Interactivity is, arguably, a relatively recent phenomenon. Increasingly employed as an advertising 'gimmick', interactivity functions in a number of different, often disparate ways. Interactivity, in its basic form, refers to some form of consumer involvement, usually in the form of a direct action, within the product they consume. It proffers increased information, access, power and even control for consumers. In this M/C Reviews feature, we have collected a series of thought-pieces that represent a broad range of interpretations of the terms ‘interactive’ or ‘interactivity’ as they relate to various arms of media and/or cultural studies.

So, if you’d like to ‘interact’ with us, read on!

'Reality' television ('RTV') - that is, non/un-scripted television - is widely acknowledged as the largest growth industry in contemporary television. In its varied forms, such as documentary, 'caught on camera', and adventure or game show challenges, RTV has been prominent in television programming for the past decade. The current wave has seen Survivor become the most successful television program in American television history. Two other programs that have been widely successful in Australia and Europe, Popstars and The Mole have inspired American versions which are currently in their first season. RTV has proven to be successful across different countries and age demographics, to the extent that all television networks in Australia currently broadcast RTV programs.

M/C Reviews has provided a timely forum for critical responses to a range of issues surrounding the success and interest in RTV. So, if you like to watch, M/C Reviews hope that you enjoy this voyeuristic examination of the discursive consequences of RTV programs.