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Introduction to Broadcasting MCM 411

LESSON 03

CURRENT AFFAIRS

As the title suggests matters of day to day life featuring in different broadcasts are placed in

the category of current affairs. As no channel can survive without broadcasting news, there is

also no escape from making programs of current affairs. So wide is the scope of current affairs

programs that we need to put them in a classified manner.

Talk Shows

Generally an expert is called to speak 7-8 minutes on a subject of current interest. This is

followed by a talk between him and an anchorperson. Such programs usually last for 25-30

minutes with the main purpose of giving a detailed view of an issue which has surfaced

recently in one way or the other. Or a new dimension assumed by an old issue, may also be

the topic for the talk in these shows.

Discussions

More than one person are invited to take part in a discussion on the pattern of round-table

conference in which every participant is given equal weight and right to speak from his/her

individual point of view. The compere plays the role of conducting the program. A lot of training

is required to compere such programs as in these programs every body wants to talk more

and loud. At times it is not manageable to continue the discussion, especially if it is a political

issue, or regional matter in which strong arguments exist on both sides of the line-of- opinion.

The role of compere here is to cool down the matters and take the program to a logical

conclusion so that listeners should benefit more, rather than feeling a bad taste in the mouth at

the close of the program. Some time some compere tend to take side with one opinion and

then with others only to generate a heated debate, and in their wisdom, making the program

interesting and lively. As far it does not cause a heart burning to any interest-group, or any ill-

will, there is no harm in doing so. But generally such an approach is not encouraged; an

anchorperson should stay as neutral in a discussion as possible.

Interviews

Interviews are the live-wire for current affairs for any broadcasting house. Every expert in his

or her area of operation is not imparting information all the time which is in the interest of

common people. Some time the people with high opinion on matters of common interest are

so busy with their routine life that they do not get time and space to share their expertise with

the people. Broadcasting houses get hold of these people and with the help of an interviewer,

who is usually very well acquainted with the subject, hold an exclusive question-answer

session called, an interview, with them.

Since interviews, is a huge area, it is divided into sub-categories:

Single Person Interviews: Here an expert is asked questions by one person to cover

the issue as much as possible.

Panel Interviews: This category refers to an interview conducted by more than one

person. For instance three people interview the Prime Minister. Panel interviews are held for a

person holding a top slot where he or she is performing multiple tasks. Experts in the panel

ask questions in which they can easily talk, to make common people understand the

intricacies of the issue in a rather simple fashion.

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Introduction to Broadcasting MCM 411

Interviews may be about a personality. You interview many literary people to know more

about the person of Ghalib or Faiz. A politician, a sportsperson or a philanthropist may be the

focus for this category of interviews.

Interviews may be about a situation. You collect information by interviewing scores of people

about the havoc caused by an earthquake, a fire in a building, a storm or a crime.

And lastly, interviews may be about a topic like health. You question a number of doctors

about an epidemic, which has recently hit a town.

Seminars

A very favorite category in current affairs is arranging seminars for the purposes of

broadcasting. Here a sizeable audience is invited with an expert presiding over the session.

One or two speakers first make their presentation on a topic of current interest in any arena of

life varying from religion, economics, sports, childcare to cinema-world. Their speeches follow

questions from audience (on controversial matters it is difficult to control audience as well as

speakers). The chairperson is however, there to keep matters in control. The questions

session is followed by remarks and observation of the presiding person who generally

summarize the topic and announces conclusion of the sitting.

Live Shows

Usually arranged for the purpose of entertainment, but it is not a text book rule. These shows

may be on any topic - to honor your national hockey team which has won a world

championship; for the artist from neighboring country who have come to participate in some

fund-raising campaign, or to show how balloting process is going on the day general elections

for the National Assembly are held. These shows generally generate more interest and involve

more people into a discussion. The script for such shows is usually written in a lighter mood,

enabling people to participate with more freedom and without the fear of being very formal

when the microphone is pointed towards them.

But one point must be borne in the mind about these shows- it is at the same time a test of

nerves for the producer for any person can say any thing in any manner which a broadcasting

house cannot afford to air! Say Bravo to producers who take up the challenge of doing a live

show.