What is real "reality tv"?

The Real World, American Idol, Survivor, Biggest Loser, Extreme Home Makeover… these tv shows are all examples of what the national and cable networks tout as "Reality TV," the most recent tsunami in pop culture. These shows are so-called snapshots of real life, that is to say that the subjects are not actors, their lines and performances are not scripted, and the shows follow a well-edited chronological time table to the foreseen end of the story/contest/objective. They are scrubbed up for prime time with pop soundtracks, cool graphics, slick editing, predictable conflict, and glossy PR. This splashy show of network economics 101 is the farthest thing from real life. And it's tired, really tired. But the masses are asses, my friends, and so folks continue to tune in to see which "Biggest Loser" contestant is going to lose 12 pounds this week. IN ONE WEEK. There's nothing compelling about that to me, because it's not real. I want to experience real life.

The other end of the spectrum, farthest from this so-called "reality" network fodder, are documentary films. Yes, they run the gamut from propoganda to fair and balanced perspective... but it's the dedication of the filmmaker to the subject that makes a documentary special. There are documentaries out there that will blow your mind. Take, for example, the Oscar-winning film "Fog of War..." in this film, Robert S. McNamara basically admits that he and Lyndon Johnson should have been convicted as war criminals during the Vietnam War for the way they handled it. It is a rare snapshot from the perspective of a man who had an incredibly important role in history, and he's brutally honest with himself, Errol Morris (the filmmaker,) and the audience as he reflects on his life. It's a very significant film documenting an important era in American history. I saw this film at the Ann Arbor film festival a few years ago. Film festivals are so vital to the art of filmmaking, because for many films it is where they get seen for the first time. I worked in the beginning years to help get Detroit Docs, an international documentary film festival, up and running. The sweat, blood and tears put into it were well worth the incredible feeling of pride and accomplishment during the festival weekend. 130 films, 4 venues, many sponsors, and an entire weekend of quality documentary watching was the ultimate experience. I learned about the Detroit Mosaic Youth Singers, the history of the pre-fab home from the 1950's, the fanciful search for the best hot dog in America, the story of legendary but not-so-well-known music producer Tom Dowd, the plight of shelter dogs, and a day in the life of a used-car salesman. That is the best use of my personal time and money that I can think of.

But to me, the undeniable fact is that public television is still the best place to experience "reality tv." Detroit Public Television went on the air in 1955, and we have been producing and airing quality, balanced and objective REAL programming ever since. Whether we're showing a Great Performances concert, or an Independent Lens film, or one of our own locally produced documentaries, our programming reflects real society - real people, performers, international issues, compelling stories, and it ultimately offers a respite for those of us looking to be inspired. It is a service that is available to all viewers, not only offered in a cable package or satellite. And our programming doesn't need a spit-shine to stand on its own; it stands proudly as the last bastion of intelligent programming on the air.

Detroit Public Television's mission is to educate, entertain and inspire. And we love doing that every day.

Kerry Burke
Manager, Major and Planned Giving
DPTV