Reality Television - Assignment Example

Reality Television Introduction Media has always been a fascinating field, luring all age groups (children, youth and old age) alike. It serves as a leading source of entertainment for the consumers while the production managers enjoy huge revenues earned out of it. The participants are the ones who benefit the most, earning name, fame and money at the same time. Every one desires to be part of it, in one way or the other. Apart from entertainment, media has a certain amount of social responsibilities to fulfill, as its impact can mould societies. It directly affects and addresses numerous social issues through airing public opinions and work of different social organizations. Media provides knowledge through a never ending list of channels like News, history, education, sports and so on. Initially, this field was restricted only to professionals. But with the advent of reality television shows, normal people found their way to participate and contribute towards media development. The initial efforts were first applied on air voice shows and after their resounding success made way into the visual screen; television. Reality television shows, which show real life, are generally unscripted drama or real events pictures on ordinary people rather than professional actors. In addition hundreds of reality TV websites are devoted to keep viewers informed about a different range of TV programmes related merchandise, news, and fan activities1. Ever since TV gained popularity, it is the fore-runner among media development giving real time account of happenings in the world. Based on featuring style, purpose and used situations, these shows can be broadly classified in categories like, documentary-style, elimination game/quiz shows, self-improvement/makeover, dating shows, talk shows, hidden camera, and hoaxes2. There are lots of controversies regarding reality TV about being real. Many accidents happened during shows. And even many people don’t like it due to various reasons. Sometimes these persons are family members of participant. In spite of this many obstacles, reality TV business in expanding daily and gaining more and more popularity. Reasons for this is its use to ordinary people, many social issues raised and many more. Next sections explain about reality TV in detail and convince reader about how reality TV efficiently deals with issues like work, home, public, domestic, competition, co-operation, relationships, betrayal, deception, testing, trust, success, winning, failure, celebrity, voyeurism, surveillance and control. Documentary-Style Documentary style cinema and television shows are like ‘window on the world’ for their audiences3. In this type of reality television show camera acts as a viewer, follow people while going about their daily personal and professional activities and record all real life events4. Show is presented to public after essential editing5. Cast members are chosen randomly and not given any specified tasks more or less like one unscripted drama. Within documentary-style there are several variants. Special Living Environment Some type of documentary-style selects cast members, who are mostly unknown to each other among several applicants. They are forced to live in an artificially generated environment and their activities are recorded. This type of program shows real life, when people leave their artificial behavior and appear as they are. Their thinking, living style, general way of behaving and other styles of doing daily activities are recorded. Real World (MTV production by Mary-Ellis Bunim and Jonathan Murray, first transmitted 1992) was first launched program of this type. Seven peoples, out of thousands applicants, from different locations, were selected and kept in a house. Cameras were mounted on walls to capture their activities. Some time peoples with camera used to follow them in room or in public to capture their reactions to situations. At the end of week meeting were held where they express their feelings and talk about their experiences. Some other examples of this type are as under:- ‘Road Rules (MTV, created by Jonathan Murray and Mary-Ellis Bunim of Bunim/Murray, debuted on July 19, 1995); this series covers some strangers trying to accomplish some mission with help of some guiding clues, without any money. The 1900 House (Wall to Wall/Channel 4, production by Simon Shaw, first transmitted 1999) which presents about people trying to live like late victories in a modified house. Temptation Island (Fox network, hosted by Mark L. Walberg, premiered on January 10, 2001), covers some couples living with opposite sex person to test their relationships6. Celebrity Reality Some times camera captures day to day activities of celebrities. Their normal behavior, style of living and their reactions to various situations are shown. Some examples of this type of show are ‘The Osbournes (MTV, created by Jonathan Taylor, premiered March 5, 2002), The Anna Nicole Show (E! Entertainment Television channel, debuted August 4, 2002), Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica (MTV, first transmitted 19 March.2003) and The Girls Next Door (E! (Entertainment Television), Kevin Burns and Hugh Hefner, first transmitted August 2005). Some times they are kept in specific situation for specific tasks7. Examples of such shows are The Simple Life (Fox, production by Bunim/Murray, first transmitted December 2, 2003) and The Surreal Life (The WB, script, first transmitted 2003)8. Professional Activity Here cast members are some professionals. Their daily businesses, working environment, techniques to tackle any situation are pictured. Earliest and best known example for this type is COPS (FOX, Created by John Langley and Malcolm Barbour, first premiered on March 11, 1989), which was showing facts of police life. Camera follows police officers, constables and sheriff’s deputies during petrol and other police activities. Camera crews were embedded by police units9. There are many such like:- The Restaurant (NBC, first transmitted July 20, 2003), covering facts of newly opened restaurant. American Chopper (Discovery Channel, production by DHank Capshaw and Craig Piligian, first transmitted 2003), covers a story of a family running a business. The First 48 (A&E, first transmitted 2004), which depicts the facts of detectives trying to reach and arrest the suspect (s). Bands on the Run (VH1), where life of unsigned bands trying to entertain public and earn money are captured10. Documentary style shows, being real in nature, gives information about happenings around the world. Thus it is best way of knowledge with less time. At the same time people tired of the traditional soaps, sitcoms and dramas, enjoy watching the relationships of the contestants revealed and the chance to observe human behavior and interaction from a safe distance11. Elimination Game/Quiz Show Another type of reality television show called reality game show. Participants are chosen out of number of candidates and they compete to win prizes. It consists of no of rounds and at the end of each round few participants are eliminated. Participants’ elimination is done either by public voting, judges, or by voting of participants of the show or combination of them. It is done till only one participant is left, who is supposed to be the winner of that show. Prizes are either heavy cash prizes or something more precious12. Best of example reality game show is ‘Big Brother’ (channel4, production by Dutchman John de Mol first transmitted Sept 1999). This was one of the latest and revolutionizing concept in reality TV shows and generated a huge amount of public interest13. Participants for this show were selected from different places and were made housemates. They were confined in a house and were not allowed to have any contact with outside world. Television, radio, phone or any means of communication was not allowed, besides private chat with psychologist, which was allowed at any time. Cameras were situated in house to record their movements, their behavior with other participants, style of living, love, fighting and other actions. At the end of each week participants nominate some of them to send out. One (some times two) participant (s) out of nominated ones is chosen by public voting. Last person left, The Winner, gets cash prize (large amount of money), holiday package or sometimes house too14. It also includes Americas Got Talent (NBC, production by Simon Cowell and Ken Warwick, first transmitted June 21, 2006 ), American Inventor (ABC, production by Peter Jones, first transmitted March 16, 2007), So You Think You Can Dance ( Fox Network, production by Simon Fuller and Nigel Lythgoe, first transmitted July 20, 2005), Dancing with the Stars, ‘Idol series’, Skating with Celebrities ( Fox Network, production by , first transmitted January 18, 2006) and Celebrity Duets ( Fox Network, production by Simon Cowell, first transmitted August 29 2006) . Where first participants were selected and then they were given some tasks to be done in each round. Each round’s result decides whom to take out from competition. Modern quiz shows are also a part of reality TV. They follow the traditional procedure for selection and elimination of participants. Differences are that they are having more production values, more dramatic environment and involve high risk in terms of money or physical danger. In addition there is more interaction between participants and host. One such is Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (ITV1 Television, production by Celador, first transmitted September 4, 1998). Only one Participant will be selected by answering one general knowledge question first. After that he will be asked some questions. Each correct answer increases his prize amount. If the contestant answers a question incorrectly, then he loses all the money he had won, except some guaranteed amount which depends on how many questions he answered correctly. Contestant can choose whether to attempt that question or leave with whatever earned. He is allowed to use help from external sources called ‘lifelines’ where he can ask questions to his friend or audience or ask host to eliminate two incorrect answers (from four choices). On answering all the questions correctly winner gets £1,000,00015. This type of quiz show also includes The Weakest Link (BBC, first transmitted 14 August 2000), Dog Eat Dog (BBC, production by David Young, first transmitted 2001), Greed (FOX, production by Dick Clark, first transmitted November 4, 1999), Deal or No Deal (FOX, production by Endemol), Fear Factor (FOX, production by Endemol Netherlands, first transmitted June 11, 2001) and 1 vs. 100 (NBC, production by Endemol s, first transmitted October 13, 2006)16. Popular variants of competition-based format are as follows:- Dating-based Competition As its name suggests, it is dating based selection for life partner. A contestant has a group of choices and he or she chooses a partner out of group in one or more rounds of dating. Best known example for this type is ‘The Bachelor’ (ABC, production by Mike Fleiss and Lisa Levensonfirst, transmitted March 25, 2002). Other than that ‘Next’ (MTV, first transmitted April 4, 2005), Room Raiders (MTV, 2003), Date My Mom (MTV, production by Shaniqua Productions) and My Own also come under this category17. Job Search In this category, the competition is for specific skill like modeling, singing, business techniques, cooking. Clothing designs and like wise. Competitors are asked some questions, to perform or to give new ideas. Based on their performance they are judged by a panel and public. Depending on judges choice elimination is done round by round. And winner gets contract for that type of work. Some examples are as under18:- Americas Next Top Model (UPN, production by Tyra Banks, first transmitted May 20 2003), modeling contest. American Idol (FOX, production by Simon Fuller, first transmitted June 11, 2002), which gives out good singers. Who Wants to Be a Superhero (Sci Fi Channel, production by tan Lee, Bruce Nash, Scott Satin and Gill Champi, first transmitted July 27, 2006), competition for actors. ‘Hells Kitchen’, for great cooking and chefs. Project Runway (Bravo, production by Eli Holzman, first transmitted December 1, 2004), for clothing and design. Rock Star (CBS, production by Mark Burnett, first transmitted July 11, 2005), for lead vocalists of future bands. Sports Some competitions were based on sports like football, golf, boxing and other games, where athletes compete to establish their name in that sport. Winners were offered contract as a prize, but sometimes other participants also get job. The Club ( Seven Network , first transmitted 2002), The Big Break (The Golf Channel, first transmitted October 6, 2003), The Contender (NBC ,production by Mark Burnett, first transmitted 2005) and Ultimate Fighter (Spike TV ,production by Craig Piligian, Frank Fertitta III, Lorenzo Fertitta and Dana White, first transmitted January 18, 2005) are coming to Sports type19. Game and quiz shows were like revolution in field of reality television, as because they involve common public for judgments. Here public interest is given the first priority. The production costs also sky rocketed, as for example, American Idol was being afforded at a production cost running into approximately $800,000 per hour. This further led to significant increase in prize money and returns to the participants as well as the viewers20. Quiz shows increase general knowledge, at the same time viewers also win prizes by answering some questions. This increases viewers’ interest on this type of shows. Dating shows have gained importance as they teach the young to differentiate between true love and mere physical attraction or infatuation, thereby, helping the young to mature with guidance from experts21. Self-Improvement/Makeover In some cases, reality shows shoot the people while trying for some improvements in their personal life like improving their house arrangements, physical appearance, styles, fashion, and way of doing some activity like taking care of their children and like wise. They are introduced to the experts in that field, who helps them to improve things. They give tips and encouragement along the way. Finally they are replaced in their previous environment. Camera shoots them and their family members’ reactions. Prizes are given based on how much they have improved. Changing Rooms (BBC Two, first transmitted 1996) was the first show of that kind. Some Couples used to swap their houses with neighbors or their friend’s house. They decorate each other’s house. Finally they are placed back in their home. Reactions of families for their newly decorated house were recorded. Belief in ones own self or “do it yourself” attitude is impressed upon in such shows22. Some times families don’t like the style of their house that has been decorated. Humiliation and embarrassment are, at times, quite evident during such shows when neighbors decorate each other’s room or partners buy each other outfit23. Very often loss of valuable things used to happen24. This type includes shows like25:- Supernanny (Channel 4, first transmitted September 1, 2004), Queer Eye (Bravo, production by David Collins and David Metzler, first transmitted July 15, 2003), in which a nanny helps a family to control their undisciplined or excessively naughty children. The Biggest Loser (NBC, production by J.D. Roth, first transmitted October 19, 2004), covers peoples trying to reduce their weight. ‘Made’ (MTV, first transmitted 2002), which captures persons trying to become good singers, athletes, dancers like wise trying to attain different goals. Beauty and the Geek (The WB, production by Ashton Kutcher, Jason Goldberg and Nick Santora, first transmitted June 2, 2005), trying to bring academically challenged beauties and socially awkward geeks together. What Not to Wear (BBC One, first transmitted 2001), Made (MTV, first transmitted 2002), covers persons trying to improve their style and fashion. ‘Pimp My Ride’ (MTV, production by Bruce Beresford and Rick Hurvitz, first transmitted March 4, 2004), show about building vehicle. Extreme Makeover (ABC, first transmitted 2002), covers persons trying to improve entire physical appearance. In today’s competitive world where physical appearance, intelligence and personality are most important factors in life; everybody needs advice for their personal problems. Due to busy schedule no one gets time to consult professionals. It’s only the self improvement type of shows where viewers can easily get valuable tips and information from professionals for their problems like losing weight, new techniques of interior design, achieving healthier life style and so on 26. Dating Shows Reality TV covers peoples while going on blind date too. In this type of shows a bachelorette chooses a bachelor from a group, who is not visible to bachelorette, just by asking some questions. Their talk and reactions were shorted. It’s just for fun, no competition involved. Examples of this type of show are ‘Blind date’ and The Dating Game (ABC television, production by Chuck Barris, first transmitted December 20, 1965)27. Talk Shows This type of shows invites guests, interview them or discuss about specific topic. Topics chosen are generally exorbitant in order to generate drama and tensions. Though it is not totally real by traditional standards, it is real characterization of someone’s life. The Jerry Springer Show (Syndication channel, production by Richard Dominick, first transmitted September 20, 1991) is one such example. Generally families used to come over show in order to discuss their problems and get suggestions from host as well as from audience. Usually it used to bring out their secrets. Topics for discussion were generally includes sex, extra marital affair and other private matters. Due to these types of topics involved, risk of fighting among audience used to be there. So guards were kept to control the situation28. Other example of this type is Ricki Lake (Syndicated, production by Garth Ancier and Gail Steinberg, first transmitted September 13, 1993). There were some rules for participants. If they found bluffing, they will be sued for the full amount of the production of one episode. It happened once when host discovered about fabricating story by some guest, they were escorted out by security29. In talk shows people come up with their personal problems centered around relations, love life, professional competence or competition, criminal guilt, financial loss etc. These account for the problems of most of the people living in society. Through discussions and professional advice, these problems are resolved and thus are helpful to the society as a whole30. This has increased popularity of talk shows. Hidden Cameras In this type of television programming, cameras are kept hidden to cover situations when random passersby react to prearranged unusual situations. When joke was revealed to victims, their reactions like disbelief, anger, shock, disappointment, nonchalance, relief were cached31. They were given some prizes also for being fool. General Purpose of this type of show is to confuse or make fun of a person. Candid Camera (ABC, production by Allen Funt, first transmitted August 10, 1948) was the first reality television show. It was derived from radio show named Candid microphone32. Situation like desk with drawers that pop open when one is closed, a car with a hidden extra gas tank or other strange situations were fabricated and dupe’s reactions to these were recorded33. Candid camera, being more than just a reality show about ordinary people, addressed common anxiousnesses of first generation of television watcher and appeased their fears by enacting traditional American values in crudely recorded vignettes34. Candid Camera still functions as a vehicle to appease fears of being monitored35. One such video which I can still recall is with famous cricket player Rahul Dravid (Captain, Indian Cricket Team, 2006). He was invited into ‘MTV Bakra’ virtual show and the host girl gave him proposal to marry. Though later on he came to know about the incident but at that time his reaction was awesome. Other examples are Trigger Happy TV (British television Channel 4, production by Dom Joly), Punkd (MTV, production by Ashton Kutcher, first transmitted 2003), and Scare Tactics (Sci-Fi Channel, production by Hallock & Healey Entertainment, first transmitted April 2003)36. Our Daily life had become a series of complex performances, self- scripted and self-surveilled, a desperate attempt to keep up appearances, and this type of shows mark and celebrate these performances through humorous recontextualisation37. Hoaxes This type of shows is similar to hidden camera except cameras were kept in open. They were played on one or more members and other cast members were actors. Participants are known being televised but real nature of show is kept secret. The first show of this kind was The Joe Schmo Show (Spike TV, first transmitted September 2003)38. Others of this category are My Big Fat Obnoxious Boss ( Fox Network, first transmitted November 7, 2004), My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiance ( Fox Network, first transmitted 2003), Space Cadets (Channel 4, production by Zeppotron, first transmitted 7 December 2005) and Invasion Iowa ( Spike TV, production by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, first transmitted March 29, 2005)39. Shows based on dating, hidden camera, Hoaxes and talks bring real fun in social life. Watching somebody being trapped is an interesting way of entertainment. As well as talk show also brings out some funny facts like a person getting married with his horse, a person of 30 age still does not have control on his urinal system and like wise. This type of shows gives us relaxation, makes us energetic for serious work. These shows effectively transform feelings of helpless victims into willing participation through the comic moment of revelation40. Benefits and Social Message Every body has dream to become a national or an international celebrity. Everyone `wants to be praised by his fellow mates and is very much keen to hear his or her name from others. When someone finds himself onto the screen of television, it seems like dream come true. Reality television provides a platform to realize this dream of the common man. It provides a window to people in order to showcase their talent and present themselves in front of public. At the same time reality formats provide a never-ending series shows with fresh supply of non professional actors. Thus viewers take interest to see new talents, unlike same actors for each episode of shows performed by professional actors41. Reality TV is nothing but viewing and listening public voice. In other shows public voice and reactions are not much important. But being all decision based on public voting in reality TV, show’s impact on television and audience is important factor. Many things can be learned from audience discussion about a popular and rapidly changing television genre. Responses of audience provide information to understand the transitional terrain of the reality genre, and can enhance critical understanding of contemporary television audiences42. Shows like ‘An American family’ that concentrates on family going through specific situation (like divorce), shows how some silly things become cause for big problems. The causes, affects, demerits and evils of society are highlighted, educating people towards better and peaceful living. Documentary type movies are both, motivational and educative; helping common man to realize happenings in this world. Shows like ‘Real world’ bring out the essence of being polite and the hazards of being rash and reckless. Social issues like aids, homosexuality and religion are emphasized. These issues aim at making people socially aware and find remedies of the challenges faced by them. People from different religious beliefs, sexual orientation, places, languages etc, are brought on a common platform to interact with each other, sharing and sometimes countering their view points. Such interactions are very essential in order to understand and respect each others views and unite the society. Professional documentary shows bring out the facts about professionalism; prerequisites of success, importance of hard work and competence. Video like COPS, where daily activities of police has been covered, tells about the methodologies to tackle various crimes and criminals. Apart from this, the show clearly defines the problems faced by police, the challenges of sleepless working under tremendous public pressure. It also elucidates the reasons and conditions that result in making of a criminal. Such awareness programs does a host of good to society as a common person can now understand the hind side of policing, crime, and criminals. Reality game show incites team spirit and working together; enhancing individual’s social nature. A member should adapt to live with different personality people, having different mental attributes, thinking, lifestyle etc. A sense of patience is built up to endure through such like shows. Shows like ‘Big Brother’ and others, where some persons are kept in specific environment gives a lesson for the person to live without modern facilities. People need to solve their problems themselves. People learn to handle tension, anger, risk and control themselves in all type of situations. Quiz shows like ‘Who wants to be millionaire’ and alike improve our general knowledge, thinking ability and builds problem solving approach. It is good opportunity for general public to win heavy amount of cash on the basis of their knowledge and quick wit. Talent shows like idol series give ordinary people an opportunity to place their talent in front of public. They meet experts in corresponding fields which help them to improve themselves. Experts and professionals are hired to groom young and budding talents into stars of tomorrow. Their genuine tips are important for general public as well as the viewers. It encourages us to fight for what we want. This type of show solves very basic need of a person, job. Winners gets job for his skill. Many times just appearance becomes sufficient for getting a job. Covering sports helps athletes to put their name in authorized world sports. It remains as record to this living life and motivates other personnel to be better. Showing talent in front of public is opportunity to brighten their future. Almost all participants get public attention and increase their chances for good career and bright future. Public is also benefited in a way that they get tips from experts, as well as new ideas about that field i.e. modeling, clothing. Style, cooking, designs, etc. Self make over shows are essentially confidence building shows that make people believe in themselves. Hard work, perseverance and desire to succeed are the basic tenets for achieving the goals. Most amazing make-overs encourage people not to give up in the most testing conditions. Their positive attitude helps themselves and their teammates to go on even if they are performing well43. The self confidence exhibited by the performers and the guidance of the experts act as motivation to those who get bogged down too early due to failures. People generally practice ethics as per their choice of right and wrong without much regard to the real ethics; being guided by selfish motives. Ethics is about how we ought to live our lives, and these this type of show, brings out the after effects of not following guidelines of ethics44. Some type of demonstration gives information about general types of crimes going on in society, which increases alertness of publics toward this issue, thus helping indirectly to reduce crimes; as well as it help governments to reach such absconded criminals. Talk show covers families discussing about their personal problems. Participants get ideas from audience as well as judges about their solution to problems. Generally problems discussed are on common topics like extramarital affairs, and some times personal secrets. Social issues like gay/lesbians, AIDS, religion, racism are also adequately addressed. People express about these issues in greater details and thus these, previously taboo, subjects get the warranted attention, leading to either acceptance in the society or formulation of solution for resolution of issues. Many of reality formats have the common thing of relationship between show and audience, either by allowing them to express their views on air or by making them the important persons to judge participants45. Main element used in reality show to select winners is voting scheme. Democracy is prime important factor in political world and reality shows keep public interests at the centre. Due to various issues concerned with them, awareness among general pubic increases. They start to understand their responsibilities toward society, and start contributing for its improvement. This type of shows results in solution of major problems of our lives. It improves our cultural values, and finally results in social development. Conclusion Before realty shows TV’s major part was glitzy world of artifice, which made viewers restless. Discovery and development of the reality formats helped viewers a lot by bringing them to world of reality46. At the same time it gives something new to see whenever they open TV. Due to this application ordinary people get chance to meet celebrities and experts in specific field, either in terms of judges or partners and get suggestions for improving themselves. These suggestions are beneficial for viewers also. These types of shows allow viewers to get suggestion from celebrities for their personal problems. Being reality TV all participants, viewers as well as judges are the ordinary people. Thus ordinary people’s voice is at highest priority. So it is the best way for ordinary people to express their feelings as well as protest against wrong things happening in world. Last but not least, these shows depict the power of public. Many a times, a sure winner on a show has to step down due to the mass support with an inferior contestant. Reality shows like documentary are like window on world, simple and easy way to access information about happenings in world. Many new social issues like AIDS, homosexuality, racism, religion, have been brought out and had attention of public in order to find remedies. Many professional documentaries bring out challenges faced by professional and explain to the general public, their responsibilities towards society. “Never give up”, “Nothing is impossible”; Self makeover shows based on these themes explain to the society how to achieve impossible looking things by hard work, confidence and dedication, teaching public how they ought to live. As a number of shows concentrate on family’s personal problems, people, in general, get educated about the ways of overcoming them in order to have peace of mind. Quiz shows and other talent shows give much valuable information about any field thus increasing general knowledge. ‘New’ television genres are produced from existing genres, which are proven to be successful programmes47. In other words to make Reality TV development also explain how to make new things out of something that already exists and making it as successful. Finally, Television is a medium for the troubled soul. Starting from documentary to funny videos, all are either source of entertainment or information by some way. Life is not how much breathes one is taking, rather it’s the moments that taking your breathe away! Reality TV has given that platform to all of us to show our talent and creativity. It gives a message that no one on this earth is useless. But be alert, you also could be getting trapped! References 1. Allen Funt, candid camera, http://www.candidcamera.com/cc2/cc2.html 2. Annette, Hill, Reality TV: Audiences and popular Factual Television (Routledge,2005) 3. bbc2, changing rooms, http://www.bbc.co.uk/homes/tv_and_radio/cr_index.shtml 4. Celador, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire http://millionaire.itv.com/millionaire/home.php 5. Deborah, Jermyn, , Understanding Reality Television (Routledge,2004) 6. Dutchman John de Mol, Big Brother www.channel4.com/bigbrother/about/index.html 7. HILL, A, Reality TV,(Routledge,2005) 8. international bible society, Reality Check Finding Gods Truth in TVs Reality.(Zondervan,1973) 9. Kilborn, Richard, , Staging the Real: Factual TV Programming in the Age of "Big Brother".(Manchester: Manchester University Press,2003) 10. Langley Productions, COPS, www.cops.com 11. Matt Howell, Real Television, http://www.realtelevision.net/ 12. Oxford University Press, Previous words of the month reality TV,www.oup.com/elt/catalogue/teachersites/oald7/wotm/wotm_archive/reality?cc=gb 13. Reality TV Magazine, http://www.realitytvmagazine.com/ 14. Richard Dominick, The Jerry Springer Show, http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Picture/5433/ 15. Rosenthal, Alan, Writing Docudrama Dramatizing Reality for Film and TV (Focal press,1995) 16. Spike TV, The Joe Schmo Show, http://www.realitytvworld.com/joeschmo/ 17. University of WEstminster, Reality TV: Audiences and Popular Factual Televisionhttp://www.wmin.ac.uk/mad/page-892 Read More