1. The Construction of Factual
Programmes – Issues, Codes and
Conventions
By Rosie Kinsella

2. Introduction
In this Power Point I will be discussing the codes and conventions of 5 different modes
of documentary as well as Television.
I will describe in detail the types of documentary and reference examples in depth
with a range of visual examples.
I will also discuss what is needed to create these certain types of documentaries, as
well as describe what is needed for a news programme.
And lastly, I will talk about how these codes and conventions inform or determine
audience responses.

3. Types of Documentary and My
Examples
Expository
These are documentaries that expose a person or topic that are often historical or biographical.
They are very well known for having a commentator talking over the pictures or video explaining
a story. They would not be Expository Documentaries without the following:
• Rhetorical Questions
• Opinions
• Facts
• Persuasive techniques
• Commentator.
• Interviews
• Music
• Observation Footage
• Archive and Still Film
• Addressing the viewer directly

4. The Most Hated Family in America
An example of an Expository Documentary that I have previously watched and feel would be a
great example is The Most Hated Family In America. It is written and presented by BBC’S Louis
Theroux. It is about a family from Kansas, USA who are strong members of the Westboro Baptist
Church. These types of members of this particular church believe that the United States
government is immoral due to its tolerance of homosexuality. The family are filmed daily
protesting at the funerals of U.S military, holding up signs that display text such as “God Hates
Fags” and “Thank God for Dead Soldiers”. A BBC film crew and Theroux travelled out to Kansas to
expose this family and there beliefs along with interviews to members of the family as well as the
leader of the church.
“The church bases its work around the belief expressed by its best known slogan and the
address of its primary website, "God hates fags", and expresses the opinion, based on its
Biblical interpretation, that nearly every tragedy in the world is God's punishment for
homosexuality – specifically society's increasing tolerance and acceptance of gay, lesbian,
and bisexual people. It maintains that God hates homosexuals above all other kinds of
"sinners" and that homosexuality should be a capital crime. Louis Theroux stated that the
Phelpses are the most extreme people he has ever met” -
http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/the-most-hated-family-in-america/