CHAPTER
ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND
TO THE STUDY
Reality
television is a genre of television programming that documents unscripted
situations and actual occurrences, and often features a previously unknown
cast. The genre often highlights personal drama and conflict to a much greater
extent than other unscripted television such as documentary shows.
The genre
has various standard tropes, such as reality TV confessionals used by cast
members to express their thoughts, which often double as the shows' narration.
In competition-based reality shows, a notable subset, there are other common
elements such as one participant being eliminated per episode, a panel of
judges, and the concept of immunity from elimination. (http://wikipedia.org/wiki/Reality_television)
The last
decade certainly belongs to the genre of reality television and its striking
rate of popularity among television audiences. Defining reality television has
proven to be problematic, since reality television often blurs the line between
fact and fiction, even though it claims to represent reality (Cavendar &
Fishman 1998:3).
Many
studies have focused on how television programmes that appear to be “real”
(such as news and daytime dramas) alter the viewers’ perception of reality (or
social reality). However, recently a new fad in television has surfaced and it
appears to be taking over.
Reality
television shows are overtaking the networks leaving behind an even bigger
effect than that of regular television.
The
researcher in this study sought to find the effects of reality television on
the viewers’ perception of reality.
There are
some programmes which are very helpful with lots of information for the viewers
for example; on DSTV was Big Brother Africa show. As it is generally understood though,
reality television has the following attributes:
·
The recording of events in
the lives of individuals or groups
·
An attempt to simulate
these real-life events by means of dramatized reconstruction
·
Packaging this material
into an attractive programme with entertainment value that can be marketed on
the strengths of its reality’ credentials (Kilborn1994:421)
Hill
(2002:326) describes reality television as factual entertainment and further
identifies three sub-genres of factual entertainment namely observation
programmes, information programmes and programmes created for television.
Observation programmes refer to documentaries about ordinary people in everyday
places. Information programmes include
documentaries
based on true stories that aim to tell viewers something, e.g. about medical
emergencies and pets.
To this
end, the researcher seeks to examine the perception
of reality TV show on Igbenedion University students using Big Brother Africa
as a case study
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE
PROBLEM
The
positive and negative effect of television on the behaviour of students attract
the attention of so many intelligent people all over the world.
Television
been an audiovisual medium influence youth especially students on their day to
day activities. It teaches moral and bad behaviours.
The
research examines perception of reality TV show on Igbenedion University
students using Big Brother Africa as a case study
1.3
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
i.
To examine the effects of
Big Brother Africa television show on Igbenedion
University Students.
ii.
To know ways by which Big
Brother Africa TV show has contributed
to Academic and social culture value of Igbenedion University students.
iii.
To know if reality television
programme has stimulate group discussion
among students.
iv.
To find out some of the
negative effects of reality television show on students’ attitude and decision.
v.
To examine whether exposure
to reality television show enables students to address real life encounters.
vi.
To know how reality
television show influence students behaviour.
vii.
To find out if students
imitate actions and reactions they see on television.
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
i.
What motivates viewers to
participate actively in the reality programme
Big Brother Africa?
ii.
What gratifications do
viewers expect to obtain when participating actively
in Big Brother Africa?
iii.
How frequently do viewers
vote for characters in Big Brother Africa?
iv.
How often do viewers watch
Big Brother Africa?
v.
Which interactive
opportunities do viewers utilize?
vi.
How does watching Big
Brother Africa form part of the viewers’ daily activities?
vii.
Do viewers discuss Big
Brother Africa with friends/family?
viii.
Do social and cultural
influences affect the interpretation of messages
as communicated by the programme Big Brother Africa?
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
Parents: This study will show parents how to be responsible for the
upbringing and training of their children instead of living such training to
their peers, television, teacher and determine watching hour and programme
exposure of their children.
Academic Scholars: Therefore, the findings of this research will serve as a good
literature for both scholars and students of mass communication who might want
to carry out similar or related research in the future.
Broadcast Media: Media houses will
also learning how to schedule their programmes and know the nature of the
programmes to be televised.
1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The scope
of the study has been limited to Igbinedon University, Okada, Benin, Edo State
with students in all the department.
Due to
time factor, all students cannot be study in all and that is while is narrowed
to Igbinedon university.
1.7 LIMITATION
OF THE STUDY
Wide research of this
nature cannot be carried out without some constrains, this constrains pose a
lot of limitations to this work.
Time: Duration for the
research work is relative1y short while stress emanated from other academic
activities is also another constrain.
Material: Little materials are
also available because the work is relatively new.
Financial: Financial constrain
poses another challenges as most of information are gathered through newspapers.
