Week 7 - Features of Genre

This week’s task was to record a 5 – 10 minute of chat-based program such as shows like Sunrise, The Morning Show and The Today Show. I am actually a big chat show watcher, so I did enjoy this week’s task! I find these shows lighthearted entertainment. I like to put them on in the morning or afternoon while I am getting ready for work or cooking dinner. I find them to be good background noise and entertaining but not something that holds my full attention.

Tolsen argued that ‘chat-based programming is oriented toward the personal, it features wit and humor, and the risk of transgression underlies talk (199).’ This is defiantly evident in chat-based programs such as Sunrise and The Morning Show. The Sunrise program on channel 7, I find uses wit and humor on each day’s program. The hosts Sam Armytage and David Koch let their personality feature on the program and their chemistry works perfectly to create an entertaining and witty show. The producers also allow for segments such as ‘Kochie’s Angels’, which is a serious segment, however always ends up being very funny and quirky with the opinions of the guests panelist. They are consistently trying not to offend or misbehave as they both have a strong opinion.

My recording for a chat based program I feel is very similar to the Sunrise program. It is casual and uses wit but still remains professional. I feel like my recording for a pretend chat based program is a good start. However I feel I have a lot more to learn about being a host of this type of program. I would need to further develop skills that allow others to feel relaxed and chat freely with me. Another skill that would benefit my chat based program would be the ability to produce a program that disused important and news worthy topics as well as light hearted entertainment. A skill that I feel is important to have is to be respected as a journalist and remain in control so that you can have a laugh and show your wit but also be taken serious when it is time for more serious news.