Current affairs (news format)

Current Affairs is a genre of broadcast journalism where the emphasis is on detailed analysis and discussion of news stories that have recently occurred or are ongoing at the time of broadcast.

This differs from regular news broadcasts that emphasizes on news reports presented for simple presentation as soon as possible, often with a minimum of analysis. It is also different from the news magazine show format in that the events are discussed immediately.

The UK's Office of Communications defines it as "explanation and analysis of current events and issues, including material dealing with political or industrial controversy or with public policy"^[1] and distinguishes it from the coverage of news, coverage of special events like parliamentary proceedings, and the coverage of consumer affairs, among other exceptions. The BBC cites Panorama as its flagship current affairs programme, with BBC One programmes such as Real Story, BBC Scotland Investigates, Spotlight, Week In Week Out, and Inside Out also fitting the definition.^[2]

References

1. ^ Definitions, public service television broadcasting consultation from the Ofcom website
2. ^ Plans to increase prominence and appeal of current affairs programming, a BBC press release