Research

Accuracy – accuracy can be described as a faithful representation of the truth,

because of this accuracy is one of the most important parts in factual production.
A perfect example of accuracy in factual programming is the news. The news
provides the consumer with information based on facts and figures therefore
keeping the information provided accurate. It is crucial that the news is accurate
as it is designed to inform and educate the general public.

Balance – this is when both sides of a story are discussed and are evenly put
across, this keeps factual programming fair. Balance is key in most factual TV
programmes as it stops biased opinions being formed. An example of where
balance would be used would be the news as it has the sole purpose to provide
information for the general public based on facts and figures, this means that if
made unbalanced then it goes against the overall purpose.

Impartiality – this is when both sides and opinions are taken into consideration
and viewed equally, this means you do not take sides or have any personal
judgment at all. A perfect example of impartiality would be broadcasters such as
any reputable news channel as they provide the consumer with the facts without
giving the personal opinion and without the presenter giving their own opinion on
a specific topic

Objectivity – this is a lack of bias, prejudice and judgement and means it is not
on either side of the argument. Examples of factual programmes which are
usually objective are things like the news, programmes like this should always
objective and balance when delivering information to the audience.

Subjectivity - this is the polar opposite of objectivity and is describes as a

decision or understanding based on a particular person’s opinion or life
experiences rather than the external facts. Examples of where this would be
found in factual programming would be the likes of a League Of Their Own as it is
likely to have people airing their opinions and feelings towards a topic.

Opinion – this is judgement formed on personal views and opinions, these are
not necessarily based at all on fact. Examples of where opinion would be widely
used would be on talk shows where they will collect the publics opinion on
multiple topics such as politics. This technique can be found on shows like This
Morning where the public can send in their opinions and thoughts on a topic.
Bias – this means one-sided, lacking a neutral viewpoint, not having an open
mind and is often accompanied with the refusal of seeing the bigger picture and
accepting more than one viewpoint. This is mostly avoided when it comes to
factual programming but some shows such as Mock Of The Week can be seen
throwing about bias opinions for discussion meaning they are not pumping bias
thoughts into the consumers mind but instead making them aware that some
people have that opinion on a certain topic.

Representation – this is stereotyping or portrayal of someone or something

that is shown in a particular way by the media. This is a lot more down to how the
consumer reacts to the information for example they could hear that a celebrity
likes dogs and therefore hate them as they themselves hate dogs, they judge the
celebrity without knowing anything else about them.

Privacy – this is the ability for someone to seclude themselves, or information

about themselves. An example of privacy within factual programming would be
the likes of celebrities allowing broadcasters to film a unscripted part of there life
letting the audience learn more about that person.

Sources:

https://prezi.com/ojjiw6opc9ir/issues-within-factual-programming/?fallback=1

http://shanebarr-nwrc.weebly.com/year-2-assignments/understanding-issues-
relating-to-factual-programming-for-television