GCSE Media Studies - Introduction to Television News

I N T R O D U C T I O N T O
T E L E V I S I O N N E W S

I N D E P E N D E N T N E W S V I E W I N G L O G S
Date/Time Programme/Channel Story Why It Is Interesting How It Relates To Media
Studies
Use this log to keep notes about the news you have watched. Keep watching different news programmes right up until the exam.
Pick stories that interest you, and that you think can relate well to your stories - it might be a good example of L how a social group is
represented, how moral panic is created, or how two programmes treat the same story very differently

W H AT I S T E L E V I S I O N N E W S
• Television news is fact-based programming
• It gives us a ‘window to the world’
• It is a high status genre
• The genre includes national news, rolling news, local
news, interest/age-specific news
• The genre overlaps (hybridises) with current affairs, talk
shows, infotainment

W H AT I S T E L E V I S I O N N E W S
• To be ‘television news’ it must be initially broadcast on television - although it is
often then available on the web and on demand (convergence)
• The genre has its own codes and conventions
• Television news competes with other sources of news such as newspapers and
web-based news including social media (Twitter, Facebook, etc)
• Newspapers are in decline, and rolling news has also been largely supplanted
by the increase in web-based news
• There are different kind of news stories: political, human interest, economic,
world, national, local, health, technology, culture/media, sports, etc
• Political, economic and international news is usually considered high status and
more important

H O W T O R E P O R T T H E N E W S - C H A R L I E
B R O O K E R

D I D Y O U G E T T H E S E ?
•The establishing shot
•A ‘walkie talkie’ shot of the reporter walking towards the camera, using hand
gestures
•Filler shots behind a voice over
•Use on screen graphics
•Vox pops
•The human interest angle
•The final summary
•The sign off, with word play

C H A R L I E B R O O K E R S C O M M E N TA RY O N
A M E R I C A N N E W S
How is US News different from UK News?

C O N V E N T I O N S O F T H E G E N R E
How can you tell it is a new bulletin. Identify as many
conventions as you can.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvM9qpv8C7A

T V N E W S : S U B G E N R E S
TV News can be subdivided into sub genres. These
include
• National news
• Local news
• Rolling news
• Specialist news

P U T T H E S E N E W S B U L L E T I N S I N T O T H E
R I G H T S U B G E N R E
BBC
Breakfast

Motorsport
Tonight

BBC
News
24

Spotlight

ITV
News

Channel
4
News

Look
North

5
News
Tonight

ITV
News
at
Ten

North
West
Tonight

Tuesday
in
Parliament

Newsround

FYI
Daily

South
East
Today

Good
Morning
Sports
Fans

National
Local Rolling Specialist

R O L L I N G N E W S / 2 4 H R
N E W S

– N Y T I M E S . C O M 2 0 1 3
‘If we had to define 24 Hour News it could be
defined as: ‘around the clock broadcasting by
dedicated news channels.’

• The 24 hour news cycle was created upon the arrival of cable
television channels which were dedicated to broadcasting
the news on a 24 hour basis.’ (nytimes.com, 2013)
• A news cycle comprises of the media reporting on a
particular event by reporting on the issue, considering a
range of viewpoints which will include the public’s point of
view, reactions from worthies in society and others, and it will
also be considering other reports. These considerations can
include looking at a range of media platforms like for
example, emails, blogs, text messages, or tweets.

C O N V E N T I O N S T O R O L L I N G N E W S
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7mVj1sFufs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UlP6bKUqIU

W H AT C O N V E N T I O N S C A N Y O U S E E T H AT A R E N O T
U S U A L LY P R E S E N T I N T H E N AT I O N A L O R L O C A L N E W S ?

• Emphasis on breaking news (however minor or unimportant) signalled by
breaking news straps
• Prominent use of the news crawl or news ticker
• Dramatic sound stings
• Repeated 30 minute bulletins
• News agenda features hard news, international and political events
• Split screen
• Emphasis on live news
• Emphasis on immediacy

H O W M A N Y N E W S C H A N N E L C A N Y O U
I D E N T I F Y T H AT P R O V I D E R O L L I N G N E W S ?
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_news_channels

W H Y C A N 2 4 H R N E W S B E B E N E F I C I A L ?
• Due to the fact that the news cycle is more accelerated, the need for
immediate responses is far greater too, which means that tweets, text
messages, and emails might be the most effective way to consider
viewpoints generally as they too are posted in real time as the story
unfolds.
• Being ‘in the know’ all the time
• Having access to information
• Keeping up with changes and shifts
• Read this article http://www.theguardian.com/media/2014/feb/03/
tv-24-hour-news-channels-bbc-rolling

B R E A K I N G N E W S
• Really big events tend to interrupt regular programming across all channels.
• During the live coverage of 9/11 normal programmes were suspended.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toPXdfK9ECk

W H O B E N E F I T S T H E M O S T F R O M 2 4 H R
N E W S ?
• News Channels need to overcome, as the BBC did by offering a variety
of different types of news programmes. Audiences can engage and
interact for example as pointed out when discussing Sky News’
approach. It also allows audiences to compare information, and to
evaluate the news from a range of viewpoints to shape their own ideas.
• 24 Hour News also brought with it ‘breaking news’ and news as it
develops and unfolds. Audiences have never been more informed. It
challenges ideologies, as CNN did in the 1990s, and it helps shape
policy. Audiences are invited to share the platform by contributing
their own stories and amateur footage is often used during broadcasts.
24 Hour News is now able to create an information network between
the audience, and the new channel as we have never seen before.

W H O B E N E F I T S T H E M O S T F R O M 2 4 H R
N E W S ?
• Some critics feel that the news has become constructed,
repetitive and riddled with errors as seen in the most recent
examples reporting on the death of Margaret Thatcher.
However, on the whole the news is now able to provide
information across the globe and it is able to reach millions
daily to educate them about the world we live in.
• It is difficult to reflect on who benefits most, as the news now
offers a platform that can steer change effectively and support
millions, however, it can be intrusive and overwhelm audiences.
But generally 24 Hour News offers an exciting take on the news
and enthuses those engaged in it about the world we live in.

W H Y C A N 2 4 H R N E W S B E
P R O B L E M AT I C ?
• Leaves room for errors
• No time to reflect or research
• No time to check the accuracy of information
• Fewer edited news packages
• Detail may be lost due to the pace
• Audiences overwhelmed by the volume of information
• Repetitive nature of the news

C H A R L I E B R O O K E R ’ S R O L L I N G N E W S

T H E I M PA C T O F A FA S T E R N E W S C Y C L E O N
P O L I T I C S , A N D T H E P R E S E N TAT I O N O F T H E N E W S
• CCN’s strong influence was seen in its delivery of breaking news during
key international events. (Lang, 2010)
• The impact CNN had on political views was often referred to as the CNN
effect and it meant that due to the accelerated place of the reporting on
events, politicians has to almost make a reactive decision on how they
will deal with effects in a particular country. This led to politicians having
very little time to reflect on action, and had to react almost in action.

• CNN became a powerful medium for change globally, and as said in the above
regarding the changes it now faces, the political view was that at the time it
perhaps might have had too much power, and it is now the aim to become
more balanced. However, it is important to recognise what an important part
CNN played in steering change on the political playing field too.
• Key events where CNN played a changing role are: The Cold War, 1989
Tiananmen Square Protests (http://topics.cnn.com/topics/tiananmen_square),
and The First Gulf War to name a few.

• Politicians felt the strain of 24 Hour News and felt that there was a need to adapt
their style and decision making strategies to the new demands outlined by a more
accelerated news cycle. Former US Secretary of State, James Baker, stated that the
CNN effect meant that it was driving ‘policymakers to have a policy
position.’ (Cited, Manning, 2001) This meant that politicians had to be reactive, act
more swiftly and damage control rather than consult, consider and look at the
overview before a decision was made.
• It was therefore clear that the impact of New/Digital Technology was not necessarily
just impacting on how news was reported, it also had an effect on how powerful the
news can be, and how it can steer politics and how politics were made.
• As said in the above, CNN enjoyed a limited time leading the way on 24 Hour News.
Technology became more refined and allowed for others to join the playing field.
However, CNN Model certainly paved the way and forms the basis of most 24 Hour
News channels.

T H E F U T U R E
O F 2 4 H R N E W S
• The 24 Hour News Room now also
needs to alter its approaches as it is
losing ground. As news is more
globalised and shared more easily via
the WWW, audiences are seeking
more dynamic, and interconnected/
networked news spaces and platforms
such as Twitter and YouTube.
• Such examples can be seen in events
such as the Oscar Pistorious Trail
(2014) where audiences were able to
follow a live commentary of the events
as they were unfolding via Twitter.

H O W I S 2 4 H R N E W S C O M P E T I N G W I T H
T H E I N T E R N E T ?
• Changes in TV news are driven by the need to compete in
a crowded market by the possibilities of new technology
• Some changes include:
• increased use of pictures/graphics
• the use of ever more shocking images
• the sensationalism of news
• the simplification/dumbing down of news

R E P O R T I N G N E W S I N C O R R E C T LY
TA I WA N E S E M E D I A C O N F U S E S B A R O N E S S
T H AT C H E R W I T H Q U E E N
• Video Link

R I S E O F T H E I N T E R N E T
• With the rise of the WWW the internet has become an
invaluable news source. Journalists use the internet daily to
check information, find new stories, and a constant stream of
information is flowing between news rooms, journalists and
audiences. It seems like all these platforms are converging in
a highly effective way.
• 24 Hour News Channels provide around the clock reporting of
the news. Audiences in turn are able to self-schedule and
watch the news as it unfolds when they want to and where
they want to, on their Smart TVs, Smart Phones, or on their
laptops, tablets or PCs.

H O W P E O P L E A C C E S S T H E N E W S

N E W M E D I A
• In addition, news items can be looked at live via
the news channel’s website, and for longer
broadcasts YouTube can be used. The images
can then be shared on Facebook, Twitter or
Linkedin or any other social network, where it
either becomes a point of discussion or it goes
viral for all to share In addition, news items can
be looked at live via the news channel’s website,
and for longer broadcasts YouTube can be used.
The images can then be shared on Facebook,
Twitter or Linkedin or any other social network,
where it either becomes a point of discussion or
it goes viral for all to share.
• For new news items Twitter is often used to
post a scoop or at times on Facebook.
Researcher picks these points up and run with it,
with the relevant permission of course.
• A good example of a new event that was
followed to the extreme was the April 2013,
Boston bombings, audiences were literally able
to watch how event unfolded. The BBC
coverage of it was second for second.

T H E F U T U R E O F T V N E W S
• In time, the online experience might take over from
the broadcast version, especially for the younger
audience members
• Online news is
• immediate and easier to update
• can be personalised to your own interests
• available when you want to see it

H O W I S L O C A L N E W S D I F F E R E N T

H O W I S L O C A L N E W S D I F F E R E N T
Local news has a different remit to the national news:
• To connect the viewers to their community
• To let viewers know what is happening in their
community - the good and the bad
• To tell stories with emotional impact

C O N V E N T I O N S T O L O C A L N E W S
• As a sub genre, local, regional news has a slightly different set of
conventions:
• The studio set and credit sequence feature images from local area
• More relaxed than national news - set has a coffee table rather than a desk
• More ‘chat’ and ad libs between presenters
• More friendly and informal feel
• At least one of the presenters (including sports and weather personnel) has
a ‘local’ accent
• News agenda features local stories

G E N R E A N D N A R R AT I V E

T H E I N V E R T E D P Y R A M I D
The
most
important
facts
The
details
The
least

important

facts

5 W ’ S A N D H
• Who
• What
• Where
• When
• Why
• How

R E A D T H E N E W S S T O RY A N D I D E N T I F Y
T H E 5 W ’ S A N D H
In a surprise visit, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh today visited the
studio set of TV series Game of Thrones during their 3 day tour of
Northern Ireland and Belfast. They were shown around the studios by the
Mayor to see the effect that the series had had on local employment and
opportunities.

C H E C K Y O U R A N S W E R S
In a surprise visit, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh (WHO) today
(WHEN) visited the studio set of TV series Game of Thrones (WHAT)
during their 3 day tour of Northern Ireland and Belfast (WHERE). They
were shown around the studios by the Mayor (HOW) to see the effect
that the series had had on local employment and opportunities (WHY).
Now look at the lead story on the BBC News website or on a recent bulletin and
identify the 5ws and How.

F O R M AT
• Credit sequence
• Headlines/introduction in the studio
• Hard news stories (politics, world events) first - may be news packages
from reporters or live reporting
• Soft news (celebrity entertainment news) later - may be news packages
from reporters or live reporting
• Back to the studio
• Sport
• Weather
• Sign off
• End credits

F O R M AT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOgQYtEaiPE
Identify each section of CBBC Newsround and make a
list in order

F O R M AT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOgQYtEaiPE
Now watch the North West Today bulletin - is the
format the same

E X P L A I N T H E S E T E R M S . U S E E X A M P L E S
• Genre
• Sub-genre
• National news
• Rolling news
• Local / regional news
• Conventions
• Narrative
• Format
• Hard news
• Soft news
• Convergence

W H O WAT C H E S T H E N E W S ?
• The audience is who watches the news.
• Different news bulletins will have different audiences.
Not every will watch the same bulletin. The audience
who watches Newsround will be very different to the
audience who watches News at Ten.

W H O WAT C H E S T H E N E W S ?
• Many younger people use the web and social media for news rather than watching TV news
• Can TV news survive against competition from other news sources, and from young people’s lack
of interest in the news?
• Television news is still a main source of information for some people
• Audiences move from passive (just accepting the news) to active (selecting their own news via
websites/new media) and even to creating and contributing to news (audience gatekeepers,
citizen journalism and UGC)
• Audiences can be segmented - different segments will watch different news programmes
• Audience demographics - age, location, gender, class, etc. can all be used to define the target
audience
• The 4Cs *Young and Rubicam) - the ‘cross cultural consumer characteristics’ are psychographics,
dividing audiences or consumers intro seven types: Mainstreamers, Reformers, Aspirers,
Succeeders, the Resigned. Strugglers and Explorers

C R E AT E A D E M O G R A P H I C P R O F I L E F O R T H E F O L L O W I N G N E W S
P R O G R A M M E S . D E C I D E T H E A G E G R O U P, G E N D E R , L O C AT I O N ,
C L A S S A N D I N T E R E S T S O F T H E I R T Y P I C A L O R TA R G E T V I E W E R S
Audience
Demographics
C4 News Newsround 60 Seconds Bbc News
North West
Tonight
Age Group 35-70
Gender Male/Female
Location National Uk
Class/
Occupation
All
Interests
Politics/Hard
News

U S E S A N D G R AT I F I C AT I O N S
Information News about the world
Entertainment
And Diversion
Takes my mind off my own
problems/‘funny’ stories at the end/the
sport news
Companionship
Seeing the same faces every night/direct
address - they are talking to ‘Me’
Identity
How would i react in the same situation?
what do i think/feel/believe about the
issue?

U S E S A N D G R AT I F I C AT I O N S : WAT C H T W O N E W S
P R O G R A M M E S . M A K E N O T E S O F S P E C I F I C I N S TA N C E S
W H E R E T H E Y C O U L D F U L F I L N E E D S
Four Needs News programme 1: News programme 2:
Information
Entertainment
And Diversion
Companionship
Identity

W H AT ‘ N E E D ’ I S B E I N G F U L F I L L E D B Y
T V N E W S ?
• Our key need that all TV News must fulfil is
Surveillance and Information
• But it also fulfils the other needs too. Audiences might
select different news bulletins according to how much
of their other needs it fulfils. Some news bulletins
focus on Human Interest stories, others build a strong
sense of community and friendliness

WAT C H T H E T R A I L E R F O R T H E B B C
N E W S W E B S I T E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHxH1mAJpG0

N E W S W E B S I T E
Which of the Uses and Gratifications does the trailer
suggests the news will offer?
•Entertainment?
•Information?
•Identity
•Companionship?

W O R L D N E W S W E B S I T E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHxH1mAJpG0

T H E 4 C S ( A P S Y C H O G R A P H I C A P P R O A C H
T O A U D I E N C E S E G M E N TAT I O N )
Young and Rubicam suggest that everyone can essentially be divided into one of seven main types, some may change from one
type to another during our life span.
• Mainstreamers are people who tend to focus on family, on the tried and trusted and on the domestic and everyday. They like to
follow the crowd and do what everyone else does; this makes them feel safe. They tend to choose the most well-known brand/
programmes
• Reformers tend to be anti-materialistic and interested in social justice. They often reject advertising and fashion and like to make
their own choices based on what is ‘fair’ and ‘good’.
• Aspirers can be seen as ‘wannabes’ - they tend to be materialistic and interested in superficial appearances, celebrities, fashion
and status. They will take on new fashions quickly and are often more interested in how a product looks than what it does.
• Succeeders are often professionals - people who tend to be responsible, successful and the ‘pillars of society’. They have done
well out of the status quo and like things to stay the same and they often reward themselves with high status expensive brands.
• Explorers are people who like to try new things. They are likely to be early adopters of new technology and to seek out new ideas
and new approaches.
• Strugglers are the people who find it difficult to make ends meet. They may live disorderly or chaotic lives, possibly with heavy use
of drugs or alchohol. They live for the day and may be seen by others as ‘losers’, victims or the dispossessed. They may rely on
bingo, gambling or the lottery to change they life. They often seek escape from their problems.
• The Resigned tend to be older people with old-fashioned or traditional values. They don’t like change and can be nostalgic about
the past.

M AT C H T H E P E R S O N W I T H T H E T Y P E , A N D T H E N W I T H A N E W S P R O G R A M M E
T H AT M I G H T S U I T T H E M . S O M E N E W S P R O G R A M M E S C O U L D S U I T M O R E
T H A N O N E T Y P E O F P E R S O N . S O M E P E O P L E M I G H T L I K E M O R E T H A N O N E
T Y P E O F N E W S .
Person Description
A lawyer. She earns a lot of money and likes to buy
nice things for herself.
A social worker. She feels strongly about improving
rights for people and animals. She is a vegetarian.
A games designer. She loves trying out new
technology, going to new restaurants, trying new
sports.
An unemployed person. She watches TV all day and
plays online bingo.
A retired person. She knows what she likes and she’s
not changing now. She thinks this modern world is
dangerous and unpleasant.
An office worker. She loves to follow fashion and
always tries to buy what the celebrities are wearing.
She feels great if people compliment how she
A part time worker and mother. She thinks more
about her kids than herself. She buys the big brands
because she knows she can trust them.
Type
REFORMER
SUCCEEDER
MAINSTREAMER
EXPLORER
ASPIRER
STRUGGLER
RESIGNED
News Programme
BBC One’s 6 o’clock news
Celebrity News
Reads a newspaper
The BBC news website
Human Rights Watch’ - a
specialist news website
Not interested in any news
Uses Twitter feeds and social
media for news updates

W H Y WAT C H T V N E W S
• Why do people watch TV news?
• Do a survey of class members, your family or your
friends. What are the main reasons people watch TV
News?
• What are your reasons for watching TV News?
• Do you, and other people watch different TV News for
different reasons, or to suit different moods?

•Segmentation
•Target audience
•Demographic profiling
•Psychographic profiling
•Uses and Gratifications

I N S T I T U T I O N S - W H O P R O D U C E S T H E
N E W S
• Institutions is all to do with the business and industry
behind the news.
• Institutions are the companies, who create, product,
market and regulate TV News.
• Institution can mean the TV Channels, (Sky, the BBC,
Channel 4, Channel 5), news and content providers
(ITN), the programmes themselves (Spotlight, News at
7) and the regulators (Ofcom)

N E W S
• Most of the major channels have a news programme - a high status
programme
• Each institution has a different approach to news, targeting a different
audience segment
• Each institutions has its own brand identity, including its own versions
of news value
• Public service broadcasters vs commercial channels
• Gatekeeping - a few people control the ‘flow’ of news
• Ofcom oversees and regulates news providers

P S B O R C O M M E R C I A L
• Some channels are Public Service Broadcasters. They
get money from the government, the license fee or
charities. They have to provide a service to the public.
• Other channels are commercial. They are run solely as
businesses. They have to make money for the
shareholders. They often make money by selling
advertising space.

N E W S
• News programmes have a strict set of ethics, including a
commitment to balanced and fair reporting, and honesty and
trustworthiness - checking their sources and making sure that
what they report is accurate and fair
• News is generated by a range of sources: live reporting at
the scene, news agencies, freelance journalists, citizen
journalists and press releases
• Institutions which produce news bulletins have a range of
staff, including presenters, reporters, editors, producers,
sound engineers, camera operators, etc

C A S E S T U D Y: B B C
• One of the biggest and most influential TV companies
in the world.
• Launched 1927.
• A PSB.
• The original remit was to ‘inform, educate and
entertain.’
• Hosts several news programmes: BBC News (rollling / 24
hour), BBC World News, BBC One News, Newsround,
many BBC regional news bulletins.

C A S E S T U D Y: I T V
• One of the biggest news and content providers in the UK
• They provide news bulletins for ITV and Channel 4 and
Channel 5
• Launched in 1955
• A commercial institution (but the regional news
programmes are part of its Public Service remit
• One of the first to provide news specifically for mobile
phone companies

C A S E S T U D Y: O F C O M
• The Office of Communications, ext. 2002
• Supported by the Government
• Oversees the broadcasting, telecom and postal
industries
• Has a remit to protect citizens from the harmful or
offensive material, to support the rights of the people
and to ensure fair competition between producers

R E S E A R C H - S E L E C T A N E W S B U L L E T I N
• NewsTalk Live
• Newsround
• Channel 4 News
• Sky News
• 5 News
• BBC Points West
• ITV News London
• This Morning News
• ITV News at Ten
• BBC1 News
• BBC World News
• Good Morning Britain News
• BBC Spotlight
• ITV News West Country
• 60 seconds
• FYI Daily

F I N D O U T A B O U T T H E B U L L E T I N
1.Where and when it is broadcast?
2.How long the bulletin is?
3.Who the presenters are?
4.What kind of news it features?
5.What kind of people watch it?
6.How popular it is? how many people watch it?
7.When they started broadcasting?
8.What the studio is like?
9.How they market/promote their TV News
10.Other interesting facts

S T U D I O A N D S E T D E S I G N
TV News studio and set design is very carefully thought out to reflect the values of the
programme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYUsMxWbQRo

TV News studio and set design is very carefully thought out to reflect the values of the
programme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOOTJdO7rWo

What are the key elements of set/studio design?
What are the connotations of the elements of the set design?
•A desk - authority
•Neutral/dark/blue collar scheme - modern and serious
•Hi tech, shiny materials with sharp clean edges - modern
•Computer, laptop - connected to the world, modern
•Large screens in the background - can show the viewers everything that is
happening
•Multiple screens of the newsroom in the background - all the news that is
happening, the urgency and ‘busy-ness’ of everyone working in the background

R E G I O N A L N E W S S T U D I O A N D S E T
D E S I G N
The studio and set design reflects and influences the approach
of the institution and it’s relationship with its audience

R E G I O N A L N E W S S T U D I O A N D S E T
D E S I G N
How if the design for regional news different to that of the national news?
How does this affect the news, and its relationship with the audience?
•‘Shares’ rather than ‘tells’
•has softer more informal sets
•low coffee tables
•benches
•presenters sitting closer together
•can be more emotional, more ‘the friend in the corner’
•the set reflects the locality
•‘evolution rather than revolution’ in title sequence to keep it up to date

W H O D O E S W H AT ?
Watching the next two clips, what do each of these
people do?
•The News Editor
•Reporters
•Camera operators
•Presenters

•The News Editor - devices the news prospects list, who follows which stories
and the news agenda
•Reporters - go out and ‘find’ the story, write the script, all the time thinking
about the pictures - let the pictures tell the story - the audience have to be
able to relate to the reporters, the way they look and speak; also edit their
own stories
•Camera operators - find and shoot the most interesting pictures in a way that
tells the story - can’t film really traumatic or graphic scenes
•Presenters - write scripts, basic editing, present the news

Watching the next two clips, what do each of these people do?
•Presenters
•Craft editors
•Designs
•Producers
•Technical operators
•The director

P R O D U C I N G A N D D I R E C T I N G T H E
N E W S

Watching the next two clips, what do each of these people do?
•Presenters - writes scripts, edit stories, present the news
•Craft editors - more complex editing, special effects
•Designs - design and add graphics, animations which help to explain stories
•Producers - overall responsibility for the bulletin and the news agenda, respond to changes
during the day and while on air
•Technical operators - deal with the prerecorded sequences and more complex news
packages
•The director - in charge while the show is on air - instructs, presenters, camera operators,
sound operators, technical operators etc, make sure everything works together at the right
time

U S E T H E H T T P : / / W W W. T V G U I D E . C O . U K / T O C O M P I L E A L I S T
O F U K N E W S P R O G R A M M E S / P R O V I D E R S . F I L L I N A S M U C H
I N F O R M AT I O N A S Y O U C A N .
Name Of Programme Channel Schedule (Day) Schedule (Time) Length Of Show

T H E N E W S A G E N D A
• The news agenda is the list of stories that will be included in
that news bulletin.
• What gets on the news agenda depends on:
• What is happening in the world
• What kind of news the bulletin favours
• The interests and opinions of the news editor
• Which stories have good visuals
• The balance of the news agenda (not having all the stories
of a similar type, having a range of stories)

W H AT G E T S I N T H E N E W S ?

There are hundreds of stories available to a news broadcaster.
You have to choose a news agenda that will:
- Reflect the most important events of the day
- Suit your specific institution and audience group
- Make a well balanced programme - the stories can’t be too
similar
- Be organised to move from most to least important, or harder
to softer news

S E L E C T A N E W S A G E N D A F R O M T H E N E X T PA G E F O R A 4 0 M I N U T E N AT I O N A L
N E W S B R O A D C A S T A I M E D AT A N O L D E R D E M O G R A P H I C I N T E R E S T E D I N
H A R D N E W S . P U T Y O U R C H O S E N S T O R I E S I N O R D E R A N D S AY H O W L O N G
Y O U W I L L A L L O W F O R E A C H S T O RY.
Order Story/Headline Time
Lead Story
2ND STORY
3RD STORY
4TH STORY
5TH STORY
6TH STORY
AND FINALLY
STORY
Justify your choice of news - explain why you have selected each story, what
news value it holds for your audience and institution and how it will make for a
balanced and interesting broadcast.

S C H E D U L I N G
For each of the three news agendas you have created,
decide the scheduling:
• Which channel
• What time
• What programmes will be before and after
• How your scheduling will help you reach your target
audience

• Bones of huge dinosaur discovered in Argentina
• Jamie Oliver speaks in support of free school meals
• Manchester City football team fined for financial wrong
doing
• London shop covered in swarm of bees
• The D-Day landings are remembered
• An HIV positive teen is campaigning for better treatment
in school and colleges
• The new History A level will include ‘less Hitler and
Henry’s
• Driver shortages mean fewer trains in the West Midlands
• Train crash in Russia - many feared dead
• Rolf Harris prosecuted for sexual assaults on young
women and girls
• House prices are rising in the UK
• James Corden announces his wife is pregnant with their
second child
• News ‘quantum computer unveiled
• Gabby Logan says she will pay back all the tax she owes
• Police say a fire at the recycling plan near Birmingham
was probably accidental
• Changes to student loans and grants mean thousands of
students may be worse of this year
• University of Leicester students claim popping bubble wrap is
said to reduce exam stress
• Deputy head Teacher in Wales is convicted of secretly filming
pupils in the school toilets
• Made in Chelsea star Jamie Laing is cautioned by police after
bad behaviour on a train
• Travel companies pulling tourists out of Kenya in concerns at
increased violence
• Sum 41 band member speaks about his near death from alcohol
abuse
• Body found in Birmingham canal and two people arrested on
suspicion of murder
• Wolverhampton baby dies after a long wait for a heart transplant
• Kim Kardashian and Kanye West announce their wedding in
France
• The price of alcohol and cigarettes is set to rise again
• The memoir written by Jennifer Lopez is likely to be a big seller
• The UK Government wants to extradite Abu Hamza to face
charges of supporting terrorism
• Kate Middleton’s phone was hacked over 150 times, a court
reveals
• A 13 year old boy fell out of a moving coach onto the motorway
on a rugby tour

S E L E C T A N E W S A G E N D A F O R A 2 0 M I N U T E B R E A K FA S T N E W S B R O A D C A S T,
W H I C H H A S A F O C U S O N S O F T N E W S . P U T Y O U R C H O S E N S T O R I E S I N
O R D E R A N D S AY H O W L O N G Y O U W I L L A L L O W F O R E A C H S T O RY.
Lead Story
2ND STORY
3RD STORY
4TH STORY
5TH STORY
6TH STORY
AND FINALLY
STORY

S E L E C T A N E W S A G E N D A F O R A 1 0 M I N U T E B R O A D C A S T O N B I R M I N G H A M
U N I V E R S I T Y ’ S C H A N N E L , A I M E D AT A D E M O G R A P H I C O F S T U D E N T S AT
B I R M I N G H A M U N I . P U T Y O U R C H O S E N S T O R I E S I N O R D E R A N D S AY H O W
L O N G Y O U W I L L A L L O W F O R E A C H S T O RY.
Lead Story
2ND STORY
3RD STORY
4TH STORY
5TH STORY
6TH STORY
AND FINALLY
STORY

E V E RY S T O RY H A S
T O H AV E A P I C T U R E
There are hundreds of stories available to a news broadcaster.
You have to choose a news agenda that will:
- Reflect the most important events of the day
- Suit your specific institution and audience group
- Make a well balanced programme - the stories can’t be too
similar
- Be organised to move from most to least important, or harder
to softer news

S T O RY T E L L I N G I S D O N E T H R O U G H P I C T U R E S A S
M U C H A S W O R D S . N O T E T H E E M P H A S I S O N P I C T U R E S
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcvu9na7iOE

N E W S B U L L E T I N S O F T E N U S E S T O C K
F O O TA G E T O F I L L I N .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLzs7SRVp_c

N E W S VA L U E S
What stories makes the news agenda? Stories are chosen
because editors think the story has the right News Values
News Values is a theory by Galtung and Ruge. They looked at
stories which made it onto the news and found they all had one
of more of the following values:

N E W VA L U E S
Continuity Carries On With A Story That Is Already In The News
Familarity To Do With People Or Places Close To Home
Elite Persons To Do With A Famous Or Important Person
Negativity Bad News Or Suffering
Conﬂict To Do With War, Fighting Or Arguments
Unexpectedness A Sudden Or Unusual Event
Personalisation
A Story That Has A Human Interest Angle Or Can Be
Shown Through How It Affects A Person
Consonance
Fits With The Way The Institution Or Audience Already
Thinks

N E W S VA L U E S - W H AT N E W S VA L U E S
C A N Y O U S E E I N T H I S S T O RY ?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmrKQJ-iPlM

N E W S VA L U E S
Elite persons (Suarez is very famous)
 
Conflict (between Suarez and Chiellini, between the teams)
Continuity (Suarez has bitten other players before)

R E A D T H E N E W S S T O R I E S . W H AT N E W S VA L U E S
D O Y O U T H I N K M A D E T H E M N E W S W O R T H Y ?
Example:
Malaysian Airline Flight MH370 disappears suddenly. All passengers are presumed
dead. Islamic terrorists suspected at first. Two British people on board, feared dead.
U N E X P E C T E D N E S S
FA M I L I A R I T YC O N S O N A N C EN E G AT I V I T Y
Story 1: Model Reeve Steenkamp is reported dead. She has been shot and killed in
the home she shared with Oscar Pistorius.
Story 2: Oscar Pistorius is arrested and charged with murder
Story 3: Masked gunmen occupy more official buildings in the eastern Ukraine, while
Russian President Vladimir Putin amasses more troops on the Russian border with
Ukraine. The outbreak of war is widely feared.
Story 4: Teenager Michael Piggin from Loughborough denies accusation that he was
plotting another Columbine-style massacre. Piggin, 18, laughed in court as he said his
threats to bomb a school playground were just a joke.
E X T E N S I O N A C T I V I T Y:
W R I T E ( M A K E U P ) A S H O RT N E W S S T O RY T H AT H A S A L L T H E
N E W S VA L U E S .

G AT E K E E P I N G
T H E O RY
This theory says that the news we see is controlled by a few
people in positions of power in the news institutions. These
news editors decide what stories make the news bulletins.
Some people think this means we only see a very small
proportion of what is really happening in the world, and only
news that these gatekeepers think is interesting.

G AT E K E E P I N G
T H E O RY
Bias and news values mean we might only see news that is
chosen by the news editors - most of these tend to be white,
middle-aged, middle-class men.
The views and interests of different ethnicities, age, groups,
classes and genders are not represented

T H E
G AT E K E E P E R S
D E C I D E W H AT
C O U N T S A S
N E W S
A few
stories
chosen
Hundred of stories from all
the different countries
around the world
Hundred of stories about
all different kinds of
people
Hundreds of stories with
different points of views
and opinions
Gatekeeping

C I T I Z E N J O U R N A L I S M
T H E C O N C E P T O F C I T I Z E N J O U R N A L I S M ( A L S O K N O W N A S " P U B L I C " , " PA R T I C I PA T O RY " , " D E M O C R A T I C " [ 1 ] ,
" G U E R R I L L A " [ 2 ] O R " S T R E E T " J O U R N A L I S M [ 3 ] ) I S B A S E D U P O N P U B L I C C I T I Z E N S " P L A Y I N G A N A C T I V E R O L E I N
T H E P R O C E S S O F C O L L E C T I N G , R E P O R T I N G , A N A LY Z I N G , A N D D I S S E M I N A T I N G N E W S A N D I N F O R M A T I O N . "

• The rise of new technology changes the power of
gatekeepers:
• Citizen journalism - people can record their own
version of events on their mobile phones; they can
distribute and share their news via social media.They
can host web pages and blogs about their news. They
can tweet updates and ideas. They become ‘citizen
gatekeepers’ bypassing the traditional institutional
gatekeepers.

• In the overview for New/Digital Technology it is clear
that the Hudson River Event, May 2009 was a ground
breaking moment for citizen journalism. However, it
also highlighted to News producers what an important
source of information audiences are. The 2011 London
Riots was another key moment in Citizen Journalism,
and since many other examples have been used highly
successfully in news reports, and the Boston Marathon
Disaster on 15th April 2013, is another example.

C I T I Z E N J O U R N A L I S M / U S E R
G E N E R AT E D C O N T E N T
• In addition, those who might not just want to make a
Facebook comment can in turn blog and share their
views, and repost these on Facebook via the share
option. These comments can then be commented on
etc.

S N O W M A I L A N D C H A N N E L 4 N E W S
B L O G
• www.channel4.com/news/sign-up-to-snowmail-for-the-
inside-track-on-the-days-news
• blogs.channel4.com/news/

G L O B A L V O I C E S
• Sites like Global Voices online are often used to
provide vital information when news items are
constructed.
• The benefit of using Global Voices to consider
viewpoints is that it presents the viewer with a global
perspective, and a global view and the response is
almost instant - matching the accelerated speed at
which the news unfolds.

I N D E P E N D E N T J O U R N A L I S M
• Newsflare.com can be used by the independent citizen to post stories and information. Wordpress.com is another example were the
independent journalist can write and blog information freely and it can become a journalist’s own news platform.
• The Huffington Post is an example of a news journal in the 1990s ‘where people shared opinions and thoughts, and in 2012 it has evolved
into a vital tool for major publishing businesses.’ (Henry, 2013)
• A range of devices and APPs are now available to support the citizen journalist to independently contribute to the news. Websites such
as journalism.co.uk (2013) offers software and support to help journalists to develop and publish their work effectively. Other APPs on
mobile phones can be used too for example:
• Camera +
• Pro HDR
• iSaidWhat?
• PCM Recorder
• SouncCloud
• Audioboo
• FilmiC Pro
• All the above are tools that make citizen journalism more effective, and ‘professional’, and it enables the news room to access and use
the material more effectively in the portrayal of the news. The citizen journalist has now become a valuable resource offering outstanding
material to complement the delivery of the news around the clock.

T H E U S E O F
O T H E R D E V I C E S
• News delivery on the BBC, CNN and various other
channels make use of Skype rather than satellite
links if it is difficult for the interviewee to attend
the programme in person. This is a very different
approach, but it is highly effective and allows for a
range of views to be considered.
• CNN as well as the BBC often use video phone
links in areas of conflict where it is difficult to
involve a satellite truck. It makes reporting instant,
effective and cheap. The anchor in the studio is
able to then facilitate the report and the journalist
on the scene is able to provide a full report on the
action as it unfolds.
• The London Riots (2011) was an excellent example
of where Twitter provided a running commentary
of the events as it was unfolding. In addition, the
Boston Marathon disaster’s story was first broke
on Twitter as reported on readwrite.com (2013).

Y O U T U B E A N D
T H E N E W S
• Very often news items are
heavily edited; however,
YouTube allows for longer
clips to be enjoyed by
audiences for example the
full White House
correspondents dinner of
Mr Obama is available to
watch on YouTube (2014).

• Institution
• Commercial
• PSB
• ITN
• BBC
• Ofcom
• News values
• News agenda
• Stock footage
• Set design
• Gatekeeping
• Citizen gatekeeping

H O W I S T H E W O R L D R E P R E S E N T E D
• ‘The news’ is a mediated, biased and selective view of
the world. It is not reality.
• How is the world represented?
• How are groups of people represented?
• How are issues represented?

• Selection bias - what stories make the news
• Concision bias - reporting stories which can be condensed and made simple
• Mainstream bias - favouring stories which everyone else is reporting
• Sensationalism bias - favouring dramatic and unusual events
• Presentation bias - presenting stories to favour one version or interpretation
• Location bias - stories that are about or favour ‘us’, not ‘them’
The biases can make the world seem a dangerous place with an emphasis on violent crime, terrorism,
war and conflict
Repeated representations of groups/types of people can lead to stereotypes or one-sided views of
issues or events.
As well as the biases listed above, representations can be constructed by: the way the presenter
introduces the story; the way the voice-over describes the images; the way visuals and graphics are
used; the way studio experts are brought in to give opinion

• Biases is not supposed to happen - news bulletins and reporters, especially public
service broadcasters (PSBs), are supposed to present balanced views
• Ofcom has regulations about impartial reporting and balanced reporting - these are
especially important in an election year
• Biases and gatekeeping can be challenged by UGC, audience gatekeeping and citizen
journalism - where the audience members become producers and challenge mainstream
views and values
• The cultivation theory suggests that the more time someone spends watching TV, the
more they believe the version of the world it promotes
• The desensitisation theory suggests that the audience gets used to seeing extreme
images of suffering or violence, and they can only be shocked by stories that are even
more extreme
• Moral panic can also be caused by repeated negative news stories.

R E P R E S E N TAT I O N I N T H E N E W S 1

R E P R E S E N TAT I O N I N T H E N E W S 2
How are the central characters - both benefits
claimants - presented differently in each story?

L O O K AT T H I S N E W S A G E N D A . I N T H E C O M M E N T S
S E C T I O N A R E N O T E S A B O U T W H AT K I N D O F
R E P R E S E N TAT I O N A L I S S U E S E A C H S T O RY C O U L D R A I S E .
News
Agenda
Examples Comments
Lead
Story
Nigerian witch-hunter is likely to be banned
from visiting Britain, after claims that she can
exorcise evil spirits from children
Might seem to suggest that Africans/Nigerians are ‘different’, to be
feared, or have ‘strange religious beliefs. Actually, this kind of
exorcism is just as common in America, but associating it with Africa
might support some people’s prejudices.
2nd story
Extremist Muslims are using Twitter to
support and inspire an Islamic jihad in Syria. A
studio expert on communications claims it
will be hard to stop Twitter being used for
this.
Islam is often reported in connection with ‘extremism’ and violence.
This might lead to the impression in some people’s minds that all
Muslims are violent, extremists or terrorists. The studio expert’s
opinion will intensify the feelings that no one can control this. It adds
to ‘Islamophobia’.
3rd story
Mother of two attacked at village party - her
face was stamped on by another woman
wearing stilettos
This suggests that both ‘mothers’ and ‘villages’ should be immune
from violence. It plays into our stereotype of mothers as caring, and
of villages as safe - and uses this to give the story its shock value. It
also uses the stereotype that women who wear stilettos are bad
(especially compared to ‘mothers’ who are good).
And
finally
story’
A hairdresser in London has been asked to
remove a poster showing Kim Jong II, with a
caption that says - ‘bad hair day?’ Officials
from the North Korean Embassy asked him to
take it down as it was disrespectful
Suggests that the North Korean leader has no sense of humour and
takes himself too seriously. It also adds to the idea of a dominant/
dictatorial style of leadership where freedom of speech, etc. is not
permitted. In comparison, Britain and the British seem to have a
good sense of humour, but very liberal and support freedom of
speech.
Overall, this news agenda can lead to racism and xenophobia, and to the impression that the world is a
dangerous place and that violence is much more common than it actually is. It could add to stereotyping
and to a ‘moral oanic’ over Islam or ‘Broken Britain’.

L O O K AT T H I S N E W S A G E N D A . W H AT K I N D O F
R E P R E S E N TAT I O N A L I S S U E S C O U L D I T R A I S E ? M A K E
C O M M E N T S .
News
Agenda
Examples Comments
Lead
Story
A teenage girl died and four of her friends ill
in hospital after taking Meow Meow in a
drugs binge at a house party.
2nd story
A court in Sudan sentences a pregnant
woman to death by hanging after she gave
up her Islamic faith to marry her Christian
partner.
3rd story
A young boy with learning difficulties ran up
to a £400 bill on a tablet buying online
games. His parents have complained to
Google and warn others of the danger.
And
finally
story’
A cat rescues a toddler from a dog attack.

WAT C H A R E C E N T N E W S P R O G R A M M E . C O N S T R U C T T H E
N E W S A G E N D A . C O M M E N T O N T H E R E P R E S E N TAT I O N A L
I S S U E S E A C H S T O RY R A I S E S
News
Agenda
Examples Comments
Lead
Story
2nd story
3rd story
And
finally
story’

S T E R E O T Y P E S I N T V N E W S
• TV News uses stereotypes as a shorthand to communicate ideas
• The audience finds stereotypes (e.g. the benefits scrounger, the
brave old man) easy to recognise and easy to understand
• People might be represented as the stereotype because it is
easier than giving a more complex portrayal
• People who don’t fit the stereotype aren’t represented in TV
News - they become ‘invisible’.
• Do you think this is true? And if it is true, is it OK?

A G E N D A S E T T I N G F U N C T I O N T H E O RY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7qf9gQpoF4

R E P R E S E N TAT I O N S O F I M M I G R A N T S
• It suggests that repeated stories about immigrants
might make us feel that it is a problem / a big issue,
and that immigrants are only in the Uk for benefits and
financial burden.

C H A R L I E B R O O K E R - I M M I G R AT I O N

D O E S I T M AT T E R
• The cultivation theory suggests that the more time
someone spends watching TV the more they believe
the version of the world it promotes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hKaIeAi7OI

D O E S I T M AT T E R
• The reinforcement theory says the media can only reinforce
or confirm our existing beliefs.
• What do you think?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYWPuG_u6gE

Look at how one race/group of people/social group is represented in the news. You
could teenagers, a political party, teachers, muslims, an ethnic group, single mothers,
old women, the Royal family, football fans, or any other group that is in the news
Story
Date, Time,
Channel
My Comments
Nigel Farage claims you wouldn’t want
Romanians living next door to you, saying,
‘you know what the difference is’ (between
Romanians and other nationalities).
Interview on LBC
Radio with James
O’Brien 15/05/14
Farage suggested that Romanians are criminals
Nigel Farage said he regrets
saying ‘you know what the
difference is’
BBC One interview
with Nick Robinson
16/05/14
Farage doesn’t apologise, despite being asked to by
the reporter, and tries to back up his point with crime
statistics, justifying his views.
Nigel Farage claims many
Romanians are part of organised
crime networks
Good Morning Britain
interview
Farage justifies his remarks, repeating his comments
that many Romanians are part of organised crime
networks
My group: Romanians

Story
Date, Time,
Channel
My Comments
My group:
Look at how one race/group of people/social group is represented in the news. You could teenagers, a
political party, teachers, muslims, an ethnic group, single mothers, old women, the Royal family, football
fans, or any other group that is in the news
Keep notes on how they are represented in TV news over the coming weeks

• Representation
• Bias
• Stereotypes
• Agenda setting theory
• Cultivation theory
• Reinforcement theory

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W H AT Y O U N E E D T O H AV E R E V I S E D ?

W H AT Y O U W I L L H AV E T O D O I N T H E
E X A M ?
• First, you won’t really know until you get the Preliminary material or brief,
four weeks before the exam. This will give you a clearer idea of what to
revise and practice before the exam.
• Whatever the brief, you always need to be able to talk about aspects of TV
News using recent examples.
• The creative task is likely to be based around planning, designing, and
possibly marketing, a news bulletin for a specific audience group.

T H E K N O W L E D G E
Q U E S T I O N

Task 1 Mark Scheme
Marks Main Qualities What you have to do…
Level 6
13-15 marks
Probably A*/A
Excellent
knowledge and
understanding
Likely to debate
the points in the
question
Answer all parts of the question fully
Give examples from two or more news programmes or channels;
use a good range of examples; give some details
Use plenty of media terminology and use it appropriately and
precisely
Write clearly and concisely (keeping it focused and to the point)
Use your examples to discuss and debate the points made in the
question, showing independent ideas
Write in role; refer back to the preliminary material
Level 5
10-12 marks
Probably A/B
Good knowledge
and
understanding
Likely to support
the points in the
question
Answer all parts of the question
Give a range of examples from two news programmes or
channels
Use media terminology, mainly appropriately
Write clearly and concisely (keeping it focused and to the point)
Relate your examples clearly to the issues raised in the question
Write in role; refer back to the preliminary material
Level 4
7-9 marks
Probably C/D
Satisfactory
knowledge and
understanding
Likely to describe
examples
Answer most parts of the question
Give examples from two news programmes or channels
Use some media terminology
Write fairly clearly
Describe the news programmes or channels you have seen,
without explaining why they are relevant to the question
Level 3
5-6 marks
Probably D/E
Basic knowledge
and
understanding
Answer some parts of the question
Give some examples, perhaps from the same news programme
or channel
Briefly describe some aspects of a news programme or channel
but don’t comment on why it is relevant to the question
Use little media terminology
Write in a way that is not always clear or easy to follow
Level 2
1-4 marks
Probably E/F
Limited,
undeveloped or
superficial
knowledge and
understanding
Don’t answer the question, or address any of the points made in
the question
Give some brief examples, perhaps from the same news
programme or channel
Don’t use media terminology
Write in a way that is not clear or easy to follow
Give an answer that is brief or unfinished
Level 1
0 marks
Ungraded
No work worthy of
a mark
Include no work worthy of a mark
Task 1: The ‘Knowledge Question’
This mainly tests AO1: Recall, select and
communicate knowledge. Can you recall
(remember) what you have learned about this
topic? Can you select or choose what is
relevant to the question? And can you
communicate what you have learned about this
topic and get it down on paper in the exam?
This is the most important AO and counts for
half of the exam marks. This AO is tested in the
knowledge question AND in all the other
questions - if you don’t know anything about
the topic, it will show in allayer planning and
practical work too.
It also tests AO3: Research, planning and
presentation. Can you show that you
researched the topic area?

E X A M S T Y L E Q U E S T I O N
News coverage:
•Is always biased
•Is entertainment as much as information
•Is dominated by pictures
Explain how far you agree with these points. Refer to
at least two recent news stories.

P R A C T I C E A C T I V I T Y
Read the sample answer.
Look at the mark scheme
Tick off every aspect the answer has achieved
What mark do you think this answer deserves and why?
What could the candidate to to make this answer better?

A successful news programme must:
•Have attractive presenters
•Be fast-paced
•Hold the audience’s interests
Explain how far you agree with these points. Refer to

Read the sample answer.
Use the mark scheme to decide what mark it should get
Rewrite this answer so it will get a higher grade.

Rolling news and web based news mean that
traditional news programmes are now outdated.
Explain how far you agree with this statement. Refer to

Here is a plan for this answer. But you don’t have much time in the exam. Choose what you think
are the SIX most important points to cover in this answer.
Use you answer plan to help you write a good answer.

Television news gives a very biased view of the world.
Explain how far you agree with this statement. Refer to
at least two recent news stories or news programmes
you have watched.

Use this answer plan to help you write an answer for this question.
• You could write in notes or full sentences
• You could work in pairs or groups.
Mark each other’s answers using the mark scheme
Give each other advice on how to improve
Find the best answer in the class and share it.

Explain whether television news does more than just
provide information.
The start of this answer has some good ideas but it
doesn’t sound like a Media Studies student who wrote
it. Look at how you can change it and use more Media
Studies terms and ideas. It immediately makes it a
better answer.
Compare the rewritten paragraph to the ﬁrst
paragraph.
Now do the same kind of thing to the next
paragraph to make it sound more like it was written
by a Media Studies student
Continuing writing the answer to this question, or
write your own answer, making sure you sound like
a Media Studies student.

P L A N N I N G , P I T C H I N G
A N D S E L L I N G

Task 2 Mark Scheme
Level 6
13-15 marks
Probably A*/A
Confident
understanding
Independent
ideas
Totally workable
Ideas show a confident understanding of the codes and
conventions of news programmes.
Ideas are very appropriate for this kind of news programmes
Ideas are very well suited to the identified audience group
Show flair and imagination in the ideas
Justifies, evaluates and sells the idea throughout
Address of all parts of the question, with a good level of detail
and detailed reference to the brief
Writing is well organised and clear
Use a range of media terminology effectively and precisely
Level 5
10-12 marks
Probably A/B
Good
understanding
Successful and
imaginative ideas
Ideas show a clear understanding of the codes and conventions
of news programmes.
Ideas are generally appropriate for this kind of news programmes
Ideas suit the identified audience
Show some creativity in the ideas
Justifies, evaluates and sells most of the ideas
Address of all parts of the question, with some detail and clear
reference to the brief
Writing is well organised and clear
Use media terminology, mainly appropriately
Level 4
7-9 marks
Probably C/D
Satisfactory
understanding
Largely relevant
ideas
Ideas show a satisfactory understanding of the codes and
conventions of news programmes.
Ideas may be mostly suitable for this kind of news programmes
Ideas may be mostly relevant to the identified audience
Offer appropriate ideas
Justifies, evaluates and sells some of the ideas
Answer most parts of the question, with some reference to the
brief
Writing clearly
Use some media terminology, not always accurately
Level 3
5-6 marks
Probably D/E
Basic
understanding
Recognisable
ideas
Ideas show a basic understanding of the codes and conventions
of news programmes.
Ideas may not suit this kind of news programmes
Ideas may not suit the likely audience group
Offer limited ideas
Tries to sell some ideas
Answer some parts of the question, limited reference to the brief
Writing not always clear or easy to follow
Unlikely to use media media terminology
Level 2
1-4 marks
Probably E/F
Little
understanding
Limited ideas
Ideas show little understanding of the codes and conventions of
news programmes.
Ideas not suitable for this kind of news programmes
Ideas not suitable for the likely audience group
May not refer to the question or brief
Little attempt to sell the ideas
Writing not clear or easy to follow
Unlikely to use media media terminology
Likely to be brief or unfinished
Level 1
0 marks
Ungraded
No work worthy of
a mark
Plan and Sell
Planning questions test AO3: Research,
planning and presentation. Can you show that
you have researched the topic area; perhaps by
finding out about institutions, watching news
programmes, using lots of examples, or
understanding who the audience is? And can
you show you have researched the products you
are going to plan? Do you know the codes and
conventions of different kinds of news
programmes?
The next exam style questions ask you to plan
and sell your ideas. The mark scheme shows this
emphasis on evaluation and selling. These
questions test AO3 (research, planning and
presentation, AO1 (knowledge), and part of
AO4: can you evaluate what you have planned?
This means you need to be able to explain why
you have planned your product in this way and
what you think the effect of it will be - for
example, why did you choose that name or that
presenter or that format for your product and
how do you think the audience will react to this?

B R I E F : D E S I G N A N E W L O C A L N E W S
B U L L E T I N F O R L O C A L T E E N A G E R S
Profile your target audience segment
Make a demographic profile of the typical audience
group who will watch the bulletin
Make a psychographic profile of the typical audience
group who will watch the bulletin

C R E AT E A B R A N D
Start thinking of your brand image. What will appeal to
your target audience?
What is the ‘look’ of your bulletin? Consider the key
images, the font, the graphics, the logo, the colour
codes, and so on.
Make sure your brand image will be appealing to the
audience and suits your bulletin.

B R I E F
Plan a local news programme for your own area.
Tell us about the:
•The name of the programme and why it
suits your bulletin and will appeal to your
audience
•The typical news agenda - what stories
will you cover (use a local newspaper or
local news website for ideas) and what
order will they go in?
•The anchors/presenters - who and why
they will suit the bulletin and the
audience
•The format - why appropriate
•The set design -use of props,
colour and why appropriate
•The design for the opening
sequence - why the sound
and images will appeal to
your target audience and suit
your bulletin
•The scheduling - time of day,
channel, length of bulletin -
why this is appropriate

R E P R E S E N TAT I O N S I N Y O U R B U L L E T I N
Consider the people in your bulletin - the presenters,
reporters, interviewees, people in the news, experts etc
•what age/gender ethnicities are you representing?
•How are you representing them?
•How do your representations fit with the values of your
bulletin
•How do your representations fit with the values of your
audience?

B E C R E AT I V E , B E I N N O VAT I V E !
•How can you get the audience coming back to watch
the bulletin each time?
•Think about the Uses and Gratifications
•Can you use new technology or social media to build
relationship with your audience
•Could you have a website to support your bulletin?
What will be on it? Why will the audience visit it?

E X A M S T Y L E P R E L I M I N A RY M AT E R I A L
• We are launching two new channels - one is GirlZone, the other is BoyZone.
• They are aimed at young people from 8 through to 15. As you can tell from
the channel names, one channel is aimed at girls, and the other at boys.
• We expect to broadcast in the 3pm to 10pm slot, reaching the youngest of
our viewers in the after-school slots, and older viewers in the evening slots.
• We want to host a news programme. It has to suit EITHER BoyZone or
GirlZone and you can choose your timeslot to reach your preferred
audience group.
• Put together some ideas for a TV news programme. It should be innovative,
exciting and likely to capture the interest of our target audience.

Now pitch us with your ideas. We want to hear all about them, and tell us why
you think YOUR ideas will work best.
Tell us about the:
•Title
•Format
•News agenda
•Scheduling
•Anything else which you think
will make this programme a
success
•Studio
•Presenters
•Credit sequence
•Use of e-media

Read the answer and highlight in one colour where the candidate is
PLANNING, and in another colour where they are SELLING, or saying why
an idea will work
Use the mark scheme to decide what mark it should get.

P R E - P R O D U C T I O N TA S K

Task 1 Mark Scheme
Level 6
13-15 marks
Probably A*/A
Excellent
knowledge of
conventions
Creative design
The design shows excellent knowledge and understanding of the
conventions of this type of product
There is evidence of a workable design, which is totally fit for
purpose, fully suiting both the specific programme and the
intended audience
There is creativity, flair and imagination in the design, it looks
convincing and is likely to have a positive impact on the target
audience
Where annotations/evaluations have been asked for by the
question, these are full, detailed and use a lot of media
terminology accurately and some theory
Level 5
10-12 marks
Probably A/B
Good knowledge
of conventions
Effective design
The design shows good knowledge and understanding of the
The design is workable and very clearly suits both the
programme and the intended audience
There is some evidence of creativity and imagination in the
design and it is likely to appeal to the target audience
question, these are detailed and use media terminology
accurately
Level 4
7-9 marks
Probably C/D
Satisfactory
knowledge of
conventions
Appropriate
design
The design shows satisfactory knowledge and understanding of
the conventions of this type of product
The design clearly suits the programme and is broadly suitable
for the intended audience
There is evidence of design awareness and it attempts to appeal
to the audience
question, these cover the main points and use media terminology
Level 3
5-6 marks
Probably D/E
Basic knowledge
of conventions
Basic design
The design shows basic knowledge and understanding of the
The design may broadly suits the programme and may be
broadly suitable for the intended audience
There is basic design awareness and it attempts to appeal to the
audience
question, these are brief but use media terminology, not always
accurately
Level 2
1-4 marks
Probably E/F
Limited
knowledge of
conventions
Limited design
The design shows limited knowledge and understanding of the
The design may not suit the programme and may not be suitable
for the intended audience
There is limited design awareness and it is unlikely to appeal to
the audience
question, these are brief and limited, with some attempts to use
media terminology, not always accurately
Level 1
0 marks
Ungraded
No work worthy of
a mark
Pre-production Tasks
AO3: Research, planning and presentation. For
this question, planning and prevention are key.
Do you know the codes and conventions for
different kinds of news programmes planning
products, for example? Can you plan a product
using the codes of conventions of a running
order or a storyboard? Can you present your
work well? Is your writing accurate and do your
drawings and designs look good?
AO4: Construct and evaluate. Can you construct
(design, sketch, create, label) something in the
exam? This might be a storyboard, a script, a
website design. You need to be able to show
creative and technical skills. For example, in a
storyboard, you cane creative with your ideas,
but also show how to describe the edits
properly. Can you evaluate what you have done?
This means you need to be able to explain why
you have constructed your product in this way
and what you think the effect of it will be - for
example, why did you use a close up or a cetain
colour scheme and how did you think the
audience would react to this?

Set Design
Look at the news studios. What type of
news programmes would the studio
suit best? Explain why?

S E T D E S I G N
The studio/set design - sketch it out label your sketch.
Explain why you have chosen each element of colour,
design, layout etc and how it will appeal to your
audience and convey the values of your bulletin

Set Design Activity
Design a studio set for one of the news programmes you have selected a news agenda for:
- A 40 minute national news broadcast aimed at an older demographic interested in hard news
- A 20 minute breakfast news broadcast, which has a focus on soft news
- 10 minute broadcast on Birmingham University’s own channel
- Annotate your design, explaining the connotations of your design features
- Mark, or ask someone else to mark, your design using the mark scheme

Set Design Presentation
- Look at the set design of a range of news programmes.
- Make notes on the media language of the set design (colour, codes,
lighting, props, use of CGI etc)
- Explain why the news programme selected this set design and how
effective you think it if for the programme.
- Compare a range of set designs
- Are there any common features (things they all have?)
- Do they use things in the same way? (E.g. is blue usually used to
connote seriousness? Is a globe usually used to connote a world wide
hard news agenda? What about a sofa? A desk? And so on…)

U S E T H E M A R K S C H E M E T O A N N O TAT E I T - C O M M E N T O N
W H AT I S G O O D A N D W H AT I S B A D .

L O O K AT T H E E X A M I N E R ’ S C O M M E N T S A N D M A R K
Examiners comment:
An impressive piece of work. This follows the conventions of news bulletins very well, and is likely to appeal to the target audience.
The storyboard is drawn well - the pictures match the descriptions (i.e. the CUs are drawn as CUs, the establishing shot is clearly
drawn as an establishing shot, it is clear who is the presenter, the report, the interviewees, etc.) and are easy to understand. There
is excellent variety to the camera shots which would keep the bulletin interesting and pace. The script is well written and
convincing. The technical details are completed fully and accurately all the way through. There is evidence of creativity in the
variety of shots and in the wording of the script. While it follows the conventions, it is clear the candidate has adapted these in
places to appeal to the speciﬁc target audience (notably the interaction between the presenters and the use of a pop music song
for the title sequence). I would expect this is the type of work that would comfortably achieve an A* or A grade.

L O O K AT T H E E X A M I N E R ’ S C O M M E N T S A N D M A R K
Examiners comment:
Not a convincing piece of work. The news bulletin follows few of the conventions. Neither the written nor the drawn elements of
the storyboard make it clear what is happening. There is little sense of a news studio or any reporting. The footage is not really
believeable. The ﬁrst news story is not presented as a news story. The second might be more newsworthy but needs to be
presented using the 5Ws and H. The script is generally unconvincing. It seems as though the candidate is largely unfamiliar with the
content and structure of news bulletins. There is no technical detail and no terminology. This is likely to score only one or two
marks, placing it in the lower end of Level 2.

Scripting a News Programme
A news programme is more than just the news agenda or list of stories.
Once the stories have been selected, the script has to be written. Then
these are put together to make a programme.
Individual stories:
Each news story should follow an inverted pyramid structure - starting
with the most important aspect, then moving towards the least important
aspect. It should also cover 5Ws and H - Who, What, Where, When, Why
and How.
News stories have to be short enough to fit into a short slot in the
bulletin. They have to be interesting/dramatic, and have to answer the ‘so
what’ question. It should be clear why the story is important - how it
relates to us, or to our area or our country.

B R I E F
• Plan the opening of your bulletin - scrip what the
presenters will say.
• Your main story - write the script (use the inverted
pyramid and 5Ws and H), decide what pictures/images
will go with it, who will speak (presenter/reporter/
experts/interviewees etc
• Now make a running order.

T H E R U N N I N G O R D E R
Time Event Location
/
source Script
/
music
/
sound
15
secs Credit
sequence Pre-‐filmed

/
cgi Dramatic
music
20
secs Introduction
/
headlines Presenter
-‐
live
in
studio
Script
–
introduces
herself
and
the
main
headlines

layered
over
the
‘headlines’
music
2
secs Title
music Pre-‐recorded
Title
music
-‐
dramatic
ending

to
indicate
move
into

first
main
story.
5
secs Introduction
/

hand
over Presenter
-‐
live
in
studio Script
introducing
main
story

3m
25

secs
Lead
story

News
package
–
pre-‐
recorded
interview
with
the

Head
of
NASA
Script
–
reporter
interviews
Head
of
NASA
5
secs
Intro
to
2nd
story
and

throw
forward

Presenter

-‐
live
in
studio
Script
–
introduces
the
2nd
story
and
throws
forward

to
special
report
on
the
topic
coming
later.

2m
30

secs
2nd
story News
package
–
report
with

some
stock
footage

Script
–
Voice-‐over
explaining
the
effects
of
the
ban

on
fatty
food
in
school
canteens
on
school
children;

M A K E Y O U R O W N R U N N I N G O R D E R
Time Event Location
/
source Script
/
music
/
sound

GCSE Media Studies - Introduction to Television News

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