08-29-2013, 05:31 AM
Unfortunately the increase in the number of "reality TV shows" is partially due to the dumbing down of America and partially due to the television networks. In 1998 during the WGA writer's strike all scripted television production (sitcoms, dramas, serials, documentaries, even some movie production) came to a halt. The networks were left exposed with nothing to fill their schedules. Fast forward about 5 years and due to the success and popularity of programs like COPS and The Real World, the networks started developing reality TV shows because they didn't want to be vulnerable to another writer's strike. By creating "unscripted programming" (reality TV, game shows, etc) they got around the writer's contracts and we were stuck watching the best of Temptation Island, Paris Hilton's My New BFF, Jersey Shore, Flavor of Love and all the Housewives of Everywhere. By 2003 the networks had over 40 unscripted reality shows ready to unleash on us. They were cheaper to make and easy to replace if they failed.
Another way to get around a potential writer's strike and save money on programming, the networks also developed dozens of games shows, because again, by definition, these shows are "unscripted". Does anyone remember how many games shows were on TV after the success of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Can you remember Joe Millionaire, Weakest Link, The Mole, I Survived a Japanese Game Show, Supermarket Sweep?
In the mean time our viewing choices became more and more limited and the quality of programming suffered horribly. To your original point about educational channels - TLC, Bravo and A&E are really putting anything on the air to get a little attention and a few ratings points to boost their advertising revenues. And little by little they get further away from their brand and mission. I love Discovery Channel but they too have gotten away from true documentaries and more into the unscripted reality-docu-drama. Its becoming so boring, uninteresting and leaves nothing worth discovering.
I think I ranted a little too much. Sorry.
When I want to watch something educational or informative I just go to youtube, type in documentary, and put my search filter on "video over 20 minutes" and you will get thousands of great documentaries from National Geographic, Discovery, BBC, PBS, IFC, History Channel, Nova, Frontline, ITV and from other film makers from around the world. You can pick and choose your interest or subject and watch anytime you want. Take the best the networks have to offer and turn the rest of it off.
Another way to get around a potential writer's strike and save money on programming, the networks also developed dozens of games shows, because again, by definition, these shows are "unscripted". Does anyone remember how many games shows were on TV after the success of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Can you remember Joe Millionaire, Weakest Link, The Mole, I Survived a Japanese Game Show, Supermarket Sweep?
In the mean time our viewing choices became more and more limited and the quality of programming suffered horribly. To your original point about educational channels - TLC, Bravo and A&E are really putting anything on the air to get a little attention and a few ratings points to boost their advertising revenues. And little by little they get further away from their brand and mission. I love Discovery Channel but they too have gotten away from true documentaries and more into the unscripted reality-docu-drama. Its becoming so boring, uninteresting and leaves nothing worth discovering.
I think I ranted a little too much. Sorry.
When I want to watch something educational or informative I just go to youtube, type in documentary, and put my search filter on "video over 20 minutes" and you will get thousands of great documentaries from National Geographic, Discovery, BBC, PBS, IFC, History Channel, Nova, Frontline, ITV and from other film makers from around the world. You can pick and choose your interest or subject and watch anytime you want. Take the best the networks have to offer and turn the rest of it off.
MBA - Western Governors 2019
BSBA - TESC 2014
CLEP/DSST: Principles of Management 69 | Human Resource Management 64 | Introduction to Computing 466 | Principles of Marketing 67 | Organizational Behavior 61 | Management Information Systems 466 | Principles of Supervision 437 | Introduction to Business 434 | Business Ethics and Society 431 | Introductory Business Law 56 | Macroeconomics 54 | American Government 59 | Money & Banking 52 | English Composition
Straighterline: Accounting I (89%) | Accounting II (75%) | Financial Accounting (82.5%) | Managerial Accounting (86.7%) | Business Communications (84%) | Microeconomics (87%) | Religions of the World (88.5%) | Organizational Behavior (93%)
Penn Foster: Finance (89%) | Strategic Business Management (97%)
ALEKS: College Algebra (78%)
BSBA - TESC 2014
CLEP/DSST: Principles of Management 69 | Human Resource Management 64 | Introduction to Computing 466 | Principles of Marketing 67 | Organizational Behavior 61 | Management Information Systems 466 | Principles of Supervision 437 | Introduction to Business 434 | Business Ethics and Society 431 | Introductory Business Law 56 | Macroeconomics 54 | American Government 59 | Money & Banking 52 | English Composition
Straighterline: Accounting I (89%) | Accounting II (75%) | Financial Accounting (82.5%) | Managerial Accounting (86.7%) | Business Communications (84%) | Microeconomics (87%) | Religions of the World (88.5%) | Organizational Behavior (93%)
Penn Foster: Finance (89%) | Strategic Business Management (97%)
ALEKS: College Algebra (78%)
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