By K.McCabe 2012

Reality TV plays

a complex game....

....it keeps reality at bay

Nichols

Annette Hill says the ‘rise of reality TV came at a time when Networks were looking for a quick-fix solution to economic problems within cultural industries’

Reality TV has its roots in

documentary and tabloid journalism

Bill Nichols states that the viewer is so used to ‘tele-visual

stimulation’ that they demand and require spectacle. ‘News has become a dramatic spectacle, a simulcrum of eventfulness.. this is the moment of discovery, of danger’ ‘ The conviction of the two officers for the beating of

Rodney King ‘ends’ the episode but does nothing to address the social conditions’.

Rituals are often repeated without question.

Media rituals ‘reproduce the myth that the media are our privileged access point to social reality’.

Couldrey

Reality Wrecks

Reithian Values Traditional values of TV’s role to ‘inform & educate’ are lost

in the face of Reality TV, so says Biressi and Nunn. ‘Reality Tv

does not aim to take the viewer out of their own experience

but present them with the recognisable & familiar’ – real

people in extraordinary situations or extraordinary people

becoming real.

FREE for EVERY Viewer: Mobility & Success

It can be achieved through Reality TV *

*Myth perpetuated that it is Mass Media that has power

over individual success and failure

The

DEBATE:

Is it

democratic?

The Reality Times

Nichols states that Reality TV feeds our desire for this ever-present sense of anticipation, that you never know what is going to happen next.

‘Ad breaks and transitions threaten this

but the programme is constructed to maintain the sense of anticipation ‘coming up.....’ ‘Still to come...’

There also exists the endless possibility

that ‘ you may have something to contribute at any moment’.

The ‘Reality Cycle’ is endless.

There is no resolution

‘There is no ‘A-ha!’ moment in Reality TV’ where logic prevails’

Nichols

Biressi and Nunn claim that there is an uncomfortable move towards ‘televisual intimacy’ which Reality TV delights in. Reality TV depends on Spectacle and a ‘manipulative misuse of the camera’ - favouring the Close-Up, shaky handheld moves, zooming in to capture the emotional moment. Confessional, ‘private’ & ‘personal’ are all elements of Reality TV, observed by millions.

Humilitainment - finding entertainment in others suffering is not a new phenomenon. The German word Schadenfreude translates to the pleasure one receives at the suffering of others.

Schadenfreude was believed to be the result of threatened inferiority. In the wake of losing a competition Schadenfreude is a form of prejudice ‘used in the maintenance of self-worth’

Germaine Greer said Reality TV is ‘popular culture at its most popular’

The ‘Stars’ share our qualities, they are ‘like us’

Audiences have their voices heard – media is no longer just about the elite

In the absence of metanarratives , is Reality truly Postmodern, giving us multiple personal narratives representing diversity like never before ?

• Picture source: Village 999

Nichols states that Reality TV offers a higher gratification for viewers... ‘We can obtain forgiveness for ourselves’ through participation with reality TV. Our judgements absolve our own shortcomings. It is ultimate ‘gratification’. ‘reality TV offers communion... At a time when ideas and values feel worn, ineffective, abused and bandied about’

• The theory Paul sets into action is not a new one. It has been around since the late 1960s, when media psychologist George Gerbner stated that exposure to cultural imagery can shape a viewer's concept of reality. Simply put, the more TV a person watches, the more that person believes in the world of TV. Using his "cultivation theory," Gerbner showed that heavy news viewers believed they resided in a "meaner" world, to the point where they might even approve stricter violence interventions.

• The theory Paul sets into action is not a new one. It has been around since the late 1960s, when media psychologist George Gerbner stated that exposure to cultural imagery can shape a viewer's concept of reality. Simply put, the more TV a person watches, the more that person believes in the world of TV. Using his "cultivation theory," Gerbner showed that heavy news viewers believed they resided in a "meaner" world, to the point where they might even approve stricter violence interventions.

• The theory Paul sets into action is not a new one. It has been around since the late 1960s, when media psychologist George Gerbner stated that exposure to cultural imagery can shape a viewer's concept of reality. Simply put, the more TV a person watches, the more that person believes in the world of TV. Using his "cultivation theory," Gerbner showed that heavy news viewers believed they resided in a "meaner" world, to the point where they might even approve stricter violence interventions.

• The theory Paul sets into action is not a new one. It has been around since the late 1960s, when media psychologist George Gerbner stated that exposure to cultural imagery can shape a viewer's concept of reality. Simply put, the more TV a person watches, the more that person believes in the world of TV. Using his "cultivation theory," Gerbner showed that heavy news viewers believed they resided in a "meaner" world, to the point where they might even approve stricter violence interventions.

• The theory Paul sets into action is not a new one. It has been around since the late 1960s, when media psychologist George Gerbner stated that exposure to cultural imagery can shape a viewer's concept of reality. Simply put, the more TV a person watches, the more that person believes in the world of TV. Using his "cultivation theory," Gerbner showed that heavy news viewers believed they resided in a "meaner" world, to the point where they might even approve stricter violence interventions.

• The theory Paul sets into action is not a new one. It has been around since the late 1960s, when media psychologist George Gerbner stated that exposure to cultural imagery can shape a viewer's concept of reality. Simply put, the more TV a person watches, the more that person believes in the world of TV. Using his "cultivation theory," Gerbner showed that heavy news viewers believed they resided in a "meaner" world, to the point where they might even approve stricter violence interventions.

• The theory Paul sets into action is not a new one. It has been around since the late 1960s, when media psychologist George Gerbner stated that exposure to cultural imagery can shape a viewer's concept of reality. Simply put, the more TV a person watches, the more that person believes in the world of TV. Using his "cultivation theory," Gerbner showed that heavy news viewers believed they resided in a "meaner" world, to the point where they might even approve stricter violence interventions.

• The theory Paul sets into action is not a new one. It has been around since the late 1960s, when media psychologist George Gerbner stated that exposure to cultural imagery can shape a viewer's concept of reality. Simply put, the more TV a person watches, the more that person believes in the world of TV. Using his "cultivation theory," Gerbner showed that heavy news viewers believed they resided in a "meaner" world, to the point where they might even approve stricter violence interventions.

• The theory Paul sets into action is not a new one. It has been around since the late 1960s, when media psychologist George Gerbner stated that exposure to cultural imagery can shape a viewer's concept of reality. Simply put, the more TV a person watches, the more that person believes in the world of TV. Using his "cultivation theory," Gerbner showed that heavy news viewers believed they resided in a "meaner" world, to the point where they might even approve stricter violence interventions.

• The theory Paul sets into action is not a new one. It has been around since the late 1960s, when media psychologist George Gerbner stated that exposure to cultural imagery can shape a viewer's concept of reality. Simply put, the more TV a person watches, the more that person believes in the world of TV. Using his "cultivation theory," Gerbner showed that heavy news viewers believed they resided in a "meaner" world, to the point where they might even approve stricter violence interventions.

• The theory Paul sets into action is not a new one. It has been around since the late 1960s, when media psychologist George Gerbner stated that exposure to cultural imagery can shape a viewer's concept of reality. Simply put, the more TV a person watches, the more that person believes in the world of TV. Using his "cultivation theory," Gerbner showed that heavy news viewers believed they resided in a "meaner" world, to the point where they might even approve stricter violence interventions.

• The theory Paul sets into action is not a new one. It has been around since the late 1960s, when media psychologist George Gerbner stated that exposure to cultural imagery can shape a viewer's concept of reality. Simply put, the more TV a person watches, the more that person believes in the world of TV. Using his "cultivation theory," Gerbner showed that heavy news viewers believed they resided in a "meaner" world, to the point where they might even approve stricter violence interventions.

• The theory Paul sets into action is not a new one. It has been around since the late 1960s, when media psychologist George Gerbner stated that exposure to cultural imagery can shape a viewer's concept of reality. Simply put, the more TV a person watches, the more that person believes in the world of TV. Using his "cultivation theory," Gerbner showed that heavy news viewers believed they resided in a "meaner" world, to the point where they might even approve stricter violence interventions.

• The theory Paul sets into action is not a new one. It has been around since the late 1960s, when media psychologist George Gerbner stated that exposure to cultural imagery can shape a viewer's concept of reality. Simply put, the more TV a person watches, the more that person believes in the world of TV. Using his "cultivation theory," Gerbner showed that heavy news viewers believed they resided in a "meaner" world, to the point where they might even approve stricter violence interventions.

• The theory Paul sets into action is not a new one. It has been around since the late 1960s, when media psychologist George Gerbner stated that exposure to cultural imagery can shape a viewer's concept of reality. Simply put, the more TV a person watches, the more that person believes in the world of TV. Using his "cultivation theory," Gerbner showed that heavy news viewers believed they resided in a "meaner" world, to the point where they might even approve stricter violence interventions.

• The theory Paul sets into action is not a new one. It has been around since the late 1960s, when media psychologist George Gerbner stated that exposure to cultural imagery can shape a viewer's concept of reality. Simply put, the more TV a person watches, the more that person believes in the world of TV. Using his "cultivation theory," Gerbner showed that heavy news viewers believed they resided in a "meaner" world, to the point where they might even approve stricter violence interventions.

• The theory Paul sets into action is not a new one. It has been around since the late 1960s, when media psychologist George Gerbner stated that exposure to cultural imagery can shape a viewer's concept of reality. Simply put, the more TV a person watches, the more that person believes in the world of TV. Using his "cultivation theory," Gerbner showed that heavy news viewers believed they resided in a "meaner" world, to the point where they might even approve stricter violence interventions.

• The theory Paul sets into action is not a new one. It has been around since the late 1960s, when media psychologist George Gerbner stated that exposure to cultural imagery can shape a viewer's concept of reality. Simply put, the more TV a person watches, the more that person believes in the world of TV. Using his "cultivation theory," Gerbner showed that heavy news viewers believed they resided in a "meaner" world, to the point where they might even approve stricter violence interventions.

• The theory Paul sets into action is not a new one. It has been around since the late 1960s, when media psychologist George Gerbner stated that exposure to cultural imagery can shape a viewer's concept of reality. Simply put, the more TV a person watches, the more that person believes in the world of TV. Using his "cultivation theory," Gerbner showed that heavy news viewers believed they resided in a "meaner" world, to the point where they might even approve stricter violence interventions.

• The theory Paul sets into action is not a new one. It has been around since the late 1960s, when media psychologist George Gerbner stated that exposure to cultural imagery can shape a viewer's concept of reality. Simply put, the more TV a person watches, the more that person believes in the world of TV. Using his "cultivation theory," Gerbner showed that heavy news viewers believed they resided in a "meaner" world, to the point where they might even approve stricter violence interventions.

• The theory Paul sets into action is not a new one. It has been around since the late 1960s, when media psychologist George Gerbner stated that exposure to cultural imagery can shape a viewer's concept of reality. Simply put, the more TV a person watches, the more that person believes in the world of TV. Using his "cultivation theory," Gerbner showed that heavy news viewers believed they resided in a "meaner" world, to the point where they might even approve stricter violence interventions.

• The theory Paul sets into action is not a new one. It has been around since the late 1960s, when media psychologist George Gerbner stated that exposure to cultural imagery can shape a viewer's concept of reality. Simply put, the more TV a person watches, the more that person believes in the world of TV. Using his "cultivation theory," Gerbner showed that heavy news viewers believed they resided in a "meaner" world, to the point where they might even approve stricter violence interventions.

• The theory Paul sets into action is not a new one. It has been around since the late 1960s, when media psychologist George Gerbner stated that exposure to cultural imagery can shape a viewer's concept of reality. Simply put, the more TV a person watches, the more that person believes in the world of TV. Using his "cultivation theory," Gerbner showed that heavy news viewers believed they resided in a "meaner" world, to the point where they might even approve stricter violence interventions.

• The theory Paul sets into action is not a new one. It has been around since the late 1960s, when media psychologist George Gerbner stated that exposure to cultural imagery can shape a viewer's concept of reality. Simply put, the more TV a person watches, the more that person believes in the world of TV. Using his "cultivation theory," Gerbner showed that heavy news viewers believed they resided in a "meaner" world, to the point where they might even approve stricter violence interventions.

• The theory Paul sets into action is not a new one. It has been around since the late 1960s, when media psychologist George Gerbner stated that exposure to cultural imagery can shape a viewer's concept of reality. Simply put, the more TV a person watches, the more that person believes in the world of TV. Using his "cultivation theory," Gerbner showed that heavy news viewers believed they resided in a "meaner" world, to the point where they might even approve stricter violence interventions.

• The theory Paul sets into action is not a new one. It has been around since the late 1960s, when media psychologist George Gerbner stated that exposure to cultural imagery can shape a viewer's concept of reality. Simply put, the more TV a person watches, the more that person believes in the world of TV. Using his "cultivation theory," Gerbner showed that heavy news viewers believed they resided in a "meaner" world, to the point where they might even approve stricter violence interventions.

• The theory Paul sets into action is not a new one. It has been around since the late 1960s, when media psychologist George Gerbner stated that exposure to cultural imagery can shape a viewer's concept of reality. Simply put, the more TV a person watches, the more that person believes in the world of TV. Using his "cultivation theory," Gerbner showed that heavy news viewers believed they resided in a "meaner" world, to the point where they might even approve stricter violence interventions.

• The theory Paul sets into action is not a new one. It has been around since the late 1960s, when media psychologist George Gerbner stated that exposure to cultural imagery can shape a viewer's concept of reality. Simply put, the more TV a person watches, the more that person believes in the world of TV. Using his "cultivation theory," Gerbner showed that heavy news viewers believed they resided in a "meaner" world, to the point where they might even approve stricter violence interventions.

• The theory Paul sets into action is not a new one. It has been around since the late 1960s, when media psychologist George Gerbner stated that exposure to cultural imagery can shape a viewer's concept of reality. Simply put, the more TV a person watches, the more that person believes in the world of TV. Using his "cultivation theory," Gerbner showed that heavy news viewers believed they resided in a "meaner" world, to the point where they might even approve stricter violence interventions.

• The theory Paul sets into action is not a new one. It has been around since the late 1960s, when media psychologist George Gerbner stated that exposure to cultural imagery can shape a viewer's concept of reality. Simply put, the more TV a person watches, the more that person believes in the world of TV. Using his "cultivation theory," Gerbner showed that heavy news viewers believed they resided in a "meaner" world, to the point where they might even approve stricter violence interventions.

• The theory Paul sets into action is not a new one. It has been around since the late 1960s, when media psychologist George Gerbner stated that exposure to cultural imagery can shape a viewer's concept of reality. Simply put, the more TV a person watches, the more that person believes in the world of TV. Using his "cultivation theory," Gerbner showed that heavy news viewers believed they resided in a "meaner" world, to the point where they might even approve stricter violence interventions.

• The theory Paul sets into action is not a new one. It has been around since the late 1960s, when media psychologist George Gerbner stated that exposure to cultural imagery can shape a viewer's concept of reality. Simply put, the more TV a person watches, the more that person believes in the world of TV. Using his "cultivation theory," Gerbner showed that heavy news viewers believed they resided in a "meaner" world, to the point where they might even approve stricter violence interventions.

The theory Paul sets into action is not a new one. It has been around since the late 1960s, when media psychologist George Gerbner stated that exposure to cultural imagery can shape a viewer's concept of reality. Simply put, the more TV a person watches, the more that person believes in the world of TV. Using his "cultivation theory," Gerbner showed that heavy news viewers believed they resided in a "meaner" world, to the point where they might even approve stricter violence interventions.

• The theory Paul sets into action is not a new one. It has been around since the late 1960s, when media psychologist George Gerbner stated that exposure to cultural imagery can shape a viewer's concept of reality. Simply put, the more TV a person watches, the more that person believes in the world of TV. Using his "cultivation theory," Gerbner showed that heavy news viewers believed they resided in a "meaner" world, to the point where they might even approve stricter violence interventions.

• The theory Paul sets into action is not a new one. It has been around since the late 1960s, when media psychologist George Gerbner stated that exposure to cultural imagery can shape a viewer's concept of reality. Simply put, the more TV a person watches, the more that person believes in the world of TV. Using his "cultivation theory," Gerbner showed that heavy news viewers believed they resided in a "meaner" world, to the point where they might even approve stricter violence interventions.

• The theory Paul sets into action is not a new one. It has been around since the late 1960s, when media psychologist George Gerbner stated that exposure to cultural imagery can shape a viewer's concept of reality. Simply put, the cultivation theory" states that exposure to cultural imagery can shape a viewer's concept of reality. Simply put, the more TV a person watches, the more that person believes in the world of TV.

• e TV a person watches, the more that person believes in the world of TV. Using his "cultivation theory," Gerbner

Gerbner’s “Cultivation theory" states that exposure to cultural imagery can shape a viewer's concept of reality and that this changes imperceptibly over time. Simply put, the more TV a person watches, the more that person believes in the world of TV.

That every opinion is valid regardless of offence in the name of

democratisation and multiple narrative

Everyone can attain beauty and wealth All events should be filmed for public audiences

Everyone deserves to be a ‘star’

That immediacy and ‘now’ness’ are more important than considered debate and comment.

All private matters should be made public

Surveillance-entertainment increasing...?

Phoenix-style rise of the real ‘Star’ over time and death of the ‘public celebrity’...?

Increase in Structured Reality shows...?

Greater sponsorship of Reality TV with higher levels of product placement...?

Boundaries pushed for levels of discomfort, pain, humiliation for participants...?

• ‘Celebrity, Social Mobility and the Future of Reality TV’

Anita Biressi & Heather Nunn • ‘Teaching us to Fake it’ Nick Couldrey • ‘Reality TV and Social Perversion’ Bill Nichols • BFI Reality TV conference resources

http://www.bfi.org.uk/education/conferences/mediastudies2010/reality_tv.pdf

• Why People watch Reality TV http://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/getArticle.cfm?id=1742