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The internet has been a predominant tool in the gathering of information for years now. As argued by Cutlip, Center and Broom, the internet "makes two way communication possible as never before" (2000, p.285), and that two way communication emphasises "mutual understanding" (2000, p.4), which brings about benefits for both parties. In addition to this, the internet has also become an important tool in reality TV, in both the way it is run, and the way it relays information to its target viewers. Because the internet is available worldwide, it allows an easier and faster way to communicate with others, and the makers and producers of various reality television shows have obviously realised this and incorporated its abilities into their shows.
There are many reality television shows which enable the use of the internet in various ways to help enhance the viewing experience for their audiences. Two main uses stand out the most and they are to collate votes for various use within the show, and also to relay information and give extra information to those who are interested, through the development of specific websites.
The internet has been used by many shows to help gather votes where necessary. Two prime examples of television shows who have incorporated the internet into their voting system have been Big Brother, and the Idol series. Both allowed audiences to vote for their favourite (or least favourite) character to stay in (or be voted off) the show. This way of voting, along with SMS messaging and the telephone allowed for a more diverse range of audiences to become a part of the viewing experience, as it opened up more opportunities for votes to be cast. Further, the recently aired [World Idol], took the use of the internet for voting one step further. Because this show aired around the world and required people to vote for those who weren’t from their country, it would have been a massive problem had the internet not been a viable option for fans to vote from. It was used effectively, and as a result, the short series ran smoothly and didn’t encounter any problems (with regard to the voting system).
In addition to using the internet as a tool from which to cast votes, it can also be used to spread information to those who are interested. Innumerable websites can be named, allowing access to information on any reality television show (and most other shows), aired on television. The reach that the internet has provided producers and creators of these series' is invaluable, and helps fans stay up to date and interested in the programs. Survivor, one of the highest rating reality television shows in the world, incorporated an interactive element onto the show, where otherwise one may not have existed. The program, which airs in many countries, including Australia and America, allows each of the 'tribe' members to vote one another out, but did not give the audience a say in who stayed and who went. This was until the "All Stars" series, which aired in Australia in 2003, where the public was given the opportunity to vote for their favourite member, and they too would receive a prize. This program proved to be a huge success with millions watching it the world over, and, it can be argued, that this was because the audience was able to participate, and engage with the show, more so than if they were not involved in the voting process. People were able to watch the progress of this vote on the internet, as well as the progress of the series in general. This perpetuates the merit of recognising the importance of and incorporating the internet into television shows.
NOTE** At present, there is a Big Brother series airing in Germany, and thus, has its own internet site up and running, which is a pertinent example of how a reality television show can use the internet to further engage its audience.
Other Related Topics: Personal Video Recorders (PVR), TiVo, Big Brother, Idol, Reality TV and its use of SMS, Foxtel Digital, Internet TV, Mobile Video Phones, Daily Broadcasting
Lauren Barton 16:00, 24 Oct 2004 (EST)
References
Lauren Barton 14:19, 28 Oct 2004 (EST)
