The Reality TV Shows



The Reality TV Shows

Introduction

The reality TV shows is a category of wide range of programming aims towards the factuality and entertainment. These shows are incredibly popular amongst the audience of all age groups. Reality shows sometimes involve the filming in a set situation based on the action and reactions of the characters or people. Whereas, sometimes these shows are completely based on factuality such as the Big Brother show, and Jonathon Bignell. In such reality shows, the behaviors of the people involved is unscripted that tends to be the focus of interest for the audience (Warhol, 2003). There are several different types of reality shows that include

Observational docusoap example; the Opera

Formulated docusoap example; Big Brother

Reality game shows example; Big Brother

Lifestyle reality shows example; America's Next Top Model

Talent show reality example; American Idol

Clipshow reality

Features of the reality shows vary considerably; however, some or all of these features are displayed in all reality shows.

Real life participation of people

Unscripted performances

Voice over narration

Observation and surveillance

Voyeurism

Audience participation

Big event television

Warhol, 2003

The Production Values

The productions of reality shows are being criticized to affect the cultural, social, political and economic values. Reality shows are also condemned about the production formats along with the journalism, academic analyses, and marketing discourse. The national interests related to deprivation from ethical and racial behavior are also affected by these shows such as in the case of Big Brother. Jade Goody was a contestant in Big Brother, who passed the racist comments about the Indian contestant. This incident was recognized by British government and the British prime minister apologized to the Indian Prime Minister for the act of Jade Goody.

The reality shows have long been criticized to influence children political. One concern is that they impact the cognitive development as well as academic achievement. There are relevant researches that provide suggestions to maximize the positive impacts of the reality shows and minimize the negative impacts. Although there are several negative impacts of reality shows on children there are also shows specially designed to benefit their behavior. There are reality shows that emphasis on pro-social themes such as sharing, helping, and cooperating. Some shows are educational, informative, encourage healthy lifestyle, teach emotion management, encourage creativity and arts in children. Whereas, the valid moral objections are raised on the broadcast of those shows that affect most honored values of the American society. (Skeggs, 2009; Kirkorian et al., 2008).

The Positive effects of reality TV Programming

The reality TV broadcasting started in late 1940s, has now being used to address several social, cultural, and educational issues. Few major positive effects of reality shows on people include

The positive influence on Society

The audience is tried of watching the bland dramas and sitcoms on TV and turned to reality shows for entertainment. The purpose of reality shows is mainly to provide entertainment, but it is being used to convey useful information and encouraged weight loss, healthy living and fitness. The most controversial shows such as Teen Mom, 16 and Pregnant, and other shows educated teenage girls ...