Life as reality TV
Adam Bickel, Reporter
Issue date: 2/7/08 Section: Campus Life
When Youngstown State UNiversity sophomore Lelan Jones tried out for "The Real World" and made it past the first round of auditioning, it was a sign that reality TV is here to stay.
Reality shows and game shows such as "American Idol" and "The Hills" are pulling in astonishing ratings. For the week of Jan. 21. five out of the top 10 rated television shows were a game show or reality show according to Nielsen Media.
Jones said they only asked him three or four questions before deciding to cut him out of the running.
"It wasn't that great. It was like selling yourself to other people who are also trying to get on the show," Jones said.
"Reality TV is not as real as people think it is," he said.
Jones isn't the only student who had reality TV dreams.
Freshman Allison Jordan said things can get pretty entertaining at the restaurant where she works.
"I would do a behind-the scenes-show," she said of her restuarant. "We really are crazy."
Senior Tracy Gumina said people can't get enough reality TV.
"I know most of it is mindless — but who cares. It is so entertaining." Gumina is not the only viewer. Hits like "The Real World" have been on for over a decade and are still going strong.
Reality TV is one of television's answers to the ongoing writers strike. Without the writers producing new scripts, the viewers are left with the option of watching reruns, or tuning into a new episode of "The Hills," which is allegedly free of writers, scripts and actors.
Frank Owens, YSU professor in the telecommunication department, has his own views on reality television.
"Reality has become a genre," he said, "like sitcoms."
"People always have enjoyed watching the world around them. It is not new," he said, giving the example of "Candid Camera."
Owens said for networks, another draw of reality TV is strictly business. Reality is cheaper to produce.
"Just send a camera to Hulk Hogan's house and follow him around. Less than $200,000 per show, contrasted to $3,000,000 for a prime time drama," Owens said.
There's also money in the ads shown during reality TV.
"American Idol" has been the top-rated show for the past four years and is now charging Super Bowl prices for ads to be aired during the time of the finale. It was posted on RealityTVWorld.com posted that it will cost up to $1 million dollars for a 30-second ad.
Reality shows and game shows such as "American Idol" and "The Hills" are pulling in astonishing ratings. For the week of Jan. 21. five out of the top 10 rated television shows were a game show or reality show according to Nielsen Media.
Jones said they only asked him three or four questions before deciding to cut him out of the running.
"It wasn't that great. It was like selling yourself to other people who are also trying to get on the show," Jones said.
"Reality TV is not as real as people think it is," he said.
Jones isn't the only student who had reality TV dreams.
Freshman Allison Jordan said things can get pretty entertaining at the restaurant where she works.
"I would do a behind-the scenes-show," she said of her restuarant. "We really are crazy."
Senior Tracy Gumina said people can't get enough reality TV.
"I know most of it is mindless — but who cares. It is so entertaining." Gumina is not the only viewer. Hits like "The Real World" have been on for over a decade and are still going strong.
Reality TV is one of television's answers to the ongoing writers strike. Without the writers producing new scripts, the viewers are left with the option of watching reruns, or tuning into a new episode of "The Hills," which is allegedly free of writers, scripts and actors.
Frank Owens, YSU professor in the telecommunication department, has his own views on reality television.
"Reality has become a genre," he said, "like sitcoms."
"People always have enjoyed watching the world around them. It is not new," he said, giving the example of "Candid Camera."
Owens said for networks, another draw of reality TV is strictly business. Reality is cheaper to produce.
"Just send a camera to Hulk Hogan's house and follow him around. Less than $200,000 per show, contrasted to $3,000,000 for a prime time drama," Owens said.
There's also money in the ads shown during reality TV.
"American Idol" has been the top-rated show for the past four years and is now charging Super Bowl prices for ads to be aired during the time of the finale. It was posted on RealityTVWorld.com posted that it will cost up to $1 million dollars for a 30-second ad.
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