Reality TV programs enter the era of media convergence, starting with entertainment and returning to true feelings

Will relying solely on entertainment and "star abuse" really keep reality TV programs alive? After consuming the superficial floating and beautiful movies of stars, what kind of reality TV program does the audience need? Regarding the current situation of reality TV programs, the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television pointed out that although most programs are correctly oriented and have healthy content, some programs are "interesting" but meaningless. How to prevent reality TV programs from taking detours and seeking long-term development has also become a difficult problem that reality TV programs explore in practice today.

In 2004,"Super Girl" became a hit. Back then, reality TV was still a novelty. Nowadays, outdoor, variety shows, talent shows, and public welfare reality shows are mushrooming on the screen, becoming a social and cultural phenomenon. From "Running Brothers" to "Flowers and Teenagers", from rural experiences to travel to foreign countries, fierce competition from variety shows has prompted reality TV programs to continue to innovate. What cannot be ignored is that behind big scenes, big stars and big productions, reality TV programs have problems such as content homogenization and excessive consumption of stars. Faced with doubts, reality show practitioners have "opened their minds", hoping that through the use of new media technology and the transmission of positive energy values, they will arouse the resonance and thinking of the audience and allow reality show programs to go further.

Starting from television,

reality TV programs are not only documentary, dramatic, game-oriented and other characteristics, which can well meet the needs of audiences. As a traditional TV program, the integration and interaction of multimedia also provides new ideas for the media reporting form of reality TV programs.

For variety shows, the initial stage of media integration is the convergence and interaction of media forms. At this stage, variety shows also tried to be broadcast live via the Internet or mobile media, revealing the essence of service and application. In 2016, which was called the "first year of online live broadcasting in China," reality shows also began to integrate traditional media and new media in addition to television dissemination. "Reality show + live broadcast" has naturally become a new highland that major platforms have seized, giving reality shows more possibilities.

With the continuous advancement of Internet technology, many variety shows have begun to test multimedia linkage communication. A women's life experience show "We're Coming" attempts to gather multiple live broadcast platforms to disseminate it, maximize the sense of interaction on the Internet and set off a live broadcast feast. In August, the program team linked up with seven live broadcast platforms and used the "synchronous watching + live interactive" mode to allow viewers to watch the program simultaneously with stars, showing the real side of idols behind the screen and allowing viewers to experience a different kind of fun watching movies.

Recently, the fourth season of "Where Are We Going, Dad" premiered on the client side. This season's program is even more bold and innovative. It relies on online live broadcasts to inject more "network sense" into the program. High clicks and frequent interactions have refreshed a new level for online variety shows. In the era of media convergence where new media is booming, such experiential cross-screen interactions not only meet the audience's psychological needs to "proactively" obtain information. The intervention of many social media has, on the one hand, made up for the shortcomings of communication between TV media and audiences, attracting more users to actively share; on the other hand, it has also made the promotion methods of programs flexible and diverse.

With the deep integration of TV variety shows and the Internet, online dramas and online variety shows have ushered in a spurt of development, and some online reality shows independently produced by video websites and clients have begun to emerge. In 2015, the first 10 episodes of the supermodel fashion reality show "Falling in Love with a Supermodel" produced by iQiyi had exceeded 200 million views. Wei Ming, president of Youku Video, said that most of the large-scale reality shows produced by TV stations are costly; compared with TV stations, Internet platforms are more customizable to users and can better meet users 'tastes and habits.

Starting with entertainment and returning to true feelings

will relying solely on entertainment and "star abuse" really keep reality TV programs alive? After consuming the superficial floating and beautiful movies of stars, what kind of reality TV program does the audience need? Regarding the current situation of reality TV programs, a spokesperson for the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television pointed out that although most programs are correctly oriented and have healthy content, some programs are "interesting" but meaningless. How to prevent reality TV programs from taking detours and seeking long-term development has also become a difficult problem that reality TV programs explore in practice today.

Leng Song, secretary-general of China Academy of Social Sciences, World Media Research Center, and expert in program model innovation and research and development, pointed out that many reality TV programs have begun to attach importance to the release of emotions and the sublimation of humanity, and a number of meaningful positive energy reality shows have entered the audience's vision. "The" We Come "program uses a unique female perspective to explore the local intangible cultural heritage and folk culture. Leng Song introduced: " The program successfully integrated the popularization of China's traditional culture into making Su fans, carving Su carvings, painting Su lanterns, learning Kunqu Opera and other details. "

Hu Bo, vice president of the Changzhou Radio, Film and Television Society of Jiangsu Province, believes that reality TV programs cannot be far away from the cultural traditions and aesthetic cultural concepts that the Chinese nation has advocated for thousands of years, otherwise reality TV programs will become a lifeless short carnival. "Zhejiang Satellite TV's food reality show" Twelve Ways of Sharp Flavors "has a poor response due to the stars 'dull language, stiff commentary, and lack of necessary emotional factors." In Hu Bo's view, if producers can dig deep into existing frameworks and resources and make the finishing touch to convey the cultural significance behind the food, the sense of hierarchy of the program can be better enriched.

"From introduction to innovation, it is a development law that any industry must follow, and the TV production industry is no exception." Industry insiders pointed out,"In the past few years, South Korea's TV industry has also started from a low level and learned from Europe and the United States, thus enabling the South Korean TV industry to rise. Therefore, the competent authorities can give China's TV industry more patience in terms of time and space."

Only through pain can there be transformation and improvement. In the process of "transformation and upgrading" of reality TV programs, it will inevitably go through a process of improving supervision and constantly "fighting monsters." "Reality shows should rely on the popularity of stars and the communication methods of variety shows to strengthen the dissemination of positive energy in China culture and society such as benevolence, loyalty, courtesy, integrity, and filial piety, so as to resonate with the audience." Leng Song said that when high-quality reality TV models that can bring knowledge, experience and thinking to the audience become mainstream, can the audience forget the boring "show" and feel the unique charm of reality TV programs.

Editor: yvette