Newscast analysis
The radio newscast that I have analysed is Sky News. Sky News update
their radio channel with new and interesting stories every hour. The stories
that I have listened to and analysed are the 10 am stories, which mean that the
possible target audience could be working adults who are interested in politics
and the current issues as majority of the stories were about current political
affairs. However, the target audience may have also been parents who have young
toddlers as the third story was about tooth decay and the parents’
responsibilities towards their child’s teeth. Also this newscast is aimed at
everyone who is entitled to free service from the NHS. In addition, I know that
the newscast was not aimed at young teenagers as this broadcast took place at
10 am which every young child (in London) is likely to be in education. The
reason Sky News may have aired this newscast at 10 am is because their prime
target audience may have been adults who are likely on their way to work, or at
work on a break.
The key conventions that I noticed were allowing members of the public
(like the GP Elle Canon and activist Hannah) to have their own voice insert.
Sky News has included a voice insert from a GP who opposes the changes to be
made. They have provided a balanced argument to the NHS story which is
effective because their viewers may also agree and have different opinions to
PM David Cameron’s. This is common as radio news casts tend to have
interviews with people talking about the issue they have raised. Also one of
the conventions followed was a brief introduction and conclusion to the radio
newscast; this is very important as it engages the audience and maintains an
order of professionalism.
The lead story was about the possible changes in law regarding NHS
service and also the conservatives, in particular PM David Cameron. I think
this is the lead story because it affects almost everyone in London because it
is a service used by the British public. Moreover, this story is interesting
and applies to the current NHS system therefore more people will want to know
more about it. This story impacts masses of people therefore it is another
reason to be the lead story, another reason why this may be the lead story is
because it includes a vital member of the public- the prime minister. The
presenter(s) may have ranked the stories in order of importance, the Wonga
scandal came second which is interesting, recent and will get people talking.
The third story was of 11 year olds and the idea of being victims of revenge
porn, this is also a crucial aspect which they have covered because as
technology is advancing so are the young children which shows that Sky News are
up to date which society. Also the fourth story was of the 3 year old which is
the least important and lastly the weather which is of everyone’s concern but
not newsworthy enough to be highlighted as the lead or follow up.
I have realised that the only sound effect used was silence, perhaps
this was because they were all serious stories which needed a lot of attention
and key focus. An unconventional aspect of this radio newscast is that I did
not recall a jungle or theme song of sky news. Almost all radio/news
corporations have a jingle throughout or a theme song which is widely
recognised by their viewers.
Overall, I think this was an appealing newscast bearing in mind that
this was about serious topics rather than entertainment. I think it would have
been better if there was a variety of sounds which will enhance the quality and
make it appealing to listen to.
