Factual Programming

This term, we have been given a task consisting of creating a factual television programme. We have been given the option to work in groups of either four or five and undertake most of the important job roles in a production team. The show must last a minimum of 20 minutes and include at least 90 seconds of adverts. It must also include 3 different news stories and 2 of these must include video inserts.

In order to create this particular programme, we have to undertake a range of research to be able to have up-to-date and accurate information. We have to take into account that the stories could develop overtime and change so we have to keep updating our research regularly. By completing a digital scrap book, we will be able to keep all of our information found in one place. With this we will be able to complete mind-maps of new stories that become interesting on the news, a list of contacts including location details (this will have to be done at the beginning of the production process as these may need to be changed later in the process due to unavailability and other reasons), A 5 week schedule containing all of our research based around our programme. Secondary research around the subject of your story including internet sources, newspapers and books, primary researching also around the subject you are producing a news report for including interviews from various sources, vox-pops (on the spot interviews) and questionnaires. Also target audience research is essencial for the type of programme as you need to know what people you are trying to reach when filming the content of your programme. It is always important to reach the correct audience as it really makes a difference to how popular your programme will become.