REALITY TV

July 2000
		What's behind the increasing popularity of "reality TV"? Robert Thompson, head of the Center for the Study of Popular Television at Syracuse University and Frank Farley, past president of the American Psychological Association, who teaches now at Temple University, take your questions.

Forum introduction Are just we trying to learn more about people by watching reality TV? Is there an age bias in this type of programming? Why would people want to be exposed this way? Will cross-promotion of reality programming on news shows hurt the news? Does TV production take away from the "reality" of this kind of programming? Could this type of TV lead to other, less acceptable forms of voyeurism?     July 5, 2000: A discussion on the rise of reality TV. Browse the NewsHour's coverage of media issues.

Allan Woodward of Australia asks: Doesn't it seem that there are distinct 'ageist' issues about "Survivor." The older woman was the first to go, and indications are that the ex-Navy SEAL could be next. Is the networks' need to cater to a younger demographic the reason for the inequality of the age range, or is the result simply an indication of the moral condition, and prejudice of the younger people on the island? And does this say something about how we relate to older people?   Frank Farley responds: I'm not certain that ageism is at work. Rudy, the retired Navy SEAL, is still there, despite his crankiness. The network may well be seeking younger viewers, but it is also likely that older viewers would find this program concept uninteresting. I think it would be hard for many older viewers to relate to the idea of a shipwreck and being stranded on such an island [as in "Survivor"]. Hardship is not something many older viewers would be attracted to; they've probably had their share in one way or another.   Bob Thompson responds: During the first weeks of "Survivor," it did appear that the show was operating under a "survival of the youngest" mandate: the first two people voted off were 63 and 64-years old. It reminded me of those stories of cultures that set their old people adrift on icebergs. But that's changing as the show goes on. Rudy --the ex-SEAL-- has not been voted off yet. In fact, one could argue that the age spread of "Survivor" is wider than any other prime-time series. Except for "60 Minutes," what other top-rated network prime-time show has as many older and not traditionally attractive people in leading roles? Sure the show is goofy, but if you watch carefully, new voices unheard in most TV do occasionally seep in -- even that of an old guy like Rudy.