“We are educated by the entertainment media, even if unintended by the source

and unnoticed by the audience” (Singhal & Rogers, 1999)

Data consists of four RTVs- Beauty and the Geek Australia Season 1- The Bachelor Season 15- The Real Housewives of New Jersey Season 2- Wife Swap U.S.A Season 6

All of the shows are imported Parental Guide Recommended (PGR) classified shows.

Except for The Bachelor Season 15, these shows were/is aired on New Zealand TV.

Different genre types of RTV such as reality game show, dating, docusoaps and lifestyle change.

Discourse analysis. Focus questions in analysing the text. - Is there a “standard” for female beauty?- How are the female characters in the show being

positioned?- How are they dressed?- What kinds of activities they are engaged in?- What are the characteristics of women that are being

emphasised?- What kinds of language are used to describe

women?- Is there any prominent depiction of patriarchal gender

role?- Are the moral standards expected of women higher than

the men?  3 episodes were selected for every show and the guide

questions were used in the analysis.

Although the RTVs are of different types, they are all a form of heteronormativity normalising the heterosexual relationships. None of homosexual relationships are portrayed.

 The female characters observed in the RTVs dress provocatively making them the commodities to increase the ratings of RTVs. Whether they are wearing dresses or jeans with tops, most of the time, their clothes are tight-fitting and revealing. High heeled shoes and make up are also put on.

The recurrent characteristics of women portrayed in the RTVs are negative such as shallow, emotional, materialistic and spiteful.

 The language used by the male characters to describe the female characters is stereotypical and sometimes degrading.

In order to embrace hegemonic masculinity, the male characters subjected the female characters to conservative gender roles as the ultimate cook, carer and cleaner.

Government could formulate a policy that imposes rules and restriction to prevent the ill-treatment of women in the media especially in RTV.

The censorship authorities should be strict in classifying the RTVs and granting permission for broadcast.

The media could produce more gender free programmes and RTVs.

Parents should monitor their children’s TV viewing.

A curriculum that teaches children to be media wise could be developed.

Anonymous. (2009). Beauty and the geek Australia season 1. [Television series]. Sydney: Seven Network.

Anonymous. (2010). Wife Swap U.S.A Season 6. [Television series]. Manhattan: ABC

Fleis, M & Levensen, L.(Producers).(2009).The Bachelor season 15. [Television series]. Manhattan: ABC

Arvind, S. & Rogers, E. M. (1999). Entertainment-education: a communication strategy for social change. New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates Inc., Publishers.

Toth, R., Haselton, V., D'Agostino, L., Diaz, N., Barcellos, C., Cohen, A. & Levine, S. (Executive Producers). (2010). The real housewives of New Jersey season 2. [Television series]. New York: Bravo.