Why is reality TV so popular for both programme makers and TV viewers?
The reality TV has become so popular for programme makers, like producers and executives. Hill(2005) states reality formats provide a never-ending fresh supply of non-professional actors in new series of existing formats. In other words, minor changes to the formats are required for allowing programme makers to create series. For example, ‘Survivor’ needs only new contestants, and new house is provided for ‘Big brother’. I think the reasons that the programme makers are prefer to reality TV are the fact that there is no difficulty to cast the actors or actresses, and no necessary to factitious story. It is convenient to produce the programme by putting the camera to the real situations.
In addition, TV viewers seem to love reality TV as well. Because viewers can be involved to reality TV easily as voting for contestants and it is, also, possible to participate in the reality TV as a contestant for all viewers.
Reference
Hill, A. (2005). The rise of reality TV. In A. Hill, Reality TV: Audiences and Popular Factual Television. (pp. 15-40). Oxon: Routledge.
I agree completely with the notion that there is an endless supply of 'everyday folk' reading to jump in front of the camera. I guess that is due to a societal change in the way we interact. In the age of tecnology one only has to look at Youtube to see a pethora of unskilled (some more than others) regular people who are willing, and even keen to be in the lime light.
ReplyDeleteHi Katie :)
ReplyDeleteYou have a good point that “reality TV provides a never-ending fresh supply of non-professional actors”. I prefer TV shows which give a sense of reality as ordinary people present ‘real-life events’ because I feel much more connected (of course not all the reality shows are nice though). Anyway, it generally allows me to experience of others’ thoughts, feelings, and the ways of interact with others.
Hi Katie
ReplyDeleteYes I do believe it is a lot easier for programme makers because they don't need to spend a lot money to employ actors. However I sometimes suspect that the reality shows are not really 'real', as they makers might use low salary to employ volunteers to act for them...
Succinct response to the first part of the question - what about the second - could you have developed this further?
ReplyDelete