GCSE MEDIA STUDIES: 2015

Tuesday, 17 March 2015

MOCK PAPER

Answer all tasks.

All tasks carry equal marks

01 In our view the function of Television News is to:

· Spark interest in current affairs and world events.

· Inform the audience in an unbiased way.

· Explain complex issues and events in a way which makes them clear.

How successful is television news in doing this? Provide examples drawn from your research into TV News Broadcasts.

(15 marks)

02 We are convinced that a TV news broadcast in the early evening is the right thing for our audience and our channel. Do you think we are right? Give reasons for your answer.

(15 marks)

03 Provide us with ideas for our “tea-time” news broadcast. We need:

· a suggestion for the timeslot which you think would be most suitable

· a brief explanation of the “brand image” for our news show including the set design and selection and presentation of news anchors

· a brief outline of how we would decide on which stories would be given priority and how this would be used in the broadcast

· suggestions for audience interactivity

· a brief explanation of why your TV news will appeal to our target audience.

(15 marks)

04 The opening titles are really important in catching the audience’s attention. Create a 30 second opening title sequence, using the ten frame storyboard sheet enclosed.

(15 marks)

You have received this press release which has been e-mailed to TV production companies across the country by YSTV (Young and Smart TV) which is a new channel which will be launching soon and specialise in broadcasting to the 14-25 demographic.

YSTV

www.youngsmart.tv Date: 26 November 2014

YSTV is launching in early 2015 and we need your help.

Our target audience might be young but they are interested in current affairs and want to understand what is happening in the world around them, as well as be entertained. They are not content with celebrity news and fashion advice. YSTV want you to pitch your ideas on how we can create a modern, informative news show for the 21^st century which will inform but not talk down to our audience.

You will need to be available on Monday 8^th January to pitch your ideas.

“What we are looking for is a tv news show which is relevant to our target audience and will engage and inform them in important events and current affairs.” says Jacob Pennington, the channel’s commissioning editor. “The TV Broadcast will be at the centre of our news programming but we know that many of our audience expect a multi-platform experience from their media output so we are also interested in how you would use other platforms.”

“We are looking for originality and new ideas but we also need audiences to immediately recognise that this is a TV news broadcast so some elements of the broadcast will need to be conventional. We are also required to adhere to the UK regulations surrounding TV broadcasting and the news.”

“The news can also deal with some very difficult and unpleasant subject matter. Our News show will be broadcast in the early evening so we need to adhere to pre-watershed guidelines, so the advice is to make sure your ideas are suitable,” Mr Pennington explained.

Remember, time is short. Final tips are to keep your pitch ideas short and focussed. You can use diagrams or illustrations and don’t forget to provide plenty of examples, where appropriate, to support your ideas.

So, it is up to you to use your knowledge and show us what you know about TV news. This could be your company’s chance to move in to the big time!