Television programmes as media texts
Television programmes present a complex mixture of media codesCodes embedded in media texts which include visual elements such as the camera angles, shots sizes and editing styles used in a film, or audio such as the voiceover in a nature documentary or music track in an advert. and messages within the media textAny media product such as a TV programme, film, magazine, video game, newspaper, music track or album created for an audience. for the audience to read. These codes include:
| Type | Description |
| Verbal Codes | Any use of language, written or spoken, in the media text. |
| Technical Codes | These include all technical processes used to create the media text, such as the type of shots used, camera movement, camera angles and framing, and how the media text is edited. |
| Symbolic codes | Symbolic codes are cultural symbols embedded in the mise-en-sc猫ne. The mise-en-sc猫ne is all the elements that constitute the visual represenation of the media text, such as settings, costumes, lighting, soundtrack, and the body language of the actors. All these elements are used to convey meaning to the audience. |
| Type | Verbal Codes |
|---|---|
| Description | Any use of language, written or spoken, in the media text. |
| Type | Technical Codes |
|---|---|
| Description | These include all technical processes used to create the media text, such as the type of shots used, camera movement, camera angles and framing, and how the media text is edited. |
| Type | Symbolic codes |
|---|---|
| Description | Symbolic codes are cultural symbols embedded in the mise-en-sc猫ne. The mise-en-sc猫ne is all the elements that constitute the visual represenation of the media text, such as settings, costumes, lighting, soundtrack, and the body language of the actors. All these elements are used to convey meaning to the audience. |
Regulation
TV organisations are regulated to ensure they meet their own codes of practice and also those enforced by government guidelines.
Ofcom is the UK regulator of the television and radio sectors. Ofcom's duty is to examine complaints by viewers or listeners of channels it has licensed to broadcast to establish if the broadcasting code has been breached. Ofcom also ensure:
- A wide range of different TV shows are available
- Audiences are protected against harmful or offensive material
- Participants in television shows are protected from unfairness and loss of privacy
The TV watershedThe time at which TV channels may start to show content that is unsuitable for children - it is currently 9pm in the UK. is the time when TV programmes which might be unsuitable for children can be broadcast.
It begins at 9pm and material unsuitable for children should not, in general, be shown before 9pm or after 5.30am.
In May 2008 Ofcom fined ITV 拢5.68 million over the unfairness of premium-rate phone lines in a number of ITV hit shows including Soapstar Superstar and Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway.
MTV was also fined in 2008 for broadcasting highly offensive language pre-watershed on a number of its channels.