Asha Hopton Source 3

Question: Next: How has the platform of reality TV changed over the years due to negative reception from critics and viewers?

Citation: Berg M. I Am Cait: Why Caitlyn Jenner's Low Ratings Aren't All Bad News. Forbes.Com [serial online]. August 23, 2015;:4. Available from: Business Source Premier, Ipswich, MA. Accessed October 7, 2015


My next question involves the change in the platform of reality tv. Not all reality shows express negative values. Many networks have actually changed their platform due to negative reception and influences received by critics and regular viewers. However, with this the network loses a great amount of their audience and risk a decrease in ratings.

When I first proposed this question, I thought about networks like VH1 in particular who had a lot of issues with their shows such as Flavor or Love, I Love New York, etc. These shows really harmed the network and caused a lot of criticism on what the network promotes and how it affects its viewers. I tried to find a source that talked about this issue, but only came across a source that described how the network suffered from this change, which to me is still relevant in this discussion because it shines a light on how viewers see the motive of reality TV. Viewers expect reality TV to be drama-filled and gossip worthy. I found an article on the reality show "I Am Cait" which features Caitlyn Jenner chronicling her transgender journey. This show displays a lot of positivity and uplifting, compared to Caitlyn's previous starring on "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" (Berg). Despite having only running eight episodes, the show still is popular inspire of the how advocated may be disappointed because of the such low ratings (Berg). 

Compared to my other source, I did have a change in mind. I was able to remember that not all reality tv is bad and some have the intention to uplift and promote positivity. My other source really focuses on the negative influences on reality tv, on the other hand some shows are overlooked such as " I Am Cait". Having this balance in motives of reality tv can really have an effect on my last source and question, and can actually improve the behaviors and influences on women in particular.

My last question would be how society can change this negative influence on reality tv and it's affect on women. What steps are necessary to really change the way we expect reality shows to be? I think this question will be difficult to find a really good source for, so in further drafting of my question, it might change.