Afaqs: True reality shows grab quite a huge crowd, but the numbers start dropping down soon when it sounds scripted and fake. As per the experts, Reality shows need to wake up and get and stay real till the end in order to keep the viewers stay on the show.
Last year Rakhi ka Swayamwar that could not end it with a wedding made people question about the authenticity of the show. As per the experts, Reality shows need to keep the content as real as possible.
Siddharth Basu, chairman and managing director, Big Synergy Media, says “Reality shows touch a chord with the audience when they reflect what is true. Fake reality such as wedding shows not culminating in marriage or when engagements get called off not only strike a discord with consumers but also result in rating systems getting questioned.”
Ronnie Screwvala, CEO of UTV Group, said: “Reality shows are here to stay as long as they remain participative.” As per Sanjay Reddy, senior vice-president, Gemini TV, said: “When international formats are used for Indian reality shows, the channel reach increases.”
Ashvini Yardi, Head-Programming, Colors adds to this,” Tried and tested formats have been shown to get higher viewerships. Shows like Big Boss or Fear Factor, which are based on foreign formats, typically got premium rates in advertisements, as they were widely watched.”