Power To The People: Audiences In Reality Tv

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Power to the people: The role of audiences in Reality TV It can be argued that Reality TV has revolutionised modern day television viewing and the study of media audiences both locally and globally. First developed in the 1990s, a standard definition for the genre has been widely debated (Nabi et al. 2003) although research in the area suggests that audiences are well aware of the formula of Reality TV programs. Earlier studies of Reality TV have argued the concept is defined by programs that “claim to present reality” (Cavender & Fishman 1998, p. 3), or a broad programming typology that includes news programs, talk shows and other infotainment based shows (Potter et al. 1997). For the purposes of this essay, Reality TV is defined as television programs that feature ordinary people as opposed to professional actors as the main characters. Definitions aside, there is agreement concerning the specific strategies and enhancements that Reality TV programming employs to engage audiences. These include formats that enable voyeurism and interactivity on the part of the audience, and the use of real-life stories. Ross and Nightingale (2003) amongst others (e.g. Reiss & Wiltz 2004; Nightingale & Dwyer 2006; Hill 2002) have commented on the significance of Reality TV’s role in revitalising tired media audiences through the introduction of new dimensions to the TV viewing experience. Arguably one of the most popular Reality TV programs on a global level, Big Brother, has largely been the focus of social commentators and some scholars who have researched Reality TV (Reiss & Wiltz 2004). This essay will focus on Reality TV’s strategies for engaging audiences, with specific reference to Ross and Nightingale’s (2003) commentary on the Big Brother phenomenon and its implication for understanding media audiences. In order to examine Reality TV’s strategies for engaging

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