Use of film sequences to illustrate news by the information services of a regional television station

Abstract

A quantitative and thematic study of the use of film sequences in television news editing has been performed. Only cases where films illustrate news pieces about non-cinema related topics were taken into consideration. The basic legal aspects about the use of these sequences are mentioned. The study results can help in the decision-making process about tasks related to the analysis of trailers and electronic press kits. In recent years, there has been a steady increase in the use of film clips in the news, especially on issues of "Society" (40% of total). The results show that 20% of the use is as a metonymic function (when one element is replaced for another with which it has a close relationship, causal, spatial or temporal, and the pictures do not show the narrative element but something that is part of it, such as replacing an author for his work) and 80% environmental or illustrative (supporting the information offered). When extracts do not exceed 20 seconds, may be used without legal permission, what is known as a fair use chrestomathy.