Date of Defense

10-9-2003

Department

Communication

First Advisor

Dr. Steven Lipkin

Second Advisor

Dr. Paul Nwulu

Third Advisor

Dr. Eli Segal

Abstract

In my documentary video, "The Rise of Reality Television and Its Impact on Pop Culture," I explore the history of reality programming, highlighting several of the influential shows in the genre and attempting to disclose why each show was such a phenomenon. I use clips from the shows, as well as video I shot myself including three interviews of people I thought were extremely knowledgeable in the field. First is Dr. Eli Segal, a media professor here at Western Michigan University whom I had when I took COM 446: Mass Entertainment. Dr. Segal also serves as one of my committee members. The second interview is Dr. Sandra Borden, communications and ethics professor at WMU. I chose her because she is the Associate Director of the Center for the Study of Ethics in Society, and I wanted to delve into ethical issues brought up by certain reality shows. Dave Jaconette is my third interview. He is the Program Director at Fairfield Broadcasting for AM 590 WKZO and host of the Afternoon Drive. He is also the station's entertainment mogul and has a segment on his show called "Man at the Movies."

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Campus Only

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