chapter twelveReality Programming

Reality television is a programming, not a production concept. Reality programs utilize many of the production formats described earlier in this book. Reality programs are produced using both single- and multiple-camera production techniques. While reality productions are often thought of as being documentaries, there is a significant distinction between documentaries and reality programming. The documentary may be entertaining, but the emphasis is on information. Reality programming is first and foremost entertainment. Many of the programs that are considered to be reality programs are simply contests of one sort or another. The idea of their being “reality” comes from the fact that they all depend on spontaneous ...

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