by denishc » Sat Feb 22, 2003 11:47 pm
For one thing, TV isn't about "reality". Its about advertising!
Programs that are entertaining attrack the most viewers, the more viewers the more exposure your product or service gets, the more valuable the ad time during these programs become, for both the network and advertiser.
Unfortunatly some viewers belive watching people suffer is entertaining, or that "Marring a Millionaire" is romantic. In some respects these programs pander to our darker sides.
As for the networks, it saves on cost. No sets, no scripts, no rehearsing, no "real" actors or "real" actor salaries. The networks love it!!!
"Reality" programming, like telephone solicitors, will never go away. Not as long as there is someone willing to watch or listen.