How does new-media (the internet, cell-phone technology, etc) play a significant role in the success of reality TV, as well as cult TV series such as Buffy?
The new-media technologies such as internet and cell phones means that people can put their say in whether it is via text message or online. This is very popular for game shows such as American idol where the viewers at home vote for their favourite contestant to save them from being sent off the show. The format of people ringing and texting in adds to the strong economic performance in the television marketplace (Hills, 2005).
The internet is also a significant factor for why reality TV and cult TV is successful. You can find almost all of the Buffy episodes on there and watch them over and over again, along with other cult TV series. This is also a place for fans to go and interact with other fans of the same TV shows as mentioned in my earlier postings. The internet has opened up the boundaries of fandom and allows more people to participate and engage in fan activity and fan culture. As the fandom on the internet increases, a wider variety of TV shows are emerging for fans to discuss and appreciate with each other, especially reality TV shows. The fans combined with new-media technology are the reason that shows such as Buffy still live on and are successful even though they are no longer shown on TV.
Why is reality TV so popular for both programme makers and TV viewers?
Reality TV is popular for the viewers because of the interaction that is open for them and the unexpected drama that can break out on the screen in any second. It is real people in real life situations, not actors in made up scenarios who they are watching. In some game shows such as American Idol, viewers help decide the fate and outcome of the contestants. This is where it is also popular for program makers because the viewers are texting and calling in to place their vote and are then going to want to watch the show to see who gets voted off. This makes the rating of the TV show increase which is want the program makers want.
Shows such as ‘Who wants to be a millionaire’ are also popular for TV viewers as it is a game show for ordinary people, you don’t have to be gifted with a singing voice to go on a show and win money – like American idol. People watching can also play along with the game show and have the appeal that they one day might get to go in the hot seat and participate.
The public attraction to Reality TV is growing more each day and there is no sign of it slowing down so this is why it is such a popular genre for programme makers to continue making. It’s simple, if the audience loves it, then keep making it.
References:
Hill, A. (2005) The rise of reality TV. In A. Hill, Reality TV: Audiences and Popular Factual Television. (pp. 15 – 40). Oxon: Routledge.
Hello Sarah,
ReplyDeleteYou make some good points here. Do you yourself enjoy participating in reality TV - and how do you participate - if at ll? can you think of any further reasons why reality TV is popular with TV producers?
esther :)
You made some good points! How about the market value of game shows that do appear and can be available via new-media? I think game shows having more accessibility and immediacy through internet and cell phone rank the game show higher in tv ratings and can even get more exposure at times when it will appear on tv not to mention the amount of price money that would be up for grabs would probably increase.
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