Codes and Conventions

By Lynsey Mornington

In most programmes I have analysed they have always signed the report over to a correspondent who is at the scene. This is called donuts.

They hold a responsibility in

the development research

of new cover stories, it is

important that they are

interesting to be appealing

to the target audience.

In the programmes I have analysed the anchors have kept direct eye contact with the target audience talking in a clear tone at all times so that the information is directed and understood by target audience.

I also noticed that they are always dressed smart and formal. This is to ensure the target audience that the news programme is appropriate, factual and trustworthy.

They also summarise other cover stories to other cast members.

Anchors

Report StructureWhilst researching TV News programmes I noticed that most of the news reports were structured in the same way using the same techniques.• Piece To Camera – PTC (The reporter will directly address to the audience through the lens)• Outside Broadcasts – O/B (This can be live fields to a reporter at the setting of where the

story takes place, this allows audience to witness the news as it happens)• Cutaways – C/A• Voice overs – V/O – this is when a reporters voice will continue to tell the story over the view

of graphics or the area of the incident which is being reported.• I/V – Interviews ( This is can happen on a one to one or group basis with key people involved

who know about the story)• Vox Pops- This was when peoples opinions are voiced• Graphics• Sign Off

TV News Language• Idents: The popularity of a news programme will be increased through the identity

of the brand.• Library Footage: This is when archive footage is used within a news programme

when no other footage of the scene is available.• Re- enactments: This is stated as an act to present to the audience what happened

at the scene when no other footage is available. It is always stated that this is fake and not the real footage.

• Links to studio: This is when correspondent reporters sign the report back over to the anchors at the studio and the anchors will sign off with their name and location.

• Astons: This provides the target audience with names and titles of the reporter and interviewees. It is just other information for the target audience to access which may be useful about the story being reported.

Mode Of AddressMode of address is based around how the anchors and other reporters report the story to the target audience. This is often where the serious and professional mood is set where it will also have authoritative sounds.

The modes of address which I have noticed being used:• Personal pronouns ( this involves thank you for watching)• Direct mode of address (direct eye contact with camera)• Formal and clear speech.• Anchors will briefly report the main cover stories at the start• Interviewees are not as professional and will make eye contact with

reporters rather then the camera.• Grammar and pronunciation (words are emphasised by reporters and

pauses for effect)

More Key Features• Diegetic/ non dietetic sounds• Synchronous/ Asynchronous sounds• Signing off using dry humour/ pun/ play on words• Final summaries• Human interest angles – how the story effects people• Crowd shots- more personal, shows the story affects a wider

range of people• Chronological flow- the structure flow of the story• Camera movements promoting excitement