Television programme production and aesthetics: A study of rivers state television and Nigeria television authority, Port Harcourt, programme content

Abstract

This paper discussed television programmes productions and the aesthetics germane to them. The paper noted that a good number of television stations are snubbed by viewers due to lack of interest conducted by poor aesthetics quality. The complete enumeration method was adopted together with in-depth interviews (IDI) of Directors of Nigeria Television Authority, Port Harcourt (NTA) and Rivers State Television (RSTV) Port Harcourt as well programme producers of the aforementioned stations and purposefully selected viewers resident in Port Harcourt metropolise. In addition, documentary research method was used to supplement the IDI. Finding indicate that aesthetics of programme in review were poorly done and caused viewers apathy. Panning and movements of camera to indicate changes in scenes, moods and transition of shot where shoddily manipulated by the Directors and videographers. Again, improper positioning/placement of properties (props), lighting, costume and microphone placement did not add phillip to the overall aesthetics. It was concluded that the responsibility of achieving aesthetics, rests on the television programme producer. The paper recommends that the right production elements should be deployed to enable a good programme production as well as training and retraining of personnel involved in the totality of programme production.