The National and its Ideologies: Content, Authenticity, and Validity:

Generally, it is assumed that the ideology of traditional news programming will be concerned with valid content that is representative of important current events in our society as well as the delivery of this content in a neutral style characterized by unbiased reporting. Typical news programming also generally attempts to convey a sense of authenticity in its reporting, delivering “real news” and “in-depth” reports on issues that would be of concern to its demographic audience.

When beginning to code The National, it was assumed that it would be consistent with an ideology based on content, authenticity and validity; the findings listed in the table below confirm this assumption. Assumptions can also be made in regard to the type of individual that watches the national; one who is concerned with authenticity in news reporting, relevant issues, and both quality and quantity in the delivery of news reports would be assumed to consume such a form of news programming.

The vast majority of the stories reported on during The National can be placed in the “relevant issue stories” category; they are generally political, social, or environmental in nature, and generally concern issues that would be important to most Canadians. Reporting is conducted on issues at both the international (i.e.: the war in Afghanistan, British soldiers held in Iran), and the national level (i.e.: Canadian politics, environmental issues in BC). In 3 episodes that were coded, 35 “relevant” issue stories were presented, and only one “entertainment” story appeared, this story concerned a Canadian artist, rather than a Hollywood or international celebrity, so even this could be possibly placed with stories that are relevant to Canadians.

Stories on The National are also generally more in depth and well over 60 seconds in length (stories using reporters other than the host range from 2-4 minutes in length, stories reported on by the host are just under 60 seconds, and longer documentary-style stories and political panels rang from 10-20 minutes in length). Reporters are generally used to convey adequate information in regard to the issue in question- the majority of stories are not just “news blurbs” or simple a headlines with no other information to back them up. For example, reporters place the story in its context, comment on those involved and the politics of the issue, how Canadians and local people could be affected, and where the story might go next.

The reporting style used on The National is also very neutral in its tone, this lends to a conveyance of authenticity and validity in the content of the program. Reporters and Host do not give their opinion on the issues they are covering, allowing the viewed to develop their own ideas and opinions on the story at hand. Tone of voice also does not change, sarcasm, for example, is never detected, emotion is not shown and tone of voice is generally quite flat- generally it is impossible to tell how the reporter or host feels about the issues they are reporting on. It any form of bias does appear in a story it is in the form of quotes taken from individuals with whom the story concerns (e.g.: quotes from politicians, activists, etc). Mode of dress for both host and reporters is rather conservative, aiding in the neutrality put forth by the program. When graphics are used in a story, they generally as a way to provide viewers with additional information, they are generally conservative in their appearance (black, white, grey, and red), yet bold enough to convey importance without being flashy; this can also be seen as a continuance of an image of relevant content, authenticity, validity, and neutrality of reporting.

Sarah