Consuming Reality: The Commercialization of Factual Entertainment

by June Deery

Engaging in a comprehensive examination of reality TV's advertising and promotional strategies, as well as the commodification of viewers, Consuming Reality dissects the unique and startling relation between mediation and consumption.

236 pages, Hardcover

First published May 3, 2012

Reviews

[Imole]

I’m convinced the author has watched every possible episode and maybe some unreleased tapes even of home edition and she hated every single minute of it. She really hates Home Edition and I find it so funny. That being said, the book might be better if it was an analysis of Home Edition and the ways it's influencing culture and people. The last 3 chapter felt rather drab with just mentions of shows rather than concrete examples of the arguments being made like with the first 4 chapters. In all not a bad read but not a great read.

[Karel]

I loved it. This book changes the way you watch reality television programmes. June Deery's spot on way of analyzing these television shows gives the readers an excellent insight in caring capitalism and the relationship between consumption and contemporary television. I would highly recommend this book since it is very comprehensible because of the way it is written. This book enables viewers to look more critically at the (branded) content of the programmes they are watching and question the implications to today's society. Enjoy the journey Deery takes you on while reading Consuming Reality and I am sure it will open your eyes.