Reality Television

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

Television in its own right has come a tremendously long way. Hill's vivid interpretation of the reality genre is a fantastic starting point in gaining a fair understanding of the topic.

The 1960's docudrama titled 'Cathy Come Home' showcased the deplorable struggles of UK citizens during the years of hardship and unemployment. It also marked the dawn of soap opera's in which Hill's brings up in his discussion. He also brings to the table how the television network is all about bring expansive and taking necessary risks. "..television often cannibalises itself, feeding off successful genres and formats in order to create new hybrid programmes." (Hill, 2005, p.42)

I suppose this gives way to the possibility of introducing more intellectual and captivating genres. In this case, the reality genre features a category consisting of game shows and programmes orientating around the subject of lifestyle, for instance. "Other British terrestrial, satellite, cable and digital channels categorise reality TV under a variety of headings." (Hill, 2005, p.43)

Reality shows such as game and talent are intended to evoke entertainment and are therefore labelled as factual entertainment. The other half of this sophisticated genre is Popular factual television which is more tied in with soap opera, discarding any real entertainment value. "The industry terms of factual entertainment and popular factual television are umbrella categories for a range of formatted as well as non-formatted programmes and series." (Hill, 2005, p.42)

Hill, A. (2005). The reality genre. In A. Hill, Reality TV: Audiences and Popular Factual Television. Oxon: Routledge.