Understand issues relating to

factual programming for

television
By- Tanisha Harron
 Objectivity:

 Producers are required to make sure that all of the

content of the program is fully objective, this means
that the program shows all sides of the story equally.
They also have to ensure that the presenters don’t
interject any of their own personal opinions into the
program’s interview content or voiceovers. This gives
the viewers a sense of security knowing that they can
come to their on conclusions regarding the program’s
content.
 Accuracy:

 Accuracy is one of the most important factors that

must be taken into account when creating a factual
piece. When a producer is working on a factual piece
they must ensure that all of the sources are credible
and reliable, so that all of their information is more
believable and newsworthy. Accurate reporting of
factual information can have a powerful effect on
public opinion, especially in news programming and
election coverage.
 Opinion:

 When the producer is creating a factual piece, there

may come moments where they feel like they need to
present a specific opinion. This can be from a range of
different backgrounds and perspectives on the
subject, this is required for the program to be
unbiased and from a balanced perspective. Any
opinions that the presenter might hold shouldn’t be
shown within the program, as this can be seen as the
presenter forcing their views on to the audience.
 Representation:

 When one is making a factual program, it is best

practice to avoid stereotyping people from a
particular ethnic or socio-economic background in the
report. By interviewing a cross-section of members of
those communities, the producer can limit any
offence taken by the general public. This can also help
to minimise any legal action that might be taken
against the production company on the basis of
discrimination.
 Balance:

 This generally takes place when all perspectives of an

issue or argument that are discussed within a factual
program are thoughtfully researched and validated.
By doing this it allows the audience to see both the
positive and negative perspectives that appear on the
show. By showing all viewpoint, it allows the viewer
the opportunity to choose what side of an argument
they would rather side with.
 Access:

 Before you start filming for a factual piece, it is

common practice and required that you seek
permissions for a range of things, this includes filming
permission for both the location and anyone that is
involved in the project. If you start filming without
first getting full permission then there is a high
chance that you will end up being sued.
 Impartiality:

 These occur when all perspectives of an argument are

covered and not agreeing with or disagree with a
specific idea or perspective when creating a factual
program. This helps the producers of the show to
avoid being bias towards any perspective and helps
the show to seem open minded about the subjects
that they are covering.
 Subjectivity:

 Subjectivity:
 This is the assessment of the producer or the
members of the audience that is based on a specific
topical issue. Producers generally abstain from being
personal when they are creating a factual program
due to wanting to guarantee that their production is
completely free of bias.
 Bias:

 An unbiased opinion is key for when you are creating a

factual new piece as it shows that the producer is a
professional. This allows the viewers to obtain a report of
the current events that is from a viewpoint that is both in-
depth and unbiased. It is common place for producers to
abstain from having a biased opinion on subject of the
product that they are creating in order to help the
productions that they make appear to be of a high
standard.