AUGMENTED REALITY AND THE ADAPTATION OF TELEVISION DISCOURSE: The Spanish general elections on TVE (2019)

Abstract

This study explores the use of augmented reality (AR) on Spain’s national public broadcaster, Televisión Española (TVE), focusing on the news coverage of the two Spanish general elections in April and November 2019. The study uses a methodology that combines quantitative techniques (content analysis using a rubric created ad hoc on a sample of 42 AR images) and qualitative methods (literature review). The position of AR as a centerpiece of the studio set design is also conveyed in the narrative discourse, reflecting the high level of importance given to this technology by TVE. Beyond the specific events of each election day, the informational and facilitating functions of AR predominate. In view of the advantages offered by this technology, the television broadcaster has recently started moving towards full integration of a virtual set design.