Abstract
This paper uses reality television as an example of race, class, gender and sexual orientation in popular culture. The author argues that reality television shows are filled with stereotypes. The paper relates that these stereotypes are used to maintain the status quo.

From the Paper
"Reality television, which is a hybrid of a game show and a documentary, is a relatively recent development. Basically contestants have to do some type of unusual activity and this activity is filmed for a television audience. The nature of the activity and the prizes vary from show to show with some shows involving stunts and large cash prizes, other shows involve changing life styles and the prize is a new and supposedly better lifestyle. Although the contests on reality television programs are not actors they are still picked using a very deliberate selection process."

Tags:reality, television, stereotypes

Abstract
This paper discusses the effects of the reality television genre on its viewing audiences. In addition to positive effects, many negative outcomes are discussed. Research in the subject concludes that it makes viewers lazy and preoccupied with the lives of others that they do not know. The writer points out that conversely, there is an entertainment value that lets viewers live vicariously through the characters.

From the Paper
"Over the last decade, reality-based or "unscripted" television shows have seemingly dominated programming schedules. The format has been in existence for some time starting with shows like Cops and People's Court in the 1980s. Later, MTV's Real World aired in 1992 and is generally considered to be the first show that used the current reality model (Herrera). MTV has enjoyed continued success with this show, airing for nineteen seasons. Another early show, Survivor, is credited with bringing the reality-genre into the mainstream forefront as it was the first to be profitable and wildly popular on broadcast television."

Tags:reality, television, genre

Abstract
In this article, the writer looks at the phenomenon known as reality television. The writer explains that today reality TV may be separated into different categories, namely the game show, the dating show and the talent show. Given the dramatically distinct styles and cultural discourses embodied in each show, this essay will focus on one particular form of the genre - the game show - and on the preeminent example of this form - Mark Burnett's 'Survivor'.

From the Paper
"In the summer of 2000, a little publicized CBS television program named Survivor became a popular culture phenomenon and, in the process, initiated the current dominance of the "reality TV" genre. Today reality television may be subdivided into three main categories: the game show (e.g., Survivor, The Apprentice); the dating show (e.g., The Bachelor); and the talent show (e.g., American Idol)."

Tags:media, television, commercial

Abstract
This paper examines the reality of reality television according to Annette Hill, a leading expert on the rise of reality television, in her full length book, "Reality TV: Audiences and Popular Factual Television." The paper explains how reality television is a hybrid of factual television (documentary and news) and scripted popular television that creates a program that makes money and that viewers enjoy watching.

From the Paper
"As Hill points out early in her work "reality television" is not mean to be real and such a controversy is relatively mute as it does not bode well with the viewer, who would rather just watch it and accept what they wish to be true and the producers who would rather just keep making it and making money off it. Though some are concerned about the effects such television might have on children, who might be predisposed to believe it over other types of television because it is labeled "reality." (Davies 1) The overall response by the public is positive as more and more programs percolate through the whole of the television media and viewership continues to increase."

Tags:documentary, fact, fiction, director

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses the trend of reality programs that appeared on television in the late 1980s and has continued to the present. The writer declares that although reality television has become a dominant part of TV viewing, it is important to realize that along with any "entertainment" there comes responsibility. One needs to be concerned when the lines between reality and fantasy become so blurred that one can no longer recognize the difference. The writer concludes that as long as one recognizes that reality television is solely for entertainment purposes, then all is well.

From the Paper
"Another feature of the genre is the format of the shows. Here again producers borrow from both fiction and nonfiction. In the opening minutes of the first episode of Big Brother 5, we meet the eight core houseguests--mostly twenty something, all with movie-star good looks and figures, who are introduced with fast-paced editing that includes flashbacks of good-byes to family and jobs presented with a mix of game-show and sitcom-production techniques. After a commercial break comes act 2 and the exposition of the plot. Here is where we learn how "guests" stay in the game, how viewers participate in the fates of the participants, and what has to be done to be the big winner who takes home five hundred grand.
In act 3, the producers of Big Brother, represented by a petite Asian American who speaks to the contestants though a television monitor--tell the houseguests that each has a minute to choose his or her bedroom and bed. Choices include sleeping alone or with a partner in a double bed."

Tags:entertainment, fiction, production, interactive

Abstract
This paper describes in detail the phenomenon of reality television and explores the different reasons why it works. Included are examples and reasons from the early 2000s and late 1950s. The reasons the genre is chosen to be used by networks rather than others is also discussed. The paper provides descriptions of a number of reality television shows and illustrates their success.

From the Paper
"In May of 2000, the United States population got to know the cast of Survivor. The cast was not that of a normal television show. They had never acted before, they were not portraying characters, nor were they being paid big bucks for each episode they filmed. The people were normal. They were being filmed as they performed everyday activities in the show's environment. Critics quickly labeled the show as reality television. The public subsequently showed a desire for the programming genre."

Tags:game, genre, shows, survivor

Abstract
In this article, the writer provides a research proposal involving a topic dealing with communication, with the field of media studies specifically in mind. Mass communication audiences are under discussion, and from that the research topic was chosen. The topic involves the researching of the reality television phenomenon, with specific focus on South African television in terms of various factors, allowing the researcher the possibility of developing further understanding and academic work on a subject that is relatively new and still falls into the 'unknown' category. The writer concludes that it is visible that the South African reality television analysis is a necessary research study that should be conducted for many reasons, not least of which is the furthering of knowledge involved with broadcasting, communication and the mass media audiences.

Outline:
Introduction
Mass Communication Audiences
Audience Formation
Uses and Gratifications Model
What Gratifications are Sought and Obtained?
The Three Processes
Expectancy-Value Theory
Dependency Theory
Context of the Study
Purpose of the Study
Background of the Study
Relevance of the Topic
Literature Review
Similar Research
Type of Study
Formulation of Research problem, Questions or Hypothesis
Research Problem
Sub-problems
Research questions
Methodology
The Research Method
Quantitative Research
Qualitative Research
Collection and Interpretation of Data
Questionnaire Example
Feasibility and Ethics of the Study
Anticipated Findings
Anticipation of Findings
Uses and Gratifications Theory
Anticipated Contribution to Communication
Conclusion
10 SOURCES

From the Paper
"It is important to understand what gratifications are actually sought after and obtained in order to further understand the theory. This may be further explained by looking at McQuail's 'Typology of Gratifications Sought and Obtained'. In this typology he names four gratification categories that the public media choices fall into. The first category is information, meaning that the audience exposes themselves to the media product in order to be informed."
"The second category in the typology is that of personal identity. A viewer of the Big Brother program may seek gratification in terms of personal identity by reinforcing personal values regarding sexual abstinence that are echoed in the reality program or by identifying oneself with a featured role model in the show. A third category discussed in the typology is that of integration and social interaction. This category deals with the need people have to be part of a society and have a sense of membership or belonging. McQuail's final category in his typology is entertainment. The need for entertainment may be sought out to divert one's attention from life's problems and struggles or simply to fill time. This is specifically visible in the case of reality television. The gratification model is made up of three processes."

Tags:TV, shows, audiences, participant, media

Abstract
The paper's research attempts to determine why the genre of reality- based television shows is so successful and in demand. The research gauges popularity through qualitative and quantitative means, with an emphasis on questionnaires answered by a wide variety of reality television viewers, as well as those that are not partial to the genre.

Outline:
Introduction
Context of the Study
Literature Review
Key Terms
Methodology
Findings
Conclusion

From the Paper
"This research project involves a topic dealing with communication, with media studies specifically in mind. The topic involves the researching of the reality television phenomenon in terms of its popularity, allowing the researcher and those that view the research project the possibility of developing further understanding and academic work on a subject that is relatively old considering that it has been a genre for over twenty years. The fact that it has been broadcast for quite some time in various different forms and formats, without true understanding of its popularity, specifically in recent times, warrants further study."

Tags:broadcasts, audiences, questionnaire, communication, media, networks

Abstract
This paper stresses that, more than any other reality television show, "Joe Millionaire" highlights particularly disturbing social views regarding women and relationships because the show presents women as liars who are motivated only by the money. The author points out that reality television has given networks another option to violence, but the audience is gradually becoming desensitized to the ethical ugliness, just as they have become desensitized to violence. The paper concludes that more and more young people associate behavior such as lying and cheating, not with a moral quandary, but with a vicarious thrill.

From the Paper
"In "The Bachelor", for example, the first bachelor Alex Michel showed no qualms about having sex with one of the bachelorettes and eventually choosing another girl. The lack of public outcry about this behavior shows that for many people, the thought of sex outside a relationship and the presentation of women as objects to be chosen no longer raise a moral quandary."

Tags:desensitize, women, relationship, violence, sex

Abstract
This paper examines the popularity of "reality TV" and the first, and most innovative, of these programs named "Survivor." The paper describes reality television as being subdivided into three main categories, the first being the game show (e.g., Survivor, The Apprentice), then the dating show (e.g., The Bachelor) and finally the talent show. The paper then focuses on the game show, with an emphasis on Mark Burnett's "Survivor."

From the Paper
"The past decade has witnessed the transformation of broadcast television in North America due to the incredible popularity of what is popularly known as "reality TV". The first, and most innovative, of these programs was a little publicized CBS television program named 'Survivor' which, in the summer of 2000, became a popular culture phenomenon. Today reality television may be subdivided into three main categories: the game show (e.g., Survivor, The Apprentice); the dating show (e.g., The Bachelor); and the talent show (e.g., American Idol) (Frisby 50). Given the dramatically distinct styles and cultural discourses embodied in each..."

Tags:tv, education, show