This paper defines indicators related to the dramatization of television and formulates a methodology for analyzing the discourse of the television news based on empirical studies. This methodology is used to isolate some indicators of dramatization as it relates to the structure and form of the message. The changes that have affected the text of Italian television news, and those other changes that are in progress after the transformation of Italian television from a public system in which the RAI monopoly prevailed to today's mixed system in which RAI competes with private television, are described. Elements of dramatization in television news that have been introduced in an effort to attract viewers are discussed at three levels: (1) the communication context; (2) the interactional level; and (3) the narrative level of dramatized news. Indicators that underscore the level of dramatization are identified as extratextual features, the structure of the discourse, and the format. All of these factors are analyzed and discussed with references to numerous studies and writings of others in the field. (6 end notes and 18 references) (CGD)