More on the WGA strike

[sholio]

Something that occurred to me, discussing the whole WGA thing with Derry, is that I really didn't mean to frame the previous post as a hatefest on reality shows. I can't deny that I'm not the most unbiased person; I don't like them and I'd really rather see scripted shows on TV instead. It's always easier to ask someone else to make the sacrifice, I know! But it wouldn't matter if the networks were filling the airwaves with British comedies or anime or documentaries instead; the point is not "reality TV bad, scripted shows good", but rather that corporate execs are attempting to do an end-run around the WGA and, rather than negotiating, to simply fill the airwaves with new content -- taking away the union's one source of power vs. the networks.

Believe me, I sympathize with the reality show hate; really, I do. But putting it in those simplistic terms, of which I'm totally guilty, shifts the blame onto the reality shows and off where it really belongs -- the networks who would rather come up with new programming than concede to the WGA's very reasonable demands. And I would imagine that it makes reality-TV fans feel like they're being attacked (which, hopefully, isn't the case) and make them even less likely to sympathize with the aims of the WGA and their supportive fans. It really shouldn't need to turn into an "us" vs. "them" issue between the fans, when the real issue at hand is the networks' behavior. And I shouldn't have presented it that way.

Comments

[madripoor-rose.livejournal.com]

Thank you for that. I'm going to continue to watch Kid Nation, Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares, Mythbusters and Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader. Any new game shows/reality shows that are broadcast to the networks advantage during the writers strike, I won't be watching. There is a difference.

[sholio]

Well, and there's another point ... I like Mythbusters and never even actually thought of it as a reality show, though I suppose it is, isn't it? I just hadn't really thought of it when I was talking about reality shows. So that's what I get for making blanket statements. *smacks self*

[blade-girl.livejournal.com]

I also think there's a difference between reality shows and nonfiction shows, the latter of which I think Mythbusters falls into. I don't think that could be considered an unscripted program, could it?

[wraithfodder.livejournal.com]

I've tried reality shows, when they first came on (wasted 45 minutes of my life watching SURVIVOR). I don't see the allure of the majority of them, as far too many count on humiliating, etc. the contestants. It also reminds me too much of the Roman's 'bread and circuses' - entertaining the masses so they can forget the true mess going around them. If I'm going to watch TV, I'll watch scripted fare, documentaries and news. Reality is just soooo.... I mean, just watch Jerry Springer and get it over with ;)

Now if my viewing habits counted, I could make a difference, but I have no Nielsen box. Darn.

[flingslass.livejournal.com]

I watched an episode of The Biggest Loser (Australian version) much to my shame and I really can't see how you can call it reality. The way they are losing weight is dangerous and they just put it back on when they finish the show. Worse I believe it could lead to things like Anorexia or body image disorders. I have enough trouble viewing my own image and I am NOT a large person but at least I am mature enough to know that you can't just starve yourself(Well?) what happens to the teenagers who watch these type of shows?
Okay I'd better get off the soapbox. I try to avoid reality TV because who wants reality? When I watch TV I want non reality. (Would explain Stargate Atlantis) It's like reading a book but instead of imagining it yourself yu get to see the pictures.

[sholio]

Yeah. I'm pretty sure the only reality TV I've ever watched is when I've either been in the room with someone else who's watching it, or idly flipping channels when I'm traveling (unless you count things like Mythbusters or Discovery Channel). It's just ... not at all interesting to me.