This study describes the editing techniques used in four renowned television news documentaries that aired between 1954 and 1982. It is informed by Peirce's theories of signs, and realist and symbolic film theory, as well as some of the understandings common to broadcast journalists. The analysis attempts to bridge subdisciplinary boundaries to advance an accessible vocabulary for discussing journalistic representational strategies. The prevalence of continuity and thematic editing styles, special transitional effects, audio track synchronization, and differing cutting rates was quantitatively analyzed and linked to classic film realism and montage strategies. The quantitative findings and a comparative case study analysis of the structural nuances of each documentary illustrate the variety of representational strategies used by network journalists. These findings are discussed in light of analysts' assertions that televised reports have become increasingly journalist centered.
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