Examination of the determinability of TRT Belgesel channel over today's documentary productions (Example of 2023)

The documentary genre is thought to have emerged with the beginning of the recording of moving images. The first recorded films, "Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat" and "Workers Leaving the Lumière Factory," shown by the Lumière brothers, are considered the first examples of the documentary genre due to their documentary-like nature. With advancing technology, both the development of cameras and projection systems made it possible for films to be projected not just onto a screen but also via video, bringing moving images to the audience through television. The working principle of television progresses differently from the projection of moving images onto the cinema screen. This difference in the operational principles has transformed viewing habits. Consequently, the unique dynamics and principles of television developed, separating the film and television sectors. This transformation has also led to a distinction between documentary films and television documentaries. In Turkey, the TRT institution, which is considered a key milestone in the television sector, established TRT Belgesel, the first thematic documentary channel in Turkey. This study analyzes the cinematic structure of external productions aired on TRT Belgesel and evaluates television documentaries in terms of narrative elements. Within this context, external productions that were most frequently aired in the channel's programming in 2023, including "Türkiye'nin Dev Yapıları", "Gizemli Tarih", "Anadolu'da Yaşam", "Yiyeceğin Serüveni" ve"Su Altı Ustaları"were examined in terms of both form and content. Additionally, interviews were conducted with documentary producers, directors, and cinematographers, and in-depth interview methods were used to gather various data. The study revealed that, due to the nature of the broadcast medium being television, close-up shots, animations, time-lapse and slow-motion images, and the frequent use of natural lighting were commonly used as cinematographic elements in the documentaries. In terms of narrative elements, it was observed that content was often produced for fast consumption, with many of these productions frequently featuring hosts. Furthermore, it was observed that presenters frequently looked directly at the camera to maintain audience engagement. These and similar methods, which were intended to increase viewership, were employed in accordance with public broadcasting principles in both content and form. This study is significant both academically and sectorally as it explores the impact of TRT Belgesel, a key player in the sector, on the industry. It is also believed that the findings will serve as a resource for TRT's self-assessment.