My PowerPoint on factual news programming.

1. Codes and Conventions of
Factual Programming
Alexander Blake

2. What are codes and conventions?
.Codes and conventions of a news programme or a
documentary are what you would typically expect to
see or hear from the presenter(s). However, it is not
just the presenters that make up what we instantly
expect from a factual news programme or a
documentary each time we tune in. Some of these
codes and conventions are possibly the main
reason(s) as to why tune into the programme in
question, they are essentially what keeps our interest
and attention to the show itself. For example, when
you think of television news presenter, you almost
instantly think of them directly addressing the report to
you, this in turn makes the viewer feel that the news
presenter has your undivided attention. It can also
make you feel like there is a personal connection
between you and the anchor themselves, making you
want to listen on more.

3. The 5 modes of documentaries
.Investigative - most common genre of documentary, bases itself
around a problem or question, and looks to find out more about it
and eventually find some sort of resolution.
.Film example: Sicko by Michael Moore
.TV example: Panorama

4. Ethnological
.Ethnological - documentaries that explore serious social, cultural,
ethical and environmental issues in a negative way.
.Film example: The 11th Hour.
.TV example: Slumming It by Kevin McCloud

5. Expository
.Expository mode - a mode of documentary which uses
persuasive and convincing voice actors, known as the 'voice of
God'. The voice connotes power and authority. This genre usually
brings an argument, and its delivery strictly controls its meaning
and the way the viewer thinks.
.Film example: The Corporation
.TV example: Educating Essex/Yorkshire

6. Observational
.Observational mode - the type of documentary that observes and
follows the development of individual people throughout a journey.
Comes across as a lot more authentic and relatable than other
modes.
.Film example: Spellbound
.TV example: Toddlers and Tiaras

7. Interactive
.Interactive mode - the documentary/filmmaker gets involved with
the topic they are investigating. Interactive presenters make the
documentary more human than usual voiceovers.
.Film example: Supersize Me
.TV example: Louis Theroux’s Weird Weekends

8. Docu-drama
.Docu-drama - documentaries that are about real
events but feature dramatised reconstructions of the
events in topic, using techniques found in fictional
films.
.Film example: Touching the Void
.TV example: Crimewatch

9. Conventions of news programmes
In a normal news programme, you can expect to see these
conventions:
.Anchor/presenter
.Direct address to the camera
.Stock footage (Cutaway clips)
.Studio guests/field experts
.Introductory music (Theme tune) - Dramatic tone
.Live reporters/field reporters
.Talking heads (Interviews)
.Other studio reporters (News/weather)
.Voiceovers
.Professional conduct from presenters (Smartly dressed, serious
tone of voice)
.Breaking news bulletins

10. Conventions of a news programme
News anchor Direct address Stock footage Studio guests/field experts
Live/field reporters Talking heads (interviews)Studio reporters (News/weather)
Professional conduct (Smartly dressed/serious tone of voice/confident body language)
Breaking news bulletins

11. Conventions of a news programme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqveaYhQckc
.BBC News Northern Ireland Voiceover segment
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htbi_biqZ_M
.BBC News introductory theme