Television

Television is a secondary source when a programme presents someone's opinions or analysis rather than the original material itself. For example, a review programme where a food critic gives their verdict on a city's new restaurants is offering their judgement, not first-hand evidence.

The same broadcast can contain primary material when it shows original footage or unedited first-hand content. A live, unedited broadcast from a robotics competition, where you see the machines move exactly as they did, is primary material within the programme.

What television is good for

Television gives up-to-date news and current affairs, so it can tell you what is happening now. Documentary cameras can take you into real locations and show processes as they happen, for example by following the daily work inside a wildlife hospital, so a setting is easier to picture. Because it reaches large audiences, television also reflects and spreads mainstream views: what many people are discussing and what counts as a common opinion.

Limits of television as a source

Television may be biased: presenters, guests and commentary can push one opinion, so the picture you get may be one-sided. Content is also edited, with clips chosen, cut and arranged, so it can give a selective view even when the footage is real. Being shown on television does not make a claim reliable; check who made the programme and what evidence it offers.

A broadcast is hard to reference or check later unless you record it or find it on a catch-up service. A one-off transmission is not like a page you can revisit and quote easily.