Reality TV and Media Literacy

In our research section, we reveal how reality television producers mine the emotions, bodies and identities of cast members for spectacle and profit.  In our second article, we excavate the values and beliefs embedded in reality television with a close examination of American talent and makeover shows.  We also discuss lifestyle television as a laboratory for the development of democratic citizenship skills. The University of Rhode Island held a symposium on the Historical Roots of Media Literacy Education, and the Elizabeth Thoman Media Literacy Archive was unveiled.