Research 9 - By Ben Jones - CNN

This news broadcast is from the American broadcaster CNN, it will be good to see if they use largely the same conventions as the British TV news or if they do anything we like and we could use any of their conventions in our own TV News.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sy7cVav5HMw

The news broadcast starts with this breaking news, this straight away attracts the attention of the audience as it takes up the whole of the screen. The colour red connotes danger and it shows the audience that the story is clearly a pressing issue. This notion is supported by the dramatic sound effect in the background. We can also see a house style emerging as there as black and red breaking news bar along with the CNN logo. This makes the news clearly identifiable to CNN.  

This news places a large emphasis on the use of graphics to keep the audience informed, the bar at the side contains short summary points of the key details of the news story. It is to the left of the close up of the presenter, this shows that he is the most important person in shot, this makes it clear that he will perhaps tell people some more breaking news. It should also be said that the presenter is sitting in a purpose designed newsroom. This shows a level of professionalism that the news broadcast is surely striving for.

From this two shot we can see a common convention of TV News, often a news story is bought up and then reaction is often given. More often than not this is given from at least two different angles. This is to cover up any accusations of the news being biased. An interview such as this is also good as it allows expert analysis and opinion to be given that the news presenter or a member of the production team may not be able to give. This will reflect positively back on the news program as it will gain favour with the audience for going the extra mile to give the audience the best quality of news they can. 

 

These two screen shots show how CNN use graphics to illustrate their points, this will ensure that all types of people are thought about. People that digest information through simply listening and people that like to visualise things will both be able to gain the same level of understanding. The split screen is another convention that I have noticed, this can be seen in the top screenshot. We can see the graphic along with the face of the person being interviewed.

 

Research 8 - By Ben Jones - Good Morning Britain

For my second piece of research I decided to analyse a different news programme, it is still on the same channel though but it is from a different time of day. Below is the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWpoS83xdkA
                                 

                                      

 

 

These 3 screen shots are taken from the very start of the news program, the shots were shown before we see the presenters. The whole time these are being shown the non-diegetic sound of the shows theme tune is playing along with a voice over from one of the presenters giving the audience an introduction to the news stories. As these shots are in order of when they appear we can see a set of conventions starting to develop. The serious news about the storms is at the start and the more trivial news about celebrity relationships is at the end, this is most likely because they know not everyone is interested in these stories.

 

Along the bottom there is a breaking news bar and a bar that tells the viewers the news that will feature within the duration of the broadcast. This makes sure all of the main stories from that day are represented and it makes sure that the audience who may not have time to watch the whole bulletin. The weather icon adds an extra level of visualization to attract the audience and again caters for the viewer who may not have much time to watch the TV.

From this mid shot we can see that the weather is presented from within the studio, we can see they have strayed from the old traditional standing in front of a green screen and pointing at a map. The mise en scene of the screen is giving the impression that the show is modern and up to date.

This shows us how understandably the largest amount of screen time is being given to the marked top story, we can see it is the main focus from this two shot. It shows that a reporter has been sent to where all of the action is/has taken place. This is to get the reaction of the general public as they know the story will be an issue of debate for many people at home. Also in this case it makes the story seem more real and makes it hit home more, by hearing these accounts an emotional connection is built up between the audience and the story. 

 

Research 7- By Ben Jones - Anglia Tonight

As we have decided to produce a clip from regional TV News I will be analysing clips from existing TV news the first is ITV News Anglia. Below is the link to the video.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQrGtsGjEfQ

This is one of the opening sequences of the clip, as we can see the clip sets the scene of the whole studio by using an establishing shot. This also gives us a look at the mise-en-scene that is used, the presenters set a very formal dress code especially the male presenter who is wearing a suit and tie. This is even matched by the guest being interviewed, this shows that the broadcast will be very formal. They are sitting behind a desk which gives the impression of organisation and formality. Also in the background we can see the ITV logo on a TV screen behind the main presenters. this makes it clear that the news is created by ITV.

On the news there are guests that have been invited into the studio to give an interview relating to news stories featured in the broadcast. This gives viewers the chance to hear more about a story and it allows the viewers to gain a different perspective/viewpoints on the stories.
 

The hosts are sitting in front of a background featuring a famous landmark presumably in the Anglia region. This allows the broadcast to identify itself with the east and gives the audience something to look at, at the same time. If they were just sitting in front of a blank wall the audience wouldn't be enthused and most likely watch the news on another channel.

 

Their are a lot of reporters that are out on location reporting back to the studio, almost every story has a reporter on the road. This reflects well on the news itself as it shows they are active and are on top of all of the news stories as and when they develop. When her name tag appears we can see a clear house style of blue occurring, this is replicated in the studio and all of the graphics for the duration of the broadcast.                      

All of the print screens above are from the weather broadcast, as we can see they have strayed from the usual of having a weather broadcast from the other side of the studio. Also there is a short preview of the weather before the full length version, this allows people who may not have much time to view the forecast. Another convention that I have noticed is the fact that the weather map isn't the only weather graphic that is present. There are graphics telling the audience about the amount of rainfall or temperatures with the voice of the presenter becoming non-diegetic sound.  

ITV chooses to separate the main news and the sport report, the sport report is situated at the end of the bulletin after the main news. The format is pictures being talked over by the sports presenter. The sport bulletin is much shorter than the main news and their isn't a lot of elaboration on the stories or reactions shown.

 Although the sports report isn't the very last item in the bulletin, at the end is a feature where the viewers had the chance to send in their pictures of the snow in their area. This allows the bulletin to end on a happy uplifting note and attract the audience as they have actually inputted so will be inclined to watch it.

 

Research 6 - By Ashley Thorpe - Channel 2 Action News (US based)

The third piece local news show that I analysed was a clip from an American local news show about how a customer was denied a purchase of an iPad because they were from Iran. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBDFILJ8tkM&feature=youtu.be

The opening title sequence Is very short and is made up of a few boxes and the number 2. This is probably the channel that the show is being broadcast on. After that, it goes to a graphic of the words NEW AT 11:00PM, showing that it is an exclusive and live show.

The next shot is of the presenter with graphics introducing the newsreader and introducing the story. These graphics are useful in introducing the story. It also portrays a clear house style throughout this clip of red, blue, white and black. Having red, white and blue is significant as it is an American news show and the country is very patriotic, so these three colours are used a lot in American local news show.

There is then another graphic of a part of a state. I think this is the area that this show covers. It also has Atlanta marked on the map and its location in relation to the place where this story takes place in the area. It also has a graphic of a female reporter outside of a location that is involved in the story. This is similar to when there is a reporter outside of a court in British TV news shows.

The next shot is another outside shot, but this time of someone being interviewed about the story. The graphic along the bottom of the screen tells the viewer who she is and what relation she has to the story. She is one of the customers who had been denied the purchase of an iPad because she was speaking Farsi with a relative.

 

The next scene is a long-shot of the store that is the subject of the news show. This is showing the viewer that it is a well known company involved and because of the nature of the story, it may defer them from buying their products. The house style has been repeated throughout the clip, giving the show an identity that can be recognised by viewers.



 

Research 5 - By Ashley Thorpe - Sky News

The next clip that I analysed was a clip from Sky News about UKIP Leader Nigel Farage, who was defending his campaign posters running up to the European elections.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nd5zP_-P8EE

This is one of the first shots of the clip. The major differences from my previous clip, apart from the colours and institution that produces it is that in this clip, they use a split view of the newsreader/interviewer and the person in question, in this case Nigel Farage. This is used as opposed to the interviewer being in the same room as the interviewee. It also means that graphics describing the story can be displayed during the interview, as shown below.

 

Also in this clip, Farage is standing in the middle of Sheffield. This is good, as it means there can be real life reactions to the points he is making, one such reaction is that a few people walk by off camera and call him a racist. Also in the background, you can see one of the controversial posters that this story is on about, adding more context to the story.

By using this graphic of another of the controversial posters, it is adding even more context to the story and the points that Farage is making in the run up to the election. The next shot uses a split view, similar to when Farage is being interviewed, but with a picture of the poster, instead of the interviewer, although, you can still hear the interviewer.

 

This split view would help people understand the story a bit more, as they can see the poster in question and Farage talking about it. This is a good feature to have, as it could be discussed in depth by the interviewer and interviewee and the viewers can see what they are on about.

This next graphic is also there for context. The point made by Farage is that he selected the woman to speak about why she is voting UKIP, however, it is revealed by her Twitter account that she works for Nigel Farage, as shown in this graphic. This undermines the points that Farage has put forward so far about her.

 

 

Research 4 - By Ashley Thorpe - BBC Look East

I analysed a broadcast of BBC Look East, which is from the area from which I want to make my News show. This is a link to the clip that I analysed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyegWJ-yjlI

The clip started off with a very short title sequence, showing the name of the news show and the organisation that has produced it, which in this case is the BBC. The colours in this title sequence match the house style colours of all BBC news shows, which are red and white. It then goes onto a preview of what is in the show, with talking from the presenters on each story, summarising it. The theme music of the show playing in the background, which has the volume turned down when anyone is speaking.

It quickly cuts to a mid-two-shot of the two presenters of the show, sitting behind a desk. The male presenter introduces the female presenter, who then introduces the other stories on the show.  The rest of the stories have a consistent theme from the first story, pre-introduction of theme music, which is reduced in volume when someone is speaking.

 

There is another cut to a different female presenter, who introduces more stories from the area, however, these stories are more concentrated to the western part of East Anglia and this is shown as they are from Northampton and Milton Keynes. Throughout the clip, you can see the main house style colour of red through the computers and glass in the background.

 

In the main title sequence, there are small clips of places in the area, as well as the names of places in the area, just so that the viewers will know where the stories are coming from specifically if they aren’t from the area. 

 

The next shot is of the two main presenters again, this time however, they are properly introduced by a graphic along the bottom of the screen, which is using the repeated house style of red and white. The BBC logo is in almost all of the graphics and title sequences for brand recognition purposes, just so that the people know who is producing the programme. During the major stories, they usually feature prerecorded clips of the events. The recording usually has the newsreader doing a VoiceOver of the story surrounding the footage, possibly with an interview with someone featuring as part or being involved in the story.

As with almost all regional news shows, the weather forecast comes at the end of the show. They usually use a map of the UK or a map of the region to show the weather, followed by an overall outlook of the week or the next 5 days. This usually features a graphic of the outlook with temperatures during the day and night. It also features a mid-shot of the weather presenter, who usually has a PowerPoint-style remote control to advance and pause the weather forecast animation.

 

Research 3- Channel 5 news

For my third research I looked at channel 5 news and I compared this clip to the other clips I have previously analysed. I have only analysed to first 7 minutes of this clip along with the weather at the end and this due to its length.
Clip:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDjpppPpP4Q

                                                                             1)

This shows the first shot within this clip and it is of the opening sequence with some music. This used to identify the news to the audience and make it clear to them what news they are watching. Also the sound used within this openings sequence gives a sense of urgency which engages the audience and makes them want to find out about the latest news. The graphic on screen is also used to attract the audience and it is in the colours of the news channel which is consistent through out. This is a common theme I have noticed throughout my research as all the TV news clip I have analysed have all used a consistent colour theme along with an opening sequence to attract the audience and give the news an identity. 

 

2)

This shows the next shot within this news clip and it is a mid shot of the presenter standing in the studio holding notes. The use of holding notes makes the audience feel more informed  as it gives the presenter a sense of authority and makes her look more informing. The presenter is also wearing formal clothing which again make her look informing to the audience.   This shot is before the actual news begins as it is a preview of what is going to be on the news, so it is informing the audience about what stories they can expect to hear about. This used to attract the audience by making them aware of what stories are going to be covered in this news clip.

 

3)

 

 

 This shows a shot of the opening sequence which is in between the presenter talking about news story which are  going to be covered though out this news clip. The sequence is in the same consistent colour theme and it is used to split up the preview of the news from the actual news clip so the audience know when the news is starting.

 

4)

This shows a mid shot of a reporter on the news outside the scene of the main story and this shot comes straight after the sequence after the preview. This is a common theme which I have noticed when analysing news clip as it attracts the audience and makes them feel more informed about the story where the reporter is reporting from the scene. There is also a graphic in the bottom right hand corner of the screen and this is used to inform the audience about where the reporter is reporting from.   

 

                                                                                5)

This shows the next shot within the clip and it is back in the studio with the presenter this time sitting down behind a desk in a formal manner facing the camera front on. By doing this it makes the audience feel more informed and engaged into the news as the presenter looks professional and formal. This is opposed to the news clip I analysed previously where the presenters was sitting on a sofa in a more relax setting. There is also the background graphic with the number 5 on it and this again identifying the news to the audience. Also in the background is the TV screen which is used to inform the reader about the story the presenter is talking about.    

6)

This shows the next shot within the news clip and it is of the main person the story is about. This is a common theme throughout the news clips I have analysed as they always seem to interview the main person in the story they are reporting on. This is to help inform the audience even further about the story.

7)

This sows the next shots within the clip and it is of the members of the public giving their views on the story. However, they are not giving their views to the news in the normal way of speaking to the camera they are holding up a piece of paper to give their views. This used to engage the audience and makes the news less boring because if they went with the normal approach of speaking to the public then the audience may be bored but by doing something different it will keep the audience interested. 

8)

This shows the weather which is at the end of the news and it separated from the rest of the news with an opening sequence . This is used to inform the audience that the news has finished and the weather is coming up.  The shot itself is a midshot of the weather reporter who is standing to the left of the screen with the main information on the right hand side of the screen. The graphic on the screen is used to inform the audience about the upcoming weather and the reporter is going into more detail about the information presented on screen. Also the graphic on screen is in the common colour scheme of the news and this help's to give the weather an identity.   

                                                                            9)

This shows the last shot on the weather and it is again of a mid shot of the weather reporter but this time the weather map is located on the right hand side of the screen and the presenter is talking to the audience about the upcoming weather. Also in the bottom right hand corner the graphic is used to show the audience what time the weather on screen is going to be at and it is in the common colour theme which has been portrayed throughout this news clip.