What impact has reality television had on the quality of programming?

This issue is good, but it feels like it's gone ever so slightly stale. People were talking about this a lot more a year or two ago than they are now that the reality TV craze has died down a little.

I think reality TV has been a huge issue in this media, so I think it's a valid question.

I love the question "What impact has reality TV had on reality," but I'm not sure reality shows have any more impact on real life than other forms of TV. (Then again, I personally know two people who started dressing more creatively after watching "Project Runway"!)

I actually like the issue about relating reality television to everyday reality.  But I suppose it's true that it would be difficult to find evidence that some believe reality television is real.  I wonder if we could ask the question, "what impact has reality television had on reality?"  because it seems to me that there is a bit of life imitating art; there are those in the general public who will do what they saw someone do on the latest Fear Factor or Survivor. 

Actually, England (if not the rest of Europe) was ahead of us with certain "reality" shows.  England's "Pop Idol" (complete with Simon Cowell) predated "American Idol."  And I think the UK's celebrity worship may even exceed our own ("Hello" magazine started over there). Have we (US) taken everything to bizarre and overblown new heights? Naturally.

Anytime someone mentions "Reality TV" to me, it reminds me of all the Europeans that I have spoken to throughout the years, and their impression of  us.
Basically, most Europeans impression of the Americans is what they see on Jerry Springer...
YES, unless they have actually traveled to the states, they truly believe that most (if not ALL) of us are like the trailer trash rednecks on Jerry!!!
Now, could you imagine what they would think of us if they actually got a glimpse of Flavor of Love or Who Wants To Be A Superhero?

Just as infocats mentioned-I think that a good portion of Reality TV isn't worth anyones time...
But, on that rare occasion... you will find something that you/your friends can enjoy and hopefully learn something along the way (or at least make for intriguing conversation).

Quantity vs Quality... in the long run, which one will survive?
Ask Jerry!

Media is certainly one of my favorite issues. Quality in television programming is a bit like panning for gold; while a rare nugget might be found here and there, most of it is detritus that sinks to the bottom and appeals to the lowest common viewing denominator. 

What really amazes me is that with the economic pressures to appeal to extremely large audiences, every rare once in a while, something actually worthwhile gets produced. 

I like it.

issue revision:

I kind of like "How much does reality TV reflect reality?" (Totally; Somewhat; Not at all) because I think -- OK, I know --  people who believe at least some of it is real. And some shows are, ahem, perhaps a bit more believable than others.

"What impact has reality TV had on the quality of general programming?" is a good question in its own right.

I think we'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who thinks that reality television reflects reality.  What about "What impact has reality television had on the quality of programming?"

No impact.
Positive.
Negative.

this is too witty. I think there are other ways to ask the question where it's more legitimate.

How much does reality television mirror reality?

How funny is it that reality television is all glamorous and promiscuous and the people really watching it are mostly greasy and overweight couch potatoes? (my first option is slightly better...)

...Agree that it IS a misnomer, that is...

This is an interesting issue. Network execs would undoubtedly take the position that it isn't a misnomer, but I think  most others would agree.