Reality TV: By Lezah

There's been a lot of talk over the last year or so about the future of Reality TV. Pundits have been predicting the demise of reality TV in the near future as there is little-to-no rerun value in these shows - essentially, they're a one-shot deal Just last week, however, I heard a producer of a new local reality TV show stating that reality TV will be around for a long, long time. Of course, he's got a vested interest in this and consequently it's to his benefit for this prediction to be true. However, he had some valid points.

He stated that:
        - reality TV shows are much cheaper to make than sitcoms, as they don't require any fees for either writers or actors
        - production on the shows is a lot more 'bare bones', thereby keeping costs down
        - companies are often willing to sponsor prizes in exchange for advertising/ product placement.

This particular fellow is producing a show based on home heating efficiency, of all things. But the more I heard, the more interested I became. Basically, four families are chosen, and each family is given $50,000 to improve the heat efficiency of their house: new roof, insulation, windows and doors, furnace, what have you. The efficiency of each house is measured before and after renovations are done, and the family whose house shows the most improvement wins, among other things, a Smart Car.

So, just over $200,000, give or take, for a whole season of shows. Not bad, when you think of it. Now, if only I could figure out where I sign up for this one...