ITV News analysis: News Exam Question 1a

The OPENING SEQUENCE of a news programme gives the programme an identity and separates it from simiar media products. The graphics used by ITV connote urgency and also tradition with the use of the face of Big Ben in the graphic. Heavy music is used again connoting urgency and we also hear the ‘dongs’ of the Big Ben clock.

The running order is given at the beginning of the programme to engage the viewer, hopefully with coverage of at least one story that will interest them because it affects their lives. The programme is represented as serious and factual through the presenter. He looks professional in a suit and tie and he address the audience in a serious tone with a serious expression.

Like the BBC, ITV have selected Swine Flu as their lead story and they have a top and tail package from Dulwich. The story shows the news values of continuity, negativity, familiarity, immediacy and amplitude because it has the potential to affect so many people. It appeals to a wide audience.

There is a graphic flash from the bottom left of the screen to separate each story. This is used to make the programme seems more modern and it is visually more exciting. Modern audiences get bored quickly so the visuals ate very important.

ITV News analysis: News Exam Question 1a

Why do you think it links to LIVE coverage like this?

What do you see here and why?

What are the different elements of this report?

Is the story really as important as they say it is? How have they sensationalised this story to make it worthy of the lead position?