4. Some Definitions
Reality television is...
• a genre of television programming that presents purportedly unscripted dramatic
or humorous situations, documents actual events, and usually features ordinary
people instead of professional actors. (Wikipedia,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reality_television)
• a catch-all category that includes a wide range of television programmes about
real people. Sometimes called popular factual television, reality TV is located in
border territories, between information and entertainment, documentary and
drama. (Annette Hill, Reality TV, 2005)
• programming that is unscripted and follows actual ‘real life’ events as they unfold,
usually involving members of the public or groups of celebrities.
(http://www.skillset.org)
• the television genre where situations are created by the show’s producers, but the
show itself is unscripted. Cameras capture the participants’ natural reactions and
responses to the situations created, which are then edited as a programme or
series. (Product Placement Glossary, iTVX.com)
© English and Media Centre 4