Reality TV—NOT!

I could have titled this: "America, Get a Life!" Because the examples you are about to read are so outlandish, you might think they are exaggerations. But I assure you they are true (regrettably, considering what that says about America).

by Cecil E. Maranville

Have you noticed any ads for "reality television" programs in the last few years? You have, unless you've been on the proverbial "other planet" somewhere, for reality TV programs have become a mainstay of American culture.

In researching this subject, I found a minimum of 230 "reality shows"—that's right, 230. I am sure there are more, for the production of such programming is now as deeply entrenched in the Western world's entertainment industry as Mickey Mouse is in Disneyland.

They are trite, they are trashy, they are titillating—and they are treasure troves for TV networks, as Americans and Britons by the millions tune in several times a day to see them. In the United States every network is trying to cash in on the collective voyeurism of Americans gone gaga over the phenomenon: ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, Bravo, E!, WB, UPN, MTV, VH1, Sci-Fi, TBS, USA, Oxygen, Showtime, Lifetime, Spike—even A&E, PBS and The Learning Channel! Besides the networks, there are privately owned syndicates making their own shows and selling them to the highest bidder.

It all has to do with the price that can be charged for advertising time. "Here's the real reason for the proliferation of reality television: Four out of the five spots on the most expensive television show list are held by reality TV shows. Leading the pack is American Idol, which 'costs on average $658,333 per 30-second spot, while the Tuesday edition is slightly cheaper at $620,000,' according to Advertising Age. ER follows the two editions of the FOX series, but in fourth place is Survivor Vanuatu, which is charging '$412,833 for a 30-second spot, compared with $390,367 during the 2003-2004 season.'

"The Apprentice is next, with an average cost of $409,877 for a 30-second ad. Other reality TV series of note: NBC's forthcoming The Contender charges $330,000 for half a minute, while UPN's America's Next Top Model gets $92,045 for the same amount of advertising time" (www.realityblurred.com, Sept. 27, 2004).

Read the full article at www.wnponline.org/wnp/wnp0502/realitytv.htm

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