Codes and conventions of factual programming By Milo Quigley
What are Codes and Conventions? Codes and Conventions are the guidelines that producers must follow when making a factual programme. Codes are practices put in place to create meaning. Conventions are considered to be the correct and efficient way of doing things.
News Programmes.
Studio Links. This is the more professional term for linking into another studio or places from within the studio. The reporter would usually communicate with a reporter in another studio or location. There is usually a screen connecting both reporters which they would use to have a conversation regarding a particular news topic/issue. A split is also sometimes used to connect two or more studios.
Interviews. News reporters often interview as an effective way of obtaining information regarding a particular topic. Can be implemented either in or outside of the studio. On some occasions, the interviews are shown on the news programme to back up what the news reader is saying and support the information being given. They are, in the majority of cases, either visual or audio.
Interview clip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHYseWGdFn8
News readers within the studio. A news reader is usually based behind a desk within a set up studio. Always dressed very formally, using proper language, with very little colloquialisms. They are usually sat in front of a camera, with only their head and shoulders on show. Must be entirely objective. Visual images and clips are often used to support what the news reader is saying. Often read the news from an auto cue screen.
Studio newsreader clip https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_-76H-YRjs
Experts and eyewitnesses. Have an important role when it comes to broadcasting certain news stories. For example, if an incident/tragedy occurred the news reporter could interview an eyewitness in order to provide a more in-depth picture on what has happened. Experts are used when discussing certain topical issues in order to attract more viewers and increase interest, knowledge and awareness.