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

There are many definitions associated with reality TV. Firstly, Hill (2005) points out that Reality TV or reality programming is a series of various events in the lives of  groups or individuals, the attempt to simulate such real life events through many kinds of forms of dramatised reconstruction and the incorporation of this material into an attractively packages TV programme. Also, there is another definition of reality TV. Reality TV is a kind of catch-all category, and popular examples of reality programming, draw on a variety of genres to create ratings winners (Hill, 2005). Furthermore, Reality TV has many kinds of styles and techniques. For examples, there are non-professional actors, unscripted dialogue and situation, hand-held cameras or surveillance footage in some reality shows (Hill, 2005). Hill (2005) also suggests that Reality is not one genre. Reality TV is made up of a lot of different television genres like documentary, drama and lifestyle. These genres have merged together to create various different genres. As an example, Cathy Come Home also had an influence on reality TV. Furthermore, there are a number of realities TV such as Survivor, game show, drama, talk shows or various documentaries in Korea. Hill (2005) believes that if there is one defining characteristic that makes up reality TV is to let the viewers see for themselves. Even though many realities shows are now set up and scripted, they still let viewers into their life and show their personalities on screen of the reality show. Reality TV gets a number of demands. It might mean Reality shows will be created constantly in the various genres. Many new seasons are still being created like a series.

Reference

Hill, A. (2005) The reality genre. In A. Hill, Reality TV: Audiences and Popular Factual Television. (pp. 14 – 40). Oxon: Routledge.