TV NEWS INTRODUCTION ANALYSIS

Before I begin analysing, please skip to 1:50 seconds on the video. I will be analysing China News (CCTV4, China 2014). This video is a Compilation of different starting sequences for News all over the world - watching most of it will only prove our points as a class, further.

During one of our classes, all of us analysed what we thought the iconography was of TV News starting sequences. We came up with these results:

• Clocks and Time
• Rushing graphics/visuals/camera movements
• Things that connote Technology (e.g. Space)
• The world from space
• Landmarks from Cities
• Satalites
• Fast, beat-driven, music
• Transparency/Eyes
• Colours

We decided that these were the iconography because after watching different introductions, all of these were included with most.

China News Sequence:

This introduction begins with the world, quickly rotating accompanied by music that is playing String instruments. Already a second in we are getting an overview from space, looking over the world as if this particular broadcast will let us know everything that is happening all around the world. As the sequence continues we fade to large yellow/golden blocks that come together to create the title China News. This part of the introduction involves the graphics, although these are not rushing really. When the writing is in gold, we discussed that it's connoting that it has a sense of value to offer for the audience and that the broadcast is trying to rush the opening sequence so it can give us the news. The writing is also very bold which immediately catches our attention. The news starting sequence itself only lasts around 15 seconds, but it's quick, punchy and loud - it grabs our attention right from the very beginning which is something that most news introductions plan to do - it will always have a sense of urgency to it. The music helps it announce its importance from the very beginning and when it all comes together with the bold writing, the world in the background and the music, it has a sense of precision. Colours are very important with news introductions, notice how it's usually the colours of business, it's never usually colours you'll find in your home. They are very bold, reds/blues/yellows which capture your attention. 

I especially like how at the end of the sequence, we still have this overlook of the world, connoting that we are witnessing this from space & we have this technology to do so - proving that we are in a High Tech Industry. Although this particular sequence doesn't include ALL of the iconography from the list above, it contains enough to prove a point. 

But what is just as important as the opening sequence of the news broadcast? The Newsreaders. Unfortunately, this particular sequence that I have analysed stops as soon as it's finished and I can't find an extract of newsreaders without a blooper or a fart noise edited in, so I will explain and use photos. The newsreaders are basically presenters of the news - although they do NOT present it. Portraying the news takes a lot of technique. Newsreaders must remain professional, in the sense that they must remain expressionless. This is so their personalities can not shine through and express any opinions that they share about the topic on the news. Another form of Neutrality is the way they deliver the news, it is always spoken in "Standard English" there isn't usually an accent from Liverpool or Manchester. The newsreaders are always addressing the audience too, (we know they are reading from a prompter) but they stare towards the camera, addressing us at home, keeping communication and informing us about the importance around the world. This is usually presented as the newsreaders are almost, always waiting for the camera and when the camera hits them, we can see them sitting behind the desk or waiting, ready to give us the news. If you rewatch some of the footage from the video above, you can see little extracts of the newsreaders ready and waiting.