TV: Programming and Content

The nature of news may have changed over the years, but content continues to be king. It sells in print; grabs eyeballs in television, and drives the newest kid on the block- digital media. It is content that distinguishes one media outlet from another. It also underpins the economic basis of all media.

Technology has been a key driver in the way content is being produced, transmitted, and consumed. Technology determines the production of news content as well as its consumption. For example, content gathered on a smartphone will be produced and consumed differently. In this case, the eventual consumer can consume it even when mobile.

Finally, technology impacts the bottom lines of media companies. It pares down the number of employees required to perform a job. This is true of companies like NDTV that has practically done away with bulky camera units that require specialist technicians in favor of hand-held mobile phones. So have video editors been retrenched since smartphone software even allows for this?

Importance of quality content

Content and programming mix drives ratings and the time spent on the channel, which in turn drives revenue. Good content is also smart content. The content should be ideally targeted towards consumers who relate to the program and have purchasing power. After all, advertisers who back much of the content produced across platforms need the assurance that their product is reaching the target audience.

This helps create brand affinity for the news organization. It also helps nurture audience interest in the news product.

Types of TV content

The TV content can be broadly divided into three categories:

1. Live Content

2. Produced Content

3. Syndicated Content

The audience gathers information about broadcast content through the Electronic Programming Guide (EPG). Every cable operator on the digital addressable system provides for EPG. The channels are arranged and indexed in a simple and easy manner so that the view& can decide what to watch, rather than flip through individual channels. The channels are arranged genre-wise like GEC, News, sports, etc. Live Content: Live content is news/event/content broadcast in real-time. The best example is 'Live' cricket or football match telecast. In the news segment 'Live' could be a press conference, a political meeting, or event proceeds of parliament or state legislature.

Produced Content: Produced content is content that is produced exclusively for a TV network. It can be both fiction and non-fiction and is broadcast primarily on non-news channels. Fiction-based content largely includes soaps and serials. Examples of fiction shows are Kasauti, Naagin, etc. The fiction content is usually produced by independent production houses. Some of the big production houses that produce fiction content are Balaji, Neela Telefilms, Hats Off Production, etc. 

Content produced for reality TV networks like Discovery, Animal Planet, or even channels that cater to the 'kids' genre is the non-fiction content. Examples of such content are Big Boss, KBC, Indian Idol, etc. The non-fiction shows are produced by production houses like Endemol, Cinevista, Essel Vision, etc.

Mutually agreed contracts are signed for such a purpose between the TV networks and private producers, and it generally includes production costs, number of serials/episodes, and deadlines. 

These channels produce content that goes on air after some time, maybe a day or even weeks after production.

Differences between Fiction and Non-Fiction content 

The differences are obvious, yet they need to be spelled out. These are principally in the way programs are conceptualized, produced, and formatted. 

Firstly, the fiction show has a story and script and is shot mostly indoors. In the case of non-fiction, it is the other way round. Sets are outdoors and there is only a concept/script to go by. It is also formatted differently involving contestants, host, guests, and judges. 

Secondly, fiction is cheaper and costs around Rs 10-12 lakhs per episode; mythological serials can at times be two to five times more expensive. Non-fiction on the other hand can cost upwards of Rs 50 lakhs. 

Thirdly, two or more episodes can be shot in one single day in a fiction show, while only one episode of a reality show like Big Boss can be shot in that time. However, in some cases like the reality show like Jhalak, even two episodes can be shot in one day. 

Finally, fiction is normally telecast during the week, whereas non-fiction is broadcast on weekends with the notable exception of KBC and Big Boss.