Factual Programing

The different genres and conventions of factual programing

News
Definition:
The news is a broadcasted program that informs the viewer of important events that have happened
recently (Oxford 2016) and effects the viewer (local News) or has effected other people or environments
around the world.

Conventions:
News reporter; field reporter; hosted in studios and at the site of news; archive footage.

Reference:
Oxford (2016) News, in Oxford Dictionary. Available at: http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/
definition/english/news (Accessed: 13 April 2016).

News
Different examples of News programs:
Click photo for link to video:

PRES BITS from thisisfive.co.uk (2012)BBC breakfast 2012 - new look 10th april
2012. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqacN9HMGHY
(Accessed: 13 April 2016).

Click photo for link to video:

Ricky Boleto (2011) CBBC Newsround with Ricky Boleto. Available at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4Jupc9WfH8&nohtml5=False
(Accessed: 13 April 2016).

BBC Breakfast is a news broadcast that lasts from 6am to 8:30am. The BBC shows 3 broadcasts a day. The show airs these
broadcasts at 6am, 6pm and 10pm. The breakfast news is happier and contains lighter stories than in the 10pm broadcast.
This is because the 10pm broadcast airs after the age watershed and means that they can tell more information on violent
events, and more graphic footage. Although BBC does have a 24 hour news channel for when these broadcast not are
available. There are also news broadcasts that are targeted at younger audiences such as CBBC News Round. These is a form
of news broadcast that is aired on the children's program that introduced the viewer to the news at a young age, although
the storys that are aired are happier and forms of general knowledge and culture such as music and technology rather that
war and politics.

Documentary
Definition:
A film or television or radio program that provides a factual report on a particular subject by often
use pictures or interviews with people involved in real events. (Oxford 2016)

Conventions:
Interviews; hosts; commentators; photos; archive footage; diagrams.

Reference:
Oxford (2016) Documentary, in Oxford Dictionary. Available at: http://
www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/documentary (Accessed: 13 April 2016).

Documentary
Example of a documentary:
Documentary and constantly aired on television from science to music to culture to sport. Any
subject with a history, whether a person or a place can be the subject of a documentary.
An example of a documentary about a group of people who where influential in music is ABBA,
who where the subject to a documentary in 2013.
Link to the ABBA documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4uiLMjQBxs&nohtml5=False

RAREABBAVIDEOEDITS (2013)ABBA THE COMPLETE SPECIAL 2013 the joy of ABBA. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=q4uiLMjQBxs&nohtml5=False (Accessed: 13 April 2016).

Docudrama
Definition:
A dramatized film based on real events. This film informs the viewer by basing the story on real facts
and events.

Conventions:
In a docudrama, the typical conventions are the storys are based on real events so the narrative is
dramatic and gripping and usually very grim.

Reference:

Merriam-Webster (2015) Definition of DOCUDRAMA. Available at: http://www.merriam-webster.com/

dictionary/docudrama (Accessed: 20 May 2016).

Docudrama
Example of a docudrama:
Docudramas are based on real events and people around the world. The story of these events are
emotional and have strong and compelling messages, that cause the storys to be told by others.
An example of a docudrama is the movie The Impossible. Here is a link to a clip of the movie:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AelA3U2uXYM

Movieclips Trailers (2012) The impossible official international trailer (2012) Ewan McGregor, Naomi Watts movie HD. Available
at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWzSHNrl7u4 (Accessed: 13 April 2016).

Docusoap
Definition:
A documentary following people in a particular occupation or location over a period of time.

Conventions:
Faced paced editing, Voice overs, dramatic re-construction, the docusoap is filmed as if a fly on the
wall and can be considered obtrusive filming.

Reference:
Farlex (2003) Docu-soap, in Available at: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/docu-soap (Accessed: 20 May 2016).

Docusoap
Example of a docusoap:
Docusoaps are films that follow people in their way of life or possibly their profession. The docusoaps
are usually filmed in series and use fast paced cutting and dramatised re-construction to make the
programme entertaining.
An example of a docusoap is the TV programme My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding. Here is a link to the trailer
for the show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HAUmII_hcg

Firecracker Films (2010) My Big fat gypsy wedding. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=2HAUmII_hcg (Accessed: 20 May 2016).

Infotainment
Definition:
A television program, Web site feature, or other presentation that combines information with
entertainment.

Conventions:
humour (jokes & voice overs), comedian actors, music, comical script or writing

Reference:
2016 (2010) What is infotainment? - definition from WhatIs.Com. Available at: http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/infotainment (Accessed:
20 May 2016).

Infotainment
Example of Infotainment:
Infotainment is similar to a documentary except the information is presented in a way to entertain. This
genre is commonly used for kids tv so that they are both educated and entertained.
An example of infotainment is the TV show Horrible Histories. Here is a link to the trailer for the
show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NX8S2zsEF14\

Allison E. Farrish (2015) Horrible histories 2 - episode 1 - BBC series.

Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NX8S2zsEF14
(Accessed: 20 May 2016).

Reality TV show
Definition:
a genre of television programming in which "real life" people are followed in a situation, game, etc.;
also called reality TV, reality programming.

Conventions:
real/ordinary people, lots of editing, an element of competition, entertainment and natural lighting

Reference:
Dictionary (2016) The definition of reality television, in Available at: http://www.dictionary.com/browse/reality-television (Accessed: 14 June
2016).

Reality TV Show
Example of reality tv show:
Reality tv shows are often tv shows are entertainment tv shows that usually have an element of
competition between ordinary people, or celebrities that compete in things such as game shows,
survival show, or competitions for skills such as dancing or cooking.
An example of a reality tv show is The Great British Bake Off. Here is a link to the trailer for the show:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWtk3QgKEng

BBC (2014) The great British bake off 2014: Trailer - BBC One.
Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWtk3QgKEng
(Accessed: 14 June 2016).

Educational
Definition:
television that is intended to teach and instruct the viewer, especially television intended to
educate children.

Conventions:
Information, facts, digital or CGI images, voice overs, presenter/narrator, experts, interviews.

Reference:
2016, C. (2016) Related terms, in Available at: http://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/educational-television (Accessed: 14 June
2016).

Educational
Example of educational programme:
Educational factual programmes are programmes commonly documentaries that inform the viewer with
CGI, interviews with experts and other images about a subject. These documentaries usually use these
interviews as well as a narrator to convey the information and facts.
An example of an education programme is The Planets. Here is a link to a part of the show: http://
www.dailymotion.com/video/xityxt_the-planets-different-worlds-1-8_tech

silichip and Dailymotion, 2016 (2011) The planets: Different worlds

[1/8]. Available at: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xityxt_theplanets-different-worlds-1-8_tech (Accessed: 14 June 2016).

Wildlife
Definition:
(especially on television) a documentary whose subject is wild animals in their natural habitat or
undomesticated fauna and flora generally

Conventions:
Animals, foreign places, different habitats, close up footage, dramatised editing, voice over

Reference:
Stewart, M. (2016) Related terms, in Available at: http://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/wildlife-programme (Accessed: 14 June
2016).

Wildlife
Example of a Wildlife programme:
wildlife documentaries are an example of education programmes. Wildlife documentaries educate the
audience about habitats, animals, and other parts of nature using voice overs and close up footage.
These documentary are often made gripping using music and dramatised editing, especially in hunting
scenes.
An example of a wildlife programme is Planet Earth. Here is a link to a clip of the show: https://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwZH_aT0FGI&list=PL9CE54703E2B8E92F&index=2

BBCWorldwide (2008) Mother polar bear and cubs emerging from

den - BBC planet earth. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=OwZH_aT0FGI&list=PL9CE54703E2B8E92F&index=2 (Accessed:
14 June 2016).

Special Intrest
Definition:
A documentary in which a person, or group may have a specific interest
in a subject that is not widely popular.

(Cambridge Dictionaries Online, 2015)

Conventions:
realistic, presenter, social, normal people (rather than celebrities)

Reference:
Cambridge Dictionaries Online (2015) Interest meaning in the Cambridge English dictionary. Available at: http://dictionary.cambridge.org/
dictionary/english/interest (Accessed: 14 June 2016).

Special Intrest
Example of a Special Interest programme:
Special Intrest documentaries are aimed at a specific market or audience. These viewers have a special
interest in the programme subject. These programmes often include real, down to earth members of
the public that may have an interest in the programme subject and wish to be the feature of an
episode.
An example of a special interest programme is Grand Design. Here is a link to a clip of the show:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKRnxnapsuQ

ABC TV (2011) Grand designs series 9 | preview | starts Sunday, 15

January, 7.30pm, ABC1. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=zKRnxnapsuQ (Accessed: 14 June 2016).

Make Over
Definition:
A programme that witnesses the act or process of making changes to improve the appearance or
effectiveness of someone or something. (Merriam-Webster, 2015)

Conventions:
Presenter/ narrator, voice over, team of people, members of the public, volunteers

Reference:
Merriam-Webster (2015) Definition of MAKEOVER. Available at: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/makeover (Accessed: 14 June
2016).

Make over
Example of a Make Over programme:
Make over programmes often have a presenter or narrator that is constant throughout a series. In these
programmes the presenter and often their team help to make over something or someone. These thing
are often volunteered by people who wish to take part in the show.
An example of a make over programme is DIY SOS. Here is a link to a trailer for the show: https://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXANt5qHwes

BBC (2014a) DIY SOS: The big build: Trailer - BBC One. Available at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXANt5qHwes (Accessed: 14 June
2016).

Magazine
Definition:
A regular television or radio programme comprising a variety of topical items.

Conventions:
Presenter(s), informal, studio, members of the public, information, soft news, humour,
entertainment, interviews

Reference:
Magazine programme (2013) Available at: https://www.google.co.uk/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=Magazine
+programme&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&gfe_rd=cr&ei=u4RgV8a2O6az8wfkwaDgDQ (Accessed: 14 June 2016).

Magazine
Example of a Magazine programme:
Magazine programmes can be television programmes that often have many different topical items to
appeal to a large population. The programmes often have small storys about local news, and
information. These stories are often presented by a presenter in a studio possibly with a small audience.
An example of a magazine programme is The One Show. Here is a link to a trailer for the show:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SFhrRX2ZhE

mjp221972 (2015) Jim Parsons home BBC the One show 2015.
Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SFhrRX2ZhE
(Accessed: 14 June 2016).

Discussion
Definition:
A programme of discussions, or topics for discussion; a prearranged discussion.

Conventions:
Presenter, live audience, audience participation, live debate, social media participation, multiple
guest stars

Reference:
Oxford (2016) Discussion programme, in Oxford Dictionary. Available at: http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/discussionprogramme (Accessed: 14 June 2016).

Discussion
Example of a discussion programme:
Discussion programs often feature multiple guests from different occupations and backgrounds to
answer question, and debate. These questions are often asked by the live audience or over social media
but the presenter poses as the chairman to facilitate discussions.
An example of a discussion programme is Question Time. Here is a link to an episode of the show:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0oVe7MCfRs

Scott Arthur (2016) BBC question time from Folkestone (9th June
2016) #BBCQT. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=G0oVe7MCfRs (Accessed: 14 June 2016).

Review
Definition:
A programme in which a critical appraisal of a book, play, film, etc. published in a newspaper or
magazine or aired on television.

Conventions:
Presenter, Informal, shot in studio, secondary footage, live studio, critics & experts, interviews

Reference:
Oxford (2016) Discussion programme, in Oxford Dictionary. Available at: http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/discussionprogramme (Accessed: 14 June 2016).

Review
Example of a review programme:
Review programs often feature a presenter or two that informally discuss and review a book, play, film
ect. In these programmes they show secondary clips or snippits to tease the audience but put the
review into context. These often also feature experts and critics that are interview.
An example of a review programme is Film 2010 (cont.). Here is a link to an clip of the show: https://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=47aMuiuWmEM

moviegeek2000 (2010) Film 2010 (ep1-pt4) with Claudia Winkleman

episode 1 (pt4). Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=47aMuiuWmEM (Accessed: 14 June 2016).

Chat Show
Definition:
(Broadcasting) Brit a television or radio show in which guests, esp celebrities, are interviewed
informally.

Conventions:
Presenter, Informal, shot in studio, live audience, audience participation, publicise products,
interview

Reference:
arlex (2003) Chat show, in Available at: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/chat+show (Accessed: 14 June 2016).

Chat Show
Example of a chat show:
chat shows are studio interviews that are conducted by a presenter. These interviews are informal and
considered chats that are humorous and provide entertainment for the viewer. The interviewees are
usually celebrities that are publishing something such as a film, book or music.
An example of a chat show is Graham Norton Shown. Here is a link to clips of the show: https://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-orMndwuSE

The Graham Norton Show (2016) All the best moments from season
18 - the Graham Norton show. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=Y-orMndwuSE (Accessed: 14 June 2016).