1. Codes and conventions of factual programming
By Emer Rooney

2. Introduction
In the following presentation I am going to speak about the codes and conventions involved in factual programming.
I am splitting this presentation into two parts the first part being based on news programmes and the second being documentary programmes.
I will cover topics such as interviewing and documentary formats.

3. News Programming

4. Studio news readers
A studio news reader is typically based in news studio, they are usually based behind a desk and a clear studio set up is present
These presenters are always dressed very formal and they speak very clearly using no slang or offensive words
The camera is usually placed right in front of the news reader often showing the head and shoulders of the reader
These readers must be non biased when presenting because they are part of a news programme.
Sometimes they speak over visual images or clips, often they introduce images and let them play as part of the show.
Studio news readers often appear robotic when speaking as they often read from an auto cue screen.
Broadcasting companies such as BBC have a range of studio readers such as Fiona Bruce.

5. Field reporters
Field reporters are very similar to studio news readers
They tend to get themselves stuck right into a news story often appearing at the scene of the story
Just like studio readers they appear to speak formally and they speak with non biased views.
One thing I noticed about these reporters is that they sometimes dress in formal.
A lot more interviews between individuals can be seen in a field report.
These reporters often report live from a scene back to the studio.

6. Links to studio
This is the name that is given to the process that involves one studio linking with another studio.
This is usually used when connecting to a studio in another country.
The other studio has a reporter that they have chosen to speak to the other studio.
A screen is sometimes presented behind the reporter and they then turn around have a conversation about a news topic.
Sometimes a split is also used to connect two or often three studios.

7. Modes of address to the viewer
This is what news programmes use to break their shows down into categories aimed at all kinds of viewers.
The BBC news at 6pm would be aimed at families who would possibly be having dinner at this time so this segment would be censored quite a bit.
Comparing this to the news at 10pm this would be a lot less censored meaning it is aimed at adults and not children. The news at 10 can often show graphic content as it is shown after the 9pm watershed.
For many years the bbc has run a show called Newsround which gives children an insight into what is going on in the world but with easier and friendlier approaches.

8. interviewing
Interviewing is one of the best ways that a news programme can obtain information
Interviewing can take place within the studio or outside
Sometimes interviews are recorded live and sometimes they are pre recorded and played as part of the show
These interviews can be audio, visual or sometimes written.

9. Experts and eyewitnesses
Experts and eyewitnesses play a really important role when it comes to certain stories.
For example if there was a fire in a town a field reporter was there, the reporter could have an eyewitness there and they could interview them and ask them questions on the scenario which allow them to get a clearer picture on what really happened.
Experts are ideal in a news programme when they are covering certain topics. For example if the news programme was talking about mental health having an expert explaining mental health would peak the interests of viewers and also draw in more viewers.

10. Actuality footage
This sort of footage Is often taken live from the scene of a news story.
Footage like this immediately strikes viewers attention as it shows what is happening in real time
The most recent example of this on the news would have to be sky news covering the Paris attacks of November 2015.

11. Documentary programming

12. Expository
This type of documentary is focused on exposing the secrets of a topic that the public may be un aware of.
These shows include a reporter speaking about the chosen topic with visual images often showing achieve or hidden camera footage
These documentaries are very popular and often a lot of controversy comes from them
It's crucial that’s everything that is portrayed in these shows in 100% true.
A great example of this would be Louis Theroux documentary film my Scientology movie

13. Observational
An observational documentary often involves one person speaking about an experience that they have had or sometimes a topic
These documentaries like to get a real personal insight into what is going on with a person
These shows often have camera crews filming one person. These shots that they obtain often show the person speaking to the Camera and often other interviews from others. Archive footage and hidden cameras can also be sometimes used in these documentaries.
Louis Theroux's show on Jimmy Saville is a great example of this

14. Interactive
Interactive documentary or multimedia shows are often shows that differ from different production forms.
These types shows tend to make the audience feel more welcome when watching
The person within the show speaks directly making the audience feel as though they are part of the experience
The best example I can think of this would have to be an idiot abroad because it shows everything that Karl does throughout his time travelling the world.

15. Reflexive
These type of documentaries often take footage from pre recorded events and use it as part of the show
They tend to express the expressive nature of the show often showing anti realist techniques such as reenactments and dramatised music.
Voiceovers are also often used to Explain the footage being shown on screen.
Katy perry documentary film "Part of me" is a great example of this as throughout we see lots of footage from her earlier life and she gives greater understanding into what her life is about.

16. Performative
Performative documentaries involve the actual film make themselves often showing them going about life and speaking to the camera
These documentaries show the filmmaker taking part in events whilst filming themselves
Hand held cameras are often used for these segments.

17. Realism
Realism documentaries are all about putting the truth across in the best way possible
These documentaries are sometimes shot in risky locations often putting the crew and presenter in danger
These shows often use the following the action technique meaning they get stuck right Into the action in order to give the truest perception
Ross kemp on gangs is a great Example of this sort of documentary

18. Dramatisation
These types of documentary tend to be very dramatic often making situations more dramatic than what they need to be.
The more dramatic something is the more audience it tends to bring.
Just like reflexive documentaries these shows often use reenactments to make a situation appear more interesting.
The one problem that can occur with these shows is the fact that they can often appear to be biased, showing one side of a story only.

19. Narrativisation
These documentaries are editing and filmed with the intent to put together s story for the audience
The audience travel on the journey of the story though out the show .
These shows are based on real time events.