This document discusses various concepts relating to objectivity, subjectivity, impartiality in news reporting, and different types of documentary formats. It provides definitions and examples for key terms like subjectivity, objectivity, balance and impartiality in news reporting. Examples are given of different types of documentary formats such as expository, observational, dramatization, and narrativization. Videos are linked to illustrate concepts like news readers, field reporters, interviews, and actuality footage in news programming.

2. Subjectivity and Objectivity
Subjectivity
Judgment based on individual personal impressions and feelings and opinions rather than
external facts.
Katie Hopkins on this Morning: She offers an opinion about names however she offers no
evidence to support what she says.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edZjdgU0asM
Objectivity
Opinions tested on the facts, the link below illustrates specifically the mismatch in military
resources between Ukraine and Russia.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnmKE-vseaw

3. Balance and Impartiality
BBC Guidelines
Impartiality lies at the heart of public service and is the core of the BBC's commitment to its
audiences. It applies to all our output and services - television, radio, online, and in our
international services and commercial magazines. We must be inclusive, considering the broad
perspective and ensuring the existence of a range of views is appropriately reflected.
The link below shows the presenter on BBC News Night abiding by the BBC Guidelines and
letting each guest have their own word and make sure they get their point across in their own
time.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mszhESGvE_c

4. Codes and Conventions of
News Programming
News Readers
News Readers are formally dressed professionals who are there to provide people with the
news. They have to be dressed formally and professional so you can trust them with the news.
They have to speak very clear and make sure that the viewers can understand what they’re
saying.
In the link below Jenny Hill reports the news, she is dressed in a purple dress and speaks very
clear and in a professional manor.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ERXGXw6RQ8

5. Codes and Conventions of
News Programming
Field Reporters
Reporters provide news to a public audience by way of TV, radio, print or the Internet. They work
in a variety of settings varying in size. Work happens in the newsroom, in the field or anywhere
else that a story can be researched.
The link below shows a field reporter in Chew Stoke reporting the news on floods in that area, as
you can see the presenter is formally dressed for where he is except he is wearing wellington’s
and a coat because it obviously isn’t in the warmest country.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6ySmaO7iT0

6. Codes and Conventions of
News Programming
Interviews (Experts and Witnesses)
An interview with Experts and Witnesses means that the interviewee has two other people with
him/her in the room.
The link below is a clip of Margareta Wahlstrom being interviewed on BBC News regarding
natural disasters.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JWCgZngL-o

7. Codes and Conventions of
News Programming
Actuality Footage
Actuality Footage is when people send in live filmed footage of a recent event that has taken
place. The link below is a prime example of Actuality Footage.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swu6Vae-j-U

8. Documentary Types and
Formats
Expository
An expository documentary looks behind the scenes of current affairs. The intentions of an
expository documentary is to explain the topic in-depth and helps everyone understand what’s
going on.
An example of this is in the link below, it is Panorama: Britain's Secret Death Threat.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhI_vs1gAX0

9. Documentary Types and
Formats
Observational
An Observational Documentary can be different. It can either Observe someone or something,
places or events to show their documentary.
An example of this is Channel 4’s Benefits Street. I have a clip of the programme in the link
below.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLUrY4JDiCw

10. Documentary Types and
Formats
Dramatization
The Dramatization behind a documentary is an actor/actress recreating an event which took
place and some point earlier on. The use of different actors/actresses shows the events which
have taken place at some point.
Below I have a link from Crime Watch for the Madeline McCann story, there is a reconstruction in
the video.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyJwns_MTok

11. Documentary Types and
Formats
Narrativisation
Narrativisation is similar to Dramatization in the sense that they are usually half scripted. They
usually don’t tend to speak but they have a lot of voice overs so there is a constant story and
conversation between the people.
The link below is an example of Narrativisation. The link is for The Only Way Is Essex, I have
chosen this because it is classed as a Reality programme but it is half scripted, they don’t really
use actors but they get people who fit the parts for what they are looking for.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEUo5TcviRI