The four different TV presenters I will be analyzing are as follows:
- News Broadcaster - Amy Goodman, Democracy Now!
- Documentary Narrator - Ross Kemp, Ross Kemp: Extreme World
- Reality TV Host - Jeremy Kyle, The Jeremy Kyle Show
- Game Show Presenter - Alexander Armstrong & Richard Osman, Pointless
Analysis:
- Verbal techniques - Goodman assures her knowledge of the situation to the viewer, providing facts and data, as well as news coverage, of the ongoing protests concerning the Dakota Access Pipeline. She is rather monotone in her delivery and accent, making for a clear yet rather mundane presentation; however, Goodman's tone of delivery does somewhat help differentiate her from other typical newscasters. This is because she does come off as caring about the situation without not becoming too emotionally attached to the situation. She does, of course, bring what you might call a "liberal bias" to the spectrum, but that would be the right view as it is meant to be transparent and objective analysis, not what has become of modern day journalism within the U.S. (i.e. "neutrality bias"). This of course fits the agenda of the broadcast as its target audience is mean't to be aimed at a mostly liberal, progressive demographic, and thus appropriate to the audience.
- Visual techniques - Goodman's dress code is not uncommon among most news broadcasters. Here, broadcasting from North Dakota, she is seen wearing a thick coat, beanie and scarf to help keep her warm from the elements. It is simple yet moderate dress wear intend only to serve as warmth from the cold night in North Dakota. You can almost tell that appearances do not matter for Goodman, as the camera focuses on her upper body via a middle close-up camera angle. This helps maintain a close interaction with the camera yet also makes it so that Goodman is more intimate with her audience, as she takes center stage as a reporter, a guide for news. Her expression is somewhat plain yet has a hint of smile about her; however, she uses little in the terms of body language or physical expression, instead relying on her verbal techniques to get the news across. This tends to work well with the target audience, as Democracy Now! attract a liberal, progressive and millennial demographic that want to get their facts, data and policy substance. They need not express themselves in such an extravagant way. Footage of protests are shown in the clip itself with commentary on the events provided by Goodman herself, as well as an interview taken earlier. This cut-ways help display a visual illustration of the action taken, and gives audiences at home a better understanding of the current event.
- Context - Democracy Now! is a hour long American TV, radio and internet news program hosted by journalists Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez. It is described by both fans and critics to be a progressive network, combining news reporting, investigative journalism and political commentary. As stated on their website, Democracy Now Productions, the independent nonprofit organization which produces Democracy Now!, is funded entirely through contributions from listeners, viewers, and foundations and does not accept advertisers, corporate underwriting or government funding. This makes it a sorts of 'of the people, for the people' network. They broadcast on the internet and by nearly 1,400 radio and TV stations worldwide. Studio locations are predominately located within New York City, such as places on Manhattan Island. As for the clip itself, Goodman is reporting on the North Dakota Access Pipeline and the problems it has been causing, with mass protests over the hazards it has caused. Goodman broadcast live from Mandan, North Dakota. The show attracts a very liberal and progressive fan base, which spans across demographics. What the show depends on is having a mostly left-wing audience that agree with their philosophy and reporting, and use it as a source of information. In return, their views keep them on air.
2. Ross Kemp - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_HK5i5Uh2o
Analysis:
- Verbal techniques - the breath of vocab is not as large as one would expect coming from a documentary presenter; nevertheless, Kemp more than makes up for it. Kemp phrases his answers in a way that is intended to get as much out of his interviews as possible, as he intends to learn more about the human trafficking found within Mumbai, India. His phrasing can throw off certain individuals as they tend to not want to discuss such information with any reporter. Kemp's accent and tone of speaking come off from his upbringing in the east-end of London in Barking, thus making for a colloquial tone of accent and delivery of words. His voice is assertive and masculine in tone, coming across as confrontational yet knowing when to back off where necessary, in order to not escalate a given situation further. He nevertheless remains consistent in his work, and follows this up with a good grasp of knowledge in the field of human trafficking and sex slavery in India. This is backed up in the clip by a local journalist looking on how to find the inner workings of the system, and Kemp puts this across that as a dangerous yet valiant effort.
- Visual techniques - Kemp is dressed rather plainly yet smart, dark blue buttoned up shirt with the sleeves pulled up, black trousers and boots. He is on the ground almost combat ready, making methodical movements in an effort to get across the dangerous elements of sex work within India. Kemp comes off as very manly and masculine in his expressions and tone of speaking, as well as his physical gestures and movements. He is assertive in his speech, almost empirical when demanding answers from his interviewees. As for his narrative commentary over certain clips of the program, he acts more as a tour guide for the viewer, so the audience can catch up on the program at hand. Indeed the show itself moves rather fast for a documentary, relying on a number of visual effects and camera angles to capture the landscape of Mumbai, India. For example, the establishing shot on the shanty towns, as well as the wide shots of the trains, give off an atmosphere relatable to that of overpopulation. The compacted area could prove rather intimidating to any viewer, but not Kemp, who undertakes this for the audience. Kemp keeps his composure and saves face by putting on an expression of understanding.
- Context - a documentary series being broadcast under production companies Tiger Aspect Productions and Mongoose Productions for Sky 1. It is distributed via Endemol UK, and settings vary from the cities of Chicago and countries like Congo, depending on the subject at hand. Kemp himself serves as an executive producer on the show, in addition to presenting the documentaries being shot. The clip itself follows Ross Kemp on a trip to India, where he investigates a Mumbai brothel. The target audience for such a series itself would predominately attract an adult male audience, perhaps middle-aged; however, these demographics could vary depending on which issue is being covered for a particular episode. Still the show is presented in a very masculine way, and it helps that Kemp's style of presenting enforces this notion. The title of the show, Extreme Worlds, gives off a hardcore vibe that would no doubt endear a more male demographic, as men are typically associated with such bold and violent words, as stereotypical as it may sound.
3. Jeremy Kyle - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_ihYcsfVZ0
Analysis:
- Verbal techniques - Kyle is very assertive and empirical in his language, usually having to talk over his guests due to their constant bickering and arguing. Thus this is a great asset for him to have, as he does not lose the narrative of the show and maintains control throughout. It is his job as the host to keep the show moving on, and he must ensure nothing stalls that. His use of language is very simplistic yet still somewhat refined, borderline colloquial but has an air of authority when it comes to using words. His breath of vocab is admittedly not so large, instead relying on simplistic words and language patterns that relate to the live audience, viewers and average guests. This ensures all understand and take in what he is saying. Kyle likes to raise his voice to get a point over, trying to paint a picture of the situation for the audience. At times calm, other times loud ad some times even baffled, Kyle seems to have a bipolar tone of voice. Depending on the situation at hand, Kyle changes his tone in order to best fit the situation. Should things escalate however, Kyle can come off as annoyed, frustrated disappointed and even angry. This helps him maintain an air of authority on set.
- Visual techniques - Kyle dresses smart, with slacks, a suit jacket and buttoned-up dress shirt. It tends to differentiate him from the rest of his audience and guests, as they seem casually clothed or usually wear track suits. This makes him come off as the authority figure, as the guide and anchorman for the show. He can be very stern and narrowed face when staring down his opposition, yet can also be very understanding. Of course here in this clip he can hardly understand the words coming from the Scotsman's mouth, and it makes for a rather peculiar setting. Often times Kyle face palms in annoyance and disbelief at his guests, or even widens his eyes before them, to express just how dumbfounded he is about them. It is an expressive manner common among reality TV hosts. Kyle tends to move his legs more than he would sway his hands, often only tilting his head in motion as to when he should bark back at a guest in order to get a point across. Often times he may become baffled and face palm to show his disbelief. Kyle prefers to sit at the opposite of his guests on the wooden steps as he interacts with his guests and audience, usually standing up and moving about, especially should things get out of hand. Kyle has to be versatile and put on a brave face for the audience at home and in the studio. This ensures we know he understands the situation at hand and has full control over it. Other times it can show his personal disgust towards a particular guest or situation.
- Context - the clip itself sees a woman appear on the show and it concerns her fiance, the "Angry Scottish Man". She is convinced he is a cheater, having stolen his SIM card from his phone and found out that he has been watching porn, as well as finding messages to other women. As for the show itself, it is under the production of ITV Studios, being shot in a studio located at MediaCityUK. The setting of the studio itself has a blue themed-driven set, grey yet light colors help reflect the reality driven orientation of the show. The shades of reality however tend to have a more black and white view when it comes to Kyle's emphasis of traditional family values. The target audience of course would be aimed mostly at adults, middle-aged individuals and perhaps even seniors; still, the show tends to have a much broader appeal. Reality TV tends to feed off of the tragedy of other people's situations, as harsh as that may sound. However. it is what draws in an audience.
4. Alexander Armstrong & Richard Osman - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NA-XuRFQyTc
Analysis:
- Verbal techniques - Armstrong is always the one to maintain the narrative and keep the show moving forward, so as to conserve air time for the broadcast. Meanwhile, Osman serves as the informative one, seated at a desk delivering data where required. This dynamic enables for both presenters to play off one another, as Armstrong tends to be the one to speak first then refer back to Osman for detail, who then in turn returns control of the narrative right back to his co-presenter. Both can be very articulate in their language, particularly Armstrong, who has the role of reading out the questions and giving necessary info, with Osman himself adding extra detail where necessary. Osman himself is from Essex though tends to not have such a distinct accent, much like Armstrong, who uses a sophisticated, Northumberland accent. They are not posh so to speak, but very mild-mannered and gentlemen like, making them amiable towards the audience and viewers. Good manners count for a quiz show such as this.
- Visual techniques - both dress in smart appeal. They present in a sophisticated style while playing off of one another in a satirical manner. It helps show that they are both good friends and can have banter, which makes the audience somewhat relaxed and relived. It fits the setting of the program, as you would not want two confrontational, quarreling presenters on what is meant to be a quiz show. This is meant to reflect the demographic of middle-aged individuals and seniors, who predominately watch Pointless when it is broadcasted. Both are rather plain in expression and gesture; however, they are always gleeful in their presenting and make sure to put a smile on their audiences face. Of course before remain pre-occupied in their presenting positions (Armstrong standing at the podium; Osman sitting at the desk), and have little in terms of movement.
- Context - in this particular clip, both Armstrong and Osman display their typical styles of presenting for a special mini-ad for their new upcoming book which concerns the show and themselves. They hype up the product in typical-Pointless fashion, using the score thermometer that the show is known for. The studio location is situated in one of many Elstree Studios, Elstree being a term used to describe many current and defunct British TV film studios. Pointless's style, that of a quiz show, tends to attract a older audience consisting mostly of middle-aged people and seniors. The demographics tend to scale around here. Endemol UK serve as distributors for the program and Remarkable TV produce the show for broadcasting on BBC One. With no breaks and a time-limit of 45 minutes (an extra 5 for Celebrity Pointless), the show draws in its crowd for 5:15 PM, with even a younger audience being able to have time to catch the programming, as it is after school hours.
