Every day, millions of people turn on the television to enjoy a wide variety of programs, the most popular choice being some form of reality TV. This all-encompassing genre is halfway between information and entertainment and contains all types of programming involving ordinary individuals. Some argue that this type of programming is senseless and degrading, while others consider it entertaining as well as enlightening. Regardless of which side a person may agree with, there is still one undeniable fact: reality television is here to stay. The target audience, the cost of production and the ability to give the viewer an outlet are three main reasons why this is possible. While many people of all ages enjoy watching different reality shows, most are aimed at teenagers and young adults. Shows like Real World, American Idol, and Dancing with the Stars and many others are all supported by hundreds of websites regarding hidden facts, merchandise, news about certain cast members, and other fan activities. (Hill 5) There are also episode summaries for those who may not have been able to see it at the time it aired. By using other aspects of communication, reality TV is able to maintain a firm grip on the younger community that thrives on everything accessible via the Internet. In addition to being able to access reality TV via the Internet, research has shown that many preteen and teen viewers base most of their decisions and prioritize things based on what they see each night on their favorite shows. In 2011, a survey of over 1,000 American girls between the ages of 11 and 17 was conducted. Those who have watched more reality television most often place a higher value on the things emphasized on... middle of paper... ratings are, the more there will be a need for low-cost production ideas to sell. Since reality TV doesn't require additional production crews or writing staff, it will always be the first choice. By choosing normal, everyday people, viewers will always have the best character to relate to or emulate. So will reality TV disappear soon? The facts speak for themselves. Works Cited Hill, Annette. Reality TV: Audience and fact-based popular television. London: Routledge, 2005. eBook Collection (EBSCOhost). Network. April 10, 2014.Weller, Chris. "Welcome to my unreality." Global Newsweek 162.6 (2014): 106-110. MasterFILEElite. Network. April 10, 2014. "Reality Television." Issues and controversies on file: n. page Problems and controversies. Facts On File News Services, January 11, 2008. Web. April 14. 2014. .