A Comprehensive Guide to Television Program Function

Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam, the former President of India, once said, “Television is the most powerful educational tool ever created. It can shape the character of the youth and, ultimately, the future of our nation.” This statement clearly states the power of television and its impact on people worldwide.

Television has come a long way. According to IBEF reports, India’s entertainment and media industry is expected to grow at 9.7% annually in revenues to reach US$73.6 billion by 2027. From a handful of channels in the past, there are now many streaming applications available to make it easy for people to view their favourite shows or movies.

TV production is a good field in which you can build your career. If you are a student who wants to pursue a BA journalism and mass communication, this blog will help provide a guide on how television programs function. Manipal University Jaipur offers journalism and mass communication programs that will help you build your career in TV production.

TV production has many phases, from writing a storyline to selecting the right team and equipment. Now, let's learn about the function of TV programs in detail.

Mastering TV Programming: Your Ultimate Guide to Understanding How It Works

Pre-Production: Pre-production is considered an early and crucial phase of any project. It consists of initial steps, including commercials, music videos, feature films, and short films. It decides how successful the production stage will be.

Concept Development: This stage usually involves developing a unique concept for a TV production. It initiates brainstorming the project's objectives and analysing production options.

“The Great British Bake Off,” a reality television competition in which amateur bakers participate, was one of the best examples of concept development with unique ideas. It showed how a simple example can be developed into a popular and enduring television series.

Writing and Script Development: Earlier, script writing was a bit difficult, but now, after the emergence of artificial intelligence, tools like ScriptBook are being used to write scripts.

In Quantum Leap, a classic series, AI analyses characters, suggests plotlines, and optimises dialogue. A sophisticated AI algorithm was used, showing how artificial intelligence has now impacted writing and script development. With the increase in AI script writing, it has become essential for BA Journalism & Mass Communication students to understand and leverage the latest technologies. Institutions like Manipal University Jaipur offer suitable courses.

Production: The production stage involves bringing the script to life through filming or animation. This stage ensures that footage and sound recordings are captured and technical aspects are met.

Talking about the trends in the production stage of television program production, the emergence of new technology has introduced a drastic change. Let's talk about a few new trends:

• Augmented and Virtual Reality: Augmented and virtual reality in television production is a game changer, giving the audience the best real-time experience. India's AR and VR market is predicted to reach a revenue of ₹US$789.0m in 2024, with an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2029) of 9.74%.
• Artificial Intelligence: The surge in AI bots and personal assistants in 2024 is changing the functions of television programs, specifically in delivering timely news and sports updates. These AI advancements enhance content delivery and personalisation, making the production more real-time and efficient for viewers. For BA journalism and mass communication students, grasping these AI-driven changes is essential, as AI becomes integral to content creation.

Post-Production: Post-production is where raw footage is converted into the final television program. It involves editing to structure the narrative, adding visual effects like CGI and animation, and designing soundscapes with dialogue, music and effects.

Post-production was crucial in shaping the 1980s effect with Demogorgon; sound design added suspense, and colours created a nostalgic tone in “Stranger Things”, a top-rated series on Netflix,

Distribution and Marketing

The final phase in television production involves delivering the program to viewers through channels or streaming platforms. The choice of distribution platform depends on factors like program content, licensing agreements, and the target audience.

Marketing involves promoting the program to attract viewers and build awareness, which includes creating promotional materials like trailers, posters, or social media campaigns.

Netflix's comedy-horror series Wednesday successfully leveraged social media platforms like TikTok to generate buzz and reach younger audiences, resulting in over 252 million views in the first 91 days.

The Future of Television

The future of the television industry looks bright! Artificial intelligence and social media platforms have changed how programs are produced and how they reach the global audience.

Discuss emerging trends and technologies, such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and augmented reality, which we have discussed in this blog, that will significantly impact the television production industry in future.

Adopting an innovative and experimental approach will be essential for students wanting to enter the television production industry. If you are searching for a BA JMC course in Rajasthan, you can enrol at Manipal University, Jaipur, which offers suitable courses.

Career Paths in Television Production for BA Journalism and Mass Communication

Students seeking a BA in Journalism and Mass Communication will be well-prepared with the information and abilities needed to succeed in television production. With its esteemed staff and cutting-edge facilities, Manipal University provides top-notch programs that can lead you to a rewarding career in television production.

You can build your career as:

• Production Assistant
• Camera Operator
• Sound Engineer
• Editor
• Director
• Producer
• Scriptwriter
• Content Creator

Conclusion

This blog concluded that new technologies are transforming the future of film and television production. While new technologies are undoubtedly changing the function of television programs, human intelligence is still needed. This industry has ample opportunities for students who wish to build their careers in it. If you want BJMC Colleges in Rajasthan, check out the Manipal University, Jaipur website.