The Ethics of Reality TV: A Philosophical Examination

by Wendy N. Wyatt (Editor), Kristie Bunton (Editor)

Reality television is continuing to grow, both in numbers and in popularity. The scholarship on reality TV is beginning to catch up, but one of the most enduring questions about the genre-Is it ethical?-has yet to be addressed in any systematic and comprehensive way.
Through investigating issues ranging from deception and privacy breaches to community building and democratization of TV, The Ethics of Reality TV explores the ways in which reality TV may create both benefits and harms to society. The edited collection features the work of leading scholars in the field of media ethics and provides a comprehensive assessment of the ethical effects of the genre.

222 pages, Paperback

First published April 26, 2012

Reviews

[Erik Reichenbach · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a former reality tv contestant (CBS Survivor) I found this compilation of reality tv articles either hit or miss, with most being entraining and thoughtful. The various authors did a good job digging into the specific ethical issues surrounding contestants, producers, and consumers of reality television; in particular I enjoyed when they looked at contestant agency and the way children specifically are at risk when put in the spotlight. Some articles were academic or too heady, and read like a dry homework assignment. This is worth checking out if you’re a fan of reality tv, pop culture, and philosophy / ethics.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

When you are married to the son of two philosophers, arguments require source material. This book applies philosophical reasoning (Kant, Mill, etc.) to the reality television genre and the results are as varied as you would expect. Some shows pass the ethical test with flying colors. Others fail miserably. The book explores the morality of participants, producers and viewers and gives some good insights into the genre taking over our television airways.