Big Brother 8's entry onto our television screens last night was the major talking point.Will you watch, or will you just flick? In the offices of the Strabane Chronicle, it was a resounding 'flick'. True? maybe not. Are we much too self-righteous to admit that we are in any way interested in what many see as 'voyeurism'. Reality television now dominates the 'box'. In the same week that Big Brother creators, Endemol, announce that they are airing a show where three people compete for a kidney, yes a kidney, belonging to a terminally ill woman, Megan Conroy takes a look at the epic of reality television.
"Since the widespread controversy surrounding this year's version of Celebrity Big Brother, many are beginning to wonder if this year the show will take a more subtle approach to reality.
Each year, a new group of wild and outrageous personalities join together causing madness and mayhem.
It is questioned however, if we as a public really want to see people flaunting themselves in front of the camera, hoping to win their five minutes of fame?
Big Brother 8 producers have promised to keep this year's show as close to reality as possible, with housemates opting for the quiet life. Will this season be dull and collective, or something that might just keep us glued to the edge or our seats?
Since reality television first hit our screens, it has become a topical debate. Many issues surround the editing of the shows such as Big Brother, Celebrity Love Island and most recently Shipwrecked. Editing may give the programmes higher ratings but it becomes evident when certain shows end, that many characters are not what they seemed.
Documentaries and thrilling dramas are not what the public are preferring to watch. 24-hour camera footage of people living their lives without daily necessities. Big Brother itself has become more of a 'freak show' than reality television. It opts for people who prefer to dress up in drag than an average working man.
It may qualify as 't.v gold' but it can be argued that the title of reality television is not what the show entails. The producers of shows such as Big Brother have come under attack these past months as their shows become similar to a less aggressive form of the Rocky films, confrontation and racism has rocked show sponsors and many viewers are disgusted with the goings-on of highlighted celebrities.
The show takes place in almost 40 countries all over the World. Australian producers have been bombarded with complaints regarding their failure to tell housemate, Emma Cornwell, that her father died.She has not been told of the bereavement, causing wide-spread concern amongst many who fear the consequences.
The production team believe that it is in her best interest if she continues with the show, as it had been briefly discussed before she entered the house.
Endemol are preparing to air a new show on Dutch television, with three contestants competing to win the kidney of a terminally ill woman. "The Big Donor' show producers believe that the show will only cause awareness about the lack of donors. Many disagree, they feel the show is unethical and inappropriate and merely designed for ratings and competition.
Reality Television may have stooped to the lowest depth with more outrageous and sickening ideas, however with the majority of the population opting for reality-based television programmes it is unlikely that they will disappear from our screens any time soon.
