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Read the following passage and answer question 186-190
Reality television is a genre of television programming which, it is claimed, presents unscripted dramatic or humorous situations, documents actual events, and features ordinary people rather than professional actors. It could be described as aform of artificial or 'heightened' documentary. Although the genre has existed in some form or other since the early years o f television, the current explosion of popularity dates from around 2000.
Critics say that the term 'reality television is somewhat of a misnomer and that such shows frequently portray a modified and highly influenced form of reality, with participants put in exotic locations or abnormal situations, sometimes coached toact in certain ways by off-screen handlers, and with events on screen manipulated through editing and other post-production techniques. Part o f reality television's appeal is due to its ability to place ordinary people in extraordinary situations.
Some commentators have said that the name 'reality television is aninaccurate description for several styles o f program included in the genre. In competition-based programs the producers design the format of the show and control the day-to-day activities and the environment, creating a completely fabricated world in which the competition plays out. Producers specifically select the participants, and use carefully designed scenarios, challenges, events, and settings to encourage particular behaviors and conflicts. Mark Burnett, creator of 'Survivor' and other reality shows, has agreed with this assessment, and avoids the word ‘reality’ to describe his shows: he has said. “I tell good stories. It really is not reality TV. It really is unscripted drama'.
Reality television is a genre of television programming which, it is claimed, presents unscripted dramatic or humorous situations, documents actual events, and features ordinary people rather than professional actors. It could be described as aform of artificial or 'heightened' documentary. Although the genre has existed in some form or other since the early years o f television, the current explosion of popularity dates from around 2000.
Critics say that the term 'reality television is somewhat of a misnomer and that such shows frequently portray a modified and highly influenced form of reality, with participants put in exotic locations or abnormal situations, sometimes coached toact in certain ways by off-screen handlers, and with events on screen manipulated through editing and other post-production techniques. Part o f reality television's appeal is due to its ability to place ordinary people in extraordinary situations.
Some commentators have said that the name 'reality television is aninaccurate description for several styles o f program included in the genre. In competition-based programs the producers design the format of the show and control the day-to-day activities and the environment, creating a completely fabricated world in which the competition plays out. Producers specifically select the participants, and use carefully designed scenarios, challenges, events, and settings to encourage particular behaviors and conflicts. Mark Burnett, creator of 'Survivor' and other reality shows, has agreed with this assessment, and avoids the word ‘reality’ to describe his shows: he has said. “I tell good stories. It really is not reality TV. It really is unscripted drama'.
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