Connotations of News Intro Sequences

Rushing graphics or camera movements is used to connote the urgency of the information that is being gathered whilst the intro is happening. This gives the viewer the feel of being presented with the most important information at that current time.

Transparent objects and eyes connote the transparency within the news. This means that nothing is hidden from the viewers and all is shown. This is often done by using a transparent background to be able to see the news room and all of the workers doing their jobs. News teams will also show constructions of the news such as the cameras, lighting and backdrops. This shows the viewers that nothing is hidden and it even shows them how the show is made. As the construction of most TV shows are hidden, it gives the viewer subconscious thoughts about the media not hiding anything and being unbiased. In the picture below we can see glass.

The world from space connotes the view over the world as an observation where they do not interfere and report what is happening unbiasedly.

Landmarks from cities are often used to show that the news is presenting stories from all over the world and that it is international news. The news will often use the most famous cities and landmarks during the intro sequence to make sure that the viewers are a lot more likely to know the places being shown.

Clocks are used in the intros as they connote time and urgency. The time and urgency of the news is important as it will show how the viewer MUST see what is about to be presented.

Technology and satalites are often used to connote the capabilities of the news and how they will use everything they have, use all of their power to bring you the news and get the best of the stories. Technology subconciously shows that they may have better information and gives something a more advanced and in depth cover of the news. Satellites are used to show that information is beamed down from a location which observes all of the world and all of its activity.

News intro sequences often use beat-driven and fast paced music which often involve brass instruments to connote many different things. The fast pace of the music shows how urgent the news is whilst the beat driven music is used to show time. The brass instruments connote importance as they are instruments that throughout history have been used to announce. Back in the time of kings and queens the brass instruments were used to announce their entry/arrival. These instuments are used as they are powerful and loud instuments whereas something like a piano may be too soothing.

Male voiceovers are used to connote authority and wisdom. In our sexist society it is presented that males have a more powerful and authoritive voice over females. This often relates to the pitch and deepness of the voice which connotes power.

The metallic blues and strong reds connote formality and professionalism as these colours are commonly used in offices. Offices are serious places where most of business is completed which therefore gives off the vibe that the viewers are in the hands of well educated people who act in a very professional manner.

News readers will often have very limited facial expressions and body language to show that they have a very professional manner and do not show their own thoughts or opinions to the audience. This maintains the illusion that the news is unbiased and will therefore not result in offended viewers.

Recieved pronounciation is important for the news as they will use a set standard english accent to connote neutrality throughout the news. This makes it easy for the majority of people to understand and as they only have a set english accent they do not target any specific place in the world.

Direct address is used to address the viewers in a one on one like scenario. This will give the viewers the feeling of being adressed directly and makes them feel a personal connection to the news reader. This may make them more likely to be interested in the news or be entertained by it easier.

The news presenters will always be ready to present the news with paper in their hand. This shows that they are professional, organised and well prepared. This will make the reader feel as if they are in safe hands to be delivered the news. This will connote security and good presentation.