Audience Profiling

For our news report, we initially wanted to target a younger teen audience as we feel no news programme exists that delivers to this age group. However, we did feel that this would limit our scope for stories, so therefore we expanded our audience and decided to create a news programme that would target families, as most news programmes target the older generation. This can lead to younger viewers feeling alienated - we felt that as they are the generation of tomorrow, they need to have a grasp on what's going on in their area, so that they can function in that society and cast a meaningful vote when they reach the age of majority.

Presenter standing up could provide a more informal atmosphere

We aim to do this by reporting on stories that are appropriate for all age groups, like our story on the shift from GSCEs to the English Baccalaureate Certificate, for example. Of course, inevitably, some stories will be more relevant for certain age groups but, in general, we would like to report universal stories. We will also target families by using, to a degree, an informal studio layout. This could entail the presenter standing up with a screen behind him, rather than sitting down reporting in the traditional way. This is often used by Channel 4 News. The presenter will also report in a friendly manner as opposed to adopting a stern look, which will appease younger viewers, similarly to The One Show or Daybreak. 

Daybreak
Although Daybreak is a magazine show, it targets a similar audience as they are a family-friendly show. They achieve this by having the presenters open the standing up which provides an informal, more relaxed atmosphere. The use of direct-address and the smiley-faced presenters create a more friendly impression. Obviously, as Daybreak is essentially a magazine show, we will differ in terms of stories as ours will combine serious local issues with some lighter-hearted stories, whereas Daybreak is more an entertainment show.

The One Show
Again, The One Show is not strictly a news report, however, we intend to take a leaf from its book as we would like to adopt a slightly more informal approach. Their use of direct address and conversational style is something we could think about when writing our report. We were also inspired by the way in which the presenters sit in front of a window, which offers an interesting and modern look. We may also consider the way in which the presenters adopt a smart, casual dress code, as Chris Evans and Matt Baker often wear a shirt with the top button undone. This could help us portray a more informal feel.

We may dress our presenters and reporters in smart clothing, such as a jacket and tie, as this would reflect the serious stories we are reporting. In terms of mise-en-scene, our presenter will sit/stand in front of a window which will liven up the studio, while also portraying a modern look which reflects how our news is up-to-date and cutting edge. We also plan to have a blue screen next to the presenter displaying relevant pictures/key facts about the story he's reporting. This will also contribute towards the modern feel. For our sound track, we will either find an uncopyrighted piece of music or devise an original piece. Whichever we do, we will ensure that its orchestral, dramatic and building so that it conveys the severity of the stories that we report. We will light the studio well so that everything can be seen clearly, as we plan to set up the different lights in different locations around our studio so that the whole area is well lit. We will also place a light shining up onto the green screen to eliminate shadows to ensure that we achieve a cleaner green screen effect.

Audience Research

From this video, it is clear that Cathie, a middle-aged woman, expects the local news to be relevant to her and her surroundings. Cathie also said that she dislikes the presenter sitting behind a desk as she feels it is too formal but that he should still wear smart, formal clothing, while she feels that the studio itself could be more picturesque and interesting to look at. Cathie then stated her dislike for the same repeated stories, and instead would prefer more up-to-date stories, while she also said that she prefers the report to be presented from the location that's affected.

Similarly, Eddie, a middle-aged man, stated that he prefers up-to-date stories, that are not constantly repeated, and that are relevant to him and his community. Eddie also said that he prefers stories that are short and concise, giving the key details while avoiding waffle, and that he thinks its important for the the presenter to look smart and serious. Eddie also stated that he prefers the studio to look modern and colourful.

Harley, a young student, said that he rarely watches the news for the simple reason that he fails to connect with the stories. He said he'd watch it more if the stories were more relevant for younger people, and if younger people were represented in the Vox Pops and interviews. Harley also said that he'd prefer a more informal atmosphere and presentation of the studio and the presenter as he feels this would be inclusive for younger viewers. Harley also repeated the fact that the stories are often too long-winded, and said he'd prefer it if it was more concise and just the key details raised.