1. Research a particular TV channel appropriate for documentaries
In this research I have chosen to look at Channel 4, notable sources of information found throughout this research will be hyper-linked where necessary within my research.
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| Channel 4 logo |
What types of company are there?
Channel 4 consists of companies that are independent of itself, this is because Channel 4 is known as a 'publisher-broadcaster' which means that the channel either commissions or buys its programming from the said type of companies and was also known as the first broadcaster in the United Kingdom to do this on a significant scale.
What are the major companies in the US or UK called on your particular channel?
After having a look at Channel 4's TV listings of the day, I found a show called 'Come Dine with Me' made by ITV Studios, suggesting that the studio is one of few major companies in the United Kingdom associated with the chosen channel. Another major company which could be associated with Channel 4 is BBC Studios and Post Production which were the producers of the Channel 4 listed game show, Deal or No Deal.
What are the rules and 'mission statement'/ideology for your channel?
There's an array of rules that Channel 4 has to offer and some of them approve to a younger demographic when they're watching the channel, these rules consist of the following (summarised):- Any children should be protected from unsuitable content by appropriate scheduling.
- 'The Watershed' begins at 9PM, anything unsuitable for children in general should be shown before 9PM or after 5:30AM.
- There must be a gradual transition to more adult based material from the Watershed and not an abrupt change.
- Broadcasters should clearly 'flag up' or warn audiences when prams before the Watershed contains material that may distress some children e.g. killing of animals or surgical procedures etc. though however this is not substitute for appropriate scheduling.
Mission statement
Channel 4's mission statement is summarised and listed below as:- Channel 4's mission is to prove that a channel without public funding can keep its public service values to the fore whilst remaining commercially competitive. The channel requires commercial success in order to fund projects of ambition and risk and to support the range and diversity of its suppliers.
What are the rules and regulations for your channel about broadcasting, does it have a purpose to educate, inform and entertain a balanced audience?
Rules
The rules of broadcasting for Channel 4 go by the Ofcom Broadcasting Code which "is designed to ensure that generally accepted standards are upheld in television programmes in order to protect members of the public from harmful or offensive material." - This also applies to the rules of Channel 4 in general as the young demographic of Channel 4 have been advised not to view the channel after 9PM and they shouldn't be watching anything that may disturb them such as "killing of animals or surgical procedures".
Regulation
The regulations of Channel 4 suggest that the channel requires all online content to adhere to the same standards of good practice as their programmes. The channel therefore expects editorial staff and producers to apply the same principles set out in the Ofcom Broadcasting Code to all/any online content. ATVOD is the independent co-regulator for editorial content of UK video-on-demand services and providers of on-demand programme services are required by law to notify ATVOD before the servicing begins and to also advise the regulator if service closes or undergoes any significant changes.
Is your channel a public service broadcasting channel, or not?
Channel 4 is both a publicly owned and commercially funded public service broadcaster. The channel is also known not to receive any public funding and has a remit to be innovative, experimental and distinctive, the channel is also known to work across television, film and digital media to deliver to their public service remit as outlined in two acts known as the 2003 Communications Act and the most recent 2010 Digital Economy Act.
Explain why you think this channel would be appropriate to broadcast the kind of documentary you want to make, and why?
I think Channel 4 would be an appropriate channel to broadcast the documentary I want to make as the initial thoughts of the documentary that I'm going to make is revolved around school, a place of education which is nothing that should seem controversial or graphic in any way or form. The BBC would also be another channel that could be taken into consideration but however Channel 4 would seemingly be the better road to go down for broadcasting my documentary as more people could be viewing the channel daily.
Summary
From this I have learned about what Channel 4 do in terms of their documentaries, determining whether something they want to broadcast is for children or not and I've also learnt about its rules and regulation. This will give me something to consider following up the documentary I plan on making, something such as ensuring that my documentary is appropriate and is able to be seen by anyone of any type of demographic (e.g. old, middle aged, young etc.).
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