Ups And Downs Cloud Future Of Reality TV

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After a season in which most new non-scripted programs have underperformed, conventional wisdom might assume broadcasters would cut back production on reality shows for next year. That may not be the case.

American Idol’s fourth season premiere on Fox last week proved that reality still can pack a punch. The two-hour debut drew 33.6 million viewers and scored a 14/33 among adults 18-49. With upsides potentially as big for other unscripted programs, many advertisers believe reality is hardly in decline.

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