Codes and Conventions

Bulletin
A bulletin is a planned news report on the radio or a sudden story where they break into a regular radio
program. It is also known as a brief report. A bulletin consists of some of the most important headlines
but doesnt stay on the radio for long as they just speak out headlines, in order for the audience to get
the main picture. The audience mostly listen to the radio in the day time, so are most likely to listen to
news at in the day time. Here is an example from radio four.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05q5wbt
Headline
A headline is the title of an article with news that follows so the broadcaster would introduce the
headline then continue with news. A headline is one of the main things that capture the audiences
attention the most, a headline could mean a radio could gain or lose listeners from it. If the headline is
boring then the audience is least likely to listen to what the rest of the broadcaster has to say.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05p6w2j#auto
News program
News program is obviously when the radio station tells the listeners the news, the news consists of
many things including the daily headlines and top stories. Radios will pick out the most interesting
topic in order for the audience to stay interested in the story being portrayed.
Copy and only with audio clips
Copy and the only is when the broadcaster just reads off the script with not cut into location to other
broadcasters that are on location where the news is being set. This means no cross overs or interviews.
Having audio clips mean that the where a news broadcaster has held vocal interviews or information
that has been prerecorded.
Voicers
Voicers are when the main reporter is giving the information and facts from the news story then it cuts
from the reporter to a different reporter giving more facts. By using two different voices it keeps the
listeners interested and adds a break up from just the one voice, it also allows more facts to be
included.
Wraps
A wrap is when the broadcaster goes onto something else, for example theyll cut into the news or play
a song etc. Here is an example from BB radio one where fern cotton wraps it by saying over to Chris
smith, music plays then the newsbeat broadcasters start speaking.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05p6w1d
Live Cross
A live cross is simply when the broadcaster, when reading the news, cuts over to another presenter that
is on location where the news is taking place, where all the news reporters are. Live cross can
sometimes be prerecorded so it is not always live. Having a live cross prerecorded can mean it can be
played at any time so the presenters dont have to be there all day. Having a live cross in a radio
broadcast can grab the audiences attention more by hearing another voice. Meaning that the audience

do not get bored of hearing the same voice constantly. Having a live cross can in a way liven the news
broadcast up a bit, since not all people are interested in the news.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05p6w4p

Two way (live and as live)

A two way a two way live is when both the broadcasters in and out of the studio are having a
conversation. It is when they go out the studio but they are speaking live on location. very similar to a
live cross but can be prerecorded- meaning it can be played out at any time
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05nk9vk#auto
Related to audience
When listening to both radios and reading there radio script there is a clear difference between the
two. Radios ones target audience are mostly young people because the music they play is modern
which will obviously attract younger viewers meaning they will care more for the songs than the news.
Radio Ones script is far shorter than radio fives meaning radio one is far more short and snappy than
radio fives, meaning that the listener will only have to listen to it for only a few seconds, also radio
one dont broadcast there newsbeat show that often, whereas radio five broadcast it far more,
meaning there target audience is aimed at more older people, as most of them prefer listening to the
news more.
Public Service
A public service radio is funded by the British public T.V license fees. The public service news style will
have to relate to a wider audience of different audiences of different ages and interests. Because they
are funded by the public's T.V license they cannot be biased as people will have different views and
since they are the people who are paying for the radio station to air the news has to suit all and they
will have to be politically fair.
A good example of a public service radio station is BBC Radio One, the BBC are funded by the British
T.V license and have a large number of reporters and journalists to gain more information about the
news and to inform more people in detail. Radio 1 also has a lot of listeners and is one of the most
popular radio stations.
Commercial
A commercial radio is obviously funded by commercial companies and advertising industries, these
adverts are played throughout radio shows and before songs are aired. Radios stations such as heart
and local radios such as BBC oxford air commercials. As they are funded by
commercials/advertisements the effect on the news style will be that they have to be unbiased though
they have to make sure that they do not offend any of the people who are fund the radio station.
Being commercial there may be less journalists to cover as many news stories as the public service
stations will be able to, they will be set out more like a bulletin where they will not have as many
wraps or voices. An example of a commercial radio station is XFM, when listening to this radio station
there is a number of advertisements that are played throughout.
http://www.heart.co.uk/ this is an example from Heart Radio, Heart radio is one of the most
commercial radios I have listened to, this is because they are one of the most popular stations, so they
feel they should advertise main/local companies in order to draw in more listeners.

Community
Community radio stations are local radios stations depending on where you live. If you live in oxford
your local radio station would be BBC radio oxford, because it is closer. Local radio stations often cover
news reports that are happening in that area, major big radio stations such as bbc radio 1 cover a wide
range of news report that are happening all over the world, where as local stations focus on local
things. Community is often run by volunteers or people wanting experience on the radio.
The down side to being a community radio station is that they may not get as many interviews as the
larger radio stations and they wont have as many professionally trained journalists. An example of a
community radio station is Salford City Radio Station, this is a community story as it is only
broadcasted in Salford and the news stories that are broadcasted are about the local community.
http://tunein.com/radio/Regatta-Radio-877-s171871/ this is a community radio from Henley called
Regatta radio, this station serves Henley, as it is in the community. The station is only on when the
regatta is on, so basically once a year. The station doesnt have its own site as it is so small, community
radios dont often have this.

Small Scale
Community radio stations often serve
-Hospitals
-University
-College
A small scale radio station is for places such as hospitals, universities or colleges. If you were in
hospital, the hospital would have its own radio so that would be a community radio. Small radio
stations are often funded by local advertisers or the institution has set up a station. As the radio
station is a small one its going to be local and nearby news. Being small scale there will not be as
many larger news stories with interviews and vox-pops, the studio will not have the same facilities that
a large radio station like the BBC or Key103 will have meaning less voicers or wraps. An example of a
small-scale radio station is Shock Radio as it is a university radio station that is only broadcasted
throughout the university. Another example is the Henley Regatta radio that is only broadcast when the
regatta is on. http://tunein.com/radio/UWS-Radio-877-s45491/ this is a small scale radio station, as
you can see, its on a site that helps small scale radios boost popularity.
Local
Local radio stations are scattered everywhere in the UK, for example every county pretty much has
their own small radio station, such as BBC Oxford, Reading and High Wycombe. Local stations often just
mainly focus on local news in that area, However if the news has a big headline it will be read out, but
mainly focuses on local news. Being a small station will mean it has less guests and journalists so some
may find it boring. This is an example of a news report from BBC radio Oxford, as you can hear they
talk about a man from wantage, keeping the new local.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26m-PS19UDI
Regional
Regional stations include places such as North West England, Yorkshire and north east wales, they cover
a larger region meaning more listeners. This stations news style will cover news from different areas
within the regions that were specified. An example of a Regional radio station is Real Radio as they

have specific stations for the regions, another example includes Jack FM, a small station based in
Oxford but is very popular within the oxfordshire area. http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcsomerset

National
National stations are often bright ones that logos and have bright and bubbly disk jockey, these include
stations such as Heart, absolute radio and capital fm. A national radio station covers news from a
national and international news stories, they will not be just local news as that wont be relevant to
everyone who is listening. An example of a national station includes capital FM, this covers a wide
range of news and music. National stations are very popular with audiences across the UK, most of
them have adverts but play a wide range of music for example magic radio based in London play a
variety of music whereas major stations such as radio 1 play mostly modern music which people get
bored of. http://www.capitalfm.com/
Cable satellite and internet
This is a radio station that is played through an internet website or through satellite or cable T.V's, the
news within this type of station will be covering what has been recorded once and then that one news
recording will be played throughout the day at specific times and wont be updated, so the stories are
current and will be relevant for that day. An example of a Satellite radio station is the hits, they play
the same news report that has been recorded and is played at specific times in the day.
http://www.radiotunes.com/ This site helps you select the sort of genre radio you want via the
internet, it gives your more of a choice
Handling of stories involving minors
There are certain guidelines to protect people that are being broadcast on the news or TV or in fact in
journalism. Handling of stories in minority basically protects people from any danger from the media,
so it may be broadcast later, after the watershed, this is to protect young children and any people that
may find events distressing. If minors are involved in a hard news story then they may not name them
for safety of their wellbeing and could affect their mental health. This is the radios version (BBC) of
handling minorities. Radio does not have a watershed. Our scheduling decisions should be based on
the audience expectations of each radio service and informed by our knowledge of when children are
particularly likely to be in our audience. We must take extra care when different generations may be
listening together. This typically applies during the morning and afternoon school runs or during school
holidays. Unexpected or challenging material should be clearly signposted to avoid causing
unjustifiable offence.
The BBC regulations state that children should not be around the radio after the watershed on
television at nine. We should consider using on-air announcements to inform listeners about programs
which contain difficult or controversial material which would otherwise be unexpected on our speech
services such as Radio 4, Radio 5 Live, the World Service and other national and local stations. These
services are predominantly for adult listeners and their audiences expect to hear a full range of issues
and events explored throughout the schedule.
http://media.ofcom.org.uk/news/2004/ofcom-broadcasting-code-focuses-on-protection-of-minorsandimportance-of-freedom-of-expression/
Contempt of court
Contempt of court is when someone goes against the judges or high authoritys orders or decisions, if
someone do this they can automatically be sued. Or prosecuted and face legal action. One of the most
serious contempt of court is posting or broadcasting any material that is not yet said to be active.

Suspected as the main culprit in the bombing of the Olympic Games in Atlanta, Richard Jewell was paid
back for his vigilance in forwarding to the police a package which he thought was suspicious. A little
while later, it blew up the venue and fingers pointed at him for killing one and injuring hundreds. Even
though he wasnt really convicted, the fact that his reputation was tarnished and he was villainized
because of the whole ordeal was bad enough. He was wrongly accused, but gained bad media.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2362798/Pay-Ill-tell-wife-Secret-lover-warns-mysteryBritish-rock-star-cough-reveal-love-child.html#ixzz2Z1M4w0bQ
Libel and defamation
Writing something about someone that isnt true and damages there reputation, libel is
something similar as or deamination except wrote in newspaper, articles and not spoken.
If people do this they can be sued or take legal action against that article. An example of
this is the shocking story of Cliff Richard who is supposedly and falsely accused of sex
with underage children, abusing his status.
There was no proof of this and turned out not to be true. However many news channels
and articles published this story meaning they could face legal action for publishing the
story. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2968942/Historical-sex-offence-inquiryCliff-Richard-expanded-significantly-say-police.html
Coverage of Elections
Cover of elections has to be non-biased and fair when broadcast on televisions and newspapers.
Although its sometimes clear a certain channel or newspaper would way to one side of the event. If
scandals with parties come out of the newspaper they may pay more attention to another one that
might not want to highlight too much, however, it is something that the public need to know.
Official secret act
This is a law that protects any government secret that may damage national security if it were made
public. For example if any strategies or documents were leaked that would put the UK at risk, it would
be dealt with immediately. However there are disadvantages of this act as the government keeps things
hidden from the public that at times should be released. However, it is quite a rare thing for something
to be leaked. However no journalist have really been arrested, under the legalization act. , however
some of these sources have been. In 2007, David Keogh and Leo OConnor were jailed for six months for
leaking a memo between the prime minister and the president.
The Official Secrets Act 1989 makes it a criminal offence to obtain or publish any information from a
serving or former member of the security and intelligence services or from certain categories of civil
servants or public contractors where that disclosure would be damaging. There is no public interest
defence. If it is anticipated that a project will stray into this complex area of law, referral to your
commissioning editor and programme lawyer should be made immediately.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6639947.stm
Ofcom
Ofcom are an organization that help to write about rules and regulations of the media industry, they
help layout the guidelines and rules of the what should and shouldnt be said in the industry, the give
out legalizations and statements. For example it states Ofcom is required under the Communications
Act 2003 (as amended) (the Act) and the Broadcasting Act 1996 (as amended) (the 1996 Act) to
draw up a code for television and radio, covering standards in programmers, sponsorship, product
placement in television programmers, fairness and privacy. This Code is to be known as the Ofcom
Broadcasting Code (the Code). Broadcasters are reminded of the legislative background that has
informed the rules of the principles that apply to each section, the meanings given by Ofcom and of

the guidance issued by Ofcom, all of which may be relevant in interpreting and applying the Code. No
rule should be read in isolation but within the context of the whole Code including the headings, crossreferences and other linking text. The ofcom site states that Broadcasters are required by the terms of
their Ofcom license to observe the Standards Code and the Fairness Code, which are to be interpreted
as references to this Code. This states that broadcasters should be fair.
BBC
The BBC lay out strict instructions to broadcasters on what is expectable and what isnt. The BBC set
out rules specifically for them, this is due to them being a public service broadcaster and having to
represent the license fee payers fairly and equally. The guidelines state that we aim to reflect the world
as it is, including all aspects of the human experience and the realities of the natural world. But we
balance our right to broadcast innovative and challenging content with our responsibility to protect the
vulnerable from harm and avoid unjustifiable offence. We will be sensitive to, and keep in touch with,
generally accepted standards as well as our audiences'
expectations of our content, particularly in relation to the
protection of children. The statement is basically saying that they
care about there audiences well being and wish to provide the
best service possible.
The BBC must balance the public interest in freedom of
expression with the legitimate expectation of privacy by
individuals. Any infringement of a legitimate expectation of
privacy in the gathering of material, including secret recording
and doorstepping, must be justifiable as proportionate in the
particular circumstances of the case.
Series and sensational stories
This is when stories are hyped up in order for the public to be
more drawn to the story. It is hyped up to increase listeners and
viewers. It can be done by appealing to people emotions or
purposely controversial. These stories are the ones that
normally get a lot of attention from viewers. For example this article is a
classic sensational story that has been hyped up for people to buy it, the
story of Freddie star apparently eating someones hamster was hyped up
in order for sales to increase. They do this to sell more and gain more
publicity by using a celebrity. For example this artickle on Freddie Starr eating someones hamster
caused a stur, the headline wasnt even real, but was printed to cause a stur, gaining the newspaper
more money.
Invasion of privacy
Everyone has the right to have privacy; however, stories about
people private life appear on a regular basis. An invasion of
privacy is often when something is leaked or hacked by
journalists. A recent story involves hunger games star Jennifer
Lawrence, where her phone was hacked through Icloud and
inappropriate pictures were leaked. Well known invasion privacy
is off course Princess Diana, she had constant paparazzi and
media buzz throughout and at the end of her marriage to Prince
Charles, One of her most famous but tragic headlines was when
she died. Princess Diana was one of the most popular women in the world,
especially after the marriage to Prince Charles, a lot of the nation took her

into their hearts after being a great worker with charities, this is why the public interest was so high
for her.

Story priority
Broadcasters and journalists will want to publish the best and most engaging story and headline that
there is going. They are normally celebrity focused or news about earthquakes and natural disasters
ect. They will pick out the most interesting stories of the day and what they think the public would
want to read or listen about the most. For example take a look at these recent headlines, the daily
mail goes for the Robert Downey jnr story instead of
one about an organ donor. They are both different
stories that are completely opposite to each other.
However I personally think I would rather read about
the daily mail article because it is rare for someone
as famous as him to do it, where as the other article
doesnt really
grab you as
much as the
first.
However when
broadcasting
events in
order on
television,
they would defiantly most likely go with the story on the right
because it is so rare, so audiences will hear something they
havent heard before. Whereas the article on the right would probably be broadcast last as its a
celebrity story, channels such as bbc news dont often broadcast things about celebrities where as
channel five news have more of a variety and would broadcast it first.

Immediacy
Immediacy is the speed in which the story is reported, for example major world events are normally
breaking news, for example back in 2001 with the twin towers being hit was so sudden and shocking it
broke news all around the world. Breaking news captures the audiences attention pretty much
immediately, especially when it goes to location and you see events unfold as its happening on tv, 9/11
was a classic example of this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfguSwWeXOw&t=00m55s starts at
00:55

Follow up angles
This is when more is reported on an existing story, for example an event may have happened then a
few days later they might be an update or follow up on the story. An example of this is the missing of
Madeline McCann, the event occurred in 2007 when she was suddenly taken. The story has been

reoccurring for years since then, giving the audience updates on police reports etc. Giving the audience
news updates keeping the listener engaged. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-17844172
Availability of Audio
Having audio clips when news from the radio is being broadcast is very helpful to really get the feel of
the story. It helps drawn in listeners by hearing a different persons voice. Different voices give the
audience a better feel of where the location is and makes it feel more realistic. If the news reader on
the radio just read out the news without anyone else being involved would be boring, so the fact they
cut to different locations give it more of a variety. Here is a story about the bankers of England
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10318236
Human interest
Human interest is normally when interviewing people they cry or look emotional, this is either genuine
or put on, either way, the audiences sympathizes with them, making the public sympathies with them.
It helps gain attention by making the
audience relate to the story and makes
the audience synthesize towards the
people involved. An example of this is
Zayn Maliks last stage appearance with
One Direction, with millions of devoted
fans worldwide, it caused a media storm
when he left the band. This means a lot
of younger audiences around the world
sympathize with this news.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3013487/WATCH-Zayn-Malik-CRIES-stage-emotionalfinal-performance-One-Direction.html
Public interest agenda
This is providing information on matters of significance to a number of different audiences. This would
be a huge public interest as the NHS is one of the most precious things in the UK, it is also close to
peoples hearts and everyone would be nothing without it, this is why the interest for this article is so
high.
http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/feb/06/mid-staffs-hospital-scandal-guide