1. Factual Programmes on Television

2. Documentaries Each of the 5 terrestrial channels has documentary output and slots . There are specific documentary channels on cable and satellite. Documentaries can be feature length and shown at the cinema. Documentaries can also be categorised into types. On Television they tend to last between 30-60 minutes.

3. Lifestyle Programmes Tend to feature issues relating to homes and better living. On the main channels they tend to be shown in the daytime or early evening Again there are specific channels devoted to this kind of programme. Difficult to come up with an original idea within this category.

4. Current Affairs Tend to follow a recent issue or news story and show more in depth analysis. Scheduling tends to take place in the evening but check the channels. Examples include Panorama on BBC 1 and Dispatches on Channel 4.

5. Magazine Programmes Look at many issues surrounding a central theme. Can be consumer, lifestyle or regionally themed. Usually consist of several specific inserts linked by studio based or main location set-up.

6. Light Entertainment Studio-based usually with audience present. Main presenter/presenters often with dominant personality. Can be interview or quiz based. Scheduling takes place at all times but LE features strongly at peak times.

7. Children’s Television Can incorporate all of the above but is specifically aimed at a certain age range between 0-18. Production values should be as high as for adult programming. Scheduling usually early morning and between 3.00-5.30. Specific channels only showing children’s television although most somewhat limited in their factual output

8. Factual Drama Based on or inspired by fact. They can be true, based on truth or inspired by truth. There are many forms of factual drama including biography, issue based, historical, including ‘real’ people.

9. The Process of Writing and Research What is involved in the this process. What are the basic rules of research? What will we be covering in this module.