1. FACTUAL PROGRAMMES
ON TELEVISION

2. Documentaries
 Each of the 5 terrestrial channels has
documentary output and slots .
 There are specific documentary channels on
cable and satellite.
 Documentaries can be feature length and
shown at the cinema.
 Documentaries can also be categorised into
types.
 On Television they tend to last between 30-60
minutes.

3. Lifestyle Programmes
 Tend to feature issues relating to homes and
better living.
 On the main channels they tend to be shown in
the daytime or early evening
 Again there are specific channels devoted to
this kind of programme.
 Difficult to come up with an original idea within
this category.

4. Current Affairs
 Tend to follow a recent issue or news story and
show more in depth analysis.
 Scheduling tends to take place in the evening
but check the channels.
 Examples include Panorama on BBC 1 and
Dispatches on Channel 4.

5. Magazine Programmes
 Look at many issues surrounding a central
theme.
 Can be consumer, lifestyle or regionally themed.
 Usually consist of several specific inserts linked
by studio based or main location set-up.

6. Light Entertainment
 Studio-based usually with audience present.
 Main presenter/presenters often with dominant
personality.
 Can be interview or quiz based.
 Scheduling takes place at all times but LE
features strongly at peak times.

7. Children’s Television
 Can incorporate all of the above but is
specifically aimed at a certain age range
between 0-18.
 Production values should be as high as for adult
programming.
 Scheduling usually early morning and between
3.00-5.30.
 Specific channels only showing children’s
television although most somewhat limited in
their factual output

8. Factual Drama
 Based on or inspired by fact.
 They can be true, based on truth or inspired by
truth.
 There are many forms of factual drama
including biography, issue based, historical,
including ‘real’ people.

9. The Process of Writing and Research
 What is involved in the this process.
 What are the basic rules of research?
 What will we be covering in this module.