Reality TV

How does Hill define reality TV? Describe his definitions in the context of a contemporary Reality TV show.

Hill (2005) states that "the category of reality TV is commonly used to describe a range of popular factual programming. There are a variety of styles and techniques associated with reality TV, such as non-professional actors, unscripted dialogue, surveillance footage, hand-held cameras, seeing events unfold as they are happening in front of the camera." (p. 40)

Reality TV, over the years has developed and there is no one pin pointing definition. Hill (2005) mentions that "In the early stages of the genre, reality TV was associated with law and order, or emergency services. More recently, reality TV is associated with anything and everything, from people to pets, from birth to death." (p.40)

This statement rings true, especially from seeing 'Cathy come home' produced in 1966. The issues addressed in 'Cathy come home' were important at the time; addressing the government and other people in power surrounding the issue of homelessness as well as exposing it. Nowadays we see reality TV shows such as 'The Kardashians', 'Kendra On top' 'Geordie Shore' etc which give us a glimpse into different lifestyles, however it's questionable whether they really are portraying reality.

Back when reality TV was just coming out the issues had truth to them, it showcased a factual reality and in 'Cathy come home' the homelessness issue was one that really spoke volumes to audiences, allowing them to experience the hardship through their own TV's. Generally issues like this would be rather one-sided and overlooked, however when reality TV was introduced it changed that, providing people with a voyeuristic perception. The conventions mentioned by Hill were all used in 'Cathy come home' and can also be seen in many of the reality shows nowadays.

The themes of a contemporary reality show nowadays is quite different as Hill said it can be about 'anything and everything'. Some have been criticized as being fake and scripted; most now are somewhat materialistic and superficial presenting questionable realities. Despite these things, the genre is still increasingly popular. It's one of those genres you either love or hate and most people, even if they hate the shows, like looking into other peoples lives and seeing the things that the characters go through, an example where this is seen is 'The Truman Show' where people are emotionally invested with Truman, and feel like they know him so well.

Therefore reality TV can be defined as anything and everything. It is a genre that has no limits, but rather techniques that help define it. Although the main themes and focuses have changed, the major techniques of reality TV have stayed the same.


References:
- Hill, A. (2005) The rise of reality TV. In A. Hill, Reality TV: Audiences and Popular Factual Television. (p. 40). Oxon: Routledge.