOTAL EMPLOYEED NATIONALLY:
28,140
A brief overview of a news reporter’s job description
News reporters and correspondents, also known as journalists, gather news and keep the
public informed about important events. They may obtain the information they need from a
number of sources, including personal interviews, news briefings—question-and-answer
periods during which journalists meet with government officials—and reports from wire
services such as the Associated Press or United Press International. Reporters and
correspondents compile this information and then relay it as news. Newspapers,
magazines, television, and radio depend on reporters and correspondents to keep readers,
viewers, and listeners informed.
5. Brief definitions to the codes and conventions of news
shows
Links to the studio - This is where a reporter will invite another member to the show
(through an in-house link from studio to studio) and the shot quickly moves to
another location, mostly abroad to create more interest. This is usually used on many
mainstream news channels such as BBC, ITV and SKY news.
Mode of address – The mode of address is the way in which a reporter will present
the information to the viewer given. This covers techniques such as informal and
formal language depending on research of target audience. (i.e. a lower age group
would be interested in a less formal news show such as channel 5. whereas the BBC
and ITV capture its older target audience through solid factual evidence and formal
tones)
Interview - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzDQCT0AJcw
Experts and witnesses – these kind of people are used in news shows to give a non
biased and greeter overall sense of trust, as it imposes both sides of the story's are
covered and there's also useful/professional advice from the experts.
Report structure – an example of a Report Structure:
Cover Sheet: Title / Course Title / Module Number & Title / Date / Name of Team
Members
Title Page: Full Title of Project
Acknowledgements: Complimentary Text / Thanks to Contributors
6. Contents page: Should be Comprehensive
Introduction: (1/2-3/4 of a page) The purpose behind the report, outlining problems
investigated & any info necessary for an overview.
Main Body: Include Methods used to get the information/your results/discussion
of results (conclusion
• Summary
• Conclusions
• Recommendations (Proposal?)
References: List of references used in main body of text.
Appendices: Tables/Illustrations/Photos/Peripheral Material, which may not
necessarily be used in the main body of text.
• Here's a link to the website I found this http://www.doeni.gov.uk/niea/reportstructure.pdf
Actuality footage – This is the live footage used as the news shows broadcast straight from
the scene. A great example of this would be the twin tower plane crash, as news shows
took over every channel from 1-5. The second plane crash was watched widely across the
globe live.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XELamUnF0EU&feature=related
7. Documentary formats
• Expository – This mode of documentary is more is more easy to watch.
This is because it follows much less strict conventions
• Observational – this type of documentary is only shot through a singular
camera, its aim to enhance the fell of reality through the shots as if it
where your own eyes. This is why its mainly used for nature
documentary's and wildlife example of observational as a documentary was filmed in
This is an programs.
a lift
http://www.4docs.org.uk/films/show/12/The+Lift
• Interactive - Examples: Rouch, de Antonio, Connie Field
It arose from the availability of same mobile equipment & desire to make
filmmakers perspective more evident. This mode wants to engage
w/individuals more directly while not reverting to classic exposition
interview styles.
• Examples: Rouch, de Antonio, Connie Field
• Reflexive - Ascended from the wish to make the conventions of
representation themselves more apparent & to challenge the impression
of reality which other three modes normally conveyed straightforward. It
is the most self-aware mode - its reflexivity makes audience aware of
how other modes claim to construct "truth" through documentary
practice.
8. • Per formative -Like Reflexive Documentary, it raises questions about
Endorses definition of knowledge that emphasizes personal experience (in
knowledge.
tradition of poetry, literature)
