Framing.

When I take a look around at all the media I take in on a daily basis, I've realized that companies deliver shows I enjoy in certain ways that don't show all the facts.  For example reality shows seem to show whatever it takes just for ratings.  One of my current favorites, Jersey Shore, has high ratings for MTV because they present the show in a way to keep its viewers wanting more!  The process of having an audience think a certain way is known as framing.  Jersey Shore has been framed to show the viewers drama, drama, and even more drama.

If you've ever seen an episode of Jersey Shore, you have seen partying, drinking and arguing.  While the cast has good times they also have some rocky times.  If we were to focus on the arguing for right now, a lot of their fighting and bickering is often one sided.  By one sided I mean, the producers show us scenes that lead to the climax but doesn't always show up everything that causes the action.  If you were to watch the reunion or the after shows, you'd hear the cast say sometimes say "that's not what happened" or "they didn't show it all" or they'll reveal things that happened once the cameras stopped rolling.  I've realized that if reality shows film constantly, they can only squeeze so much into an hour long show, so of course they aren't going to show everything.  Again, they show us exactly what's going to keep us wanting more, and I would say they are very successful in keeping me hooked.

If we take a look at this after show we see Ronnie and Sammi telling us about their relationship once the show ended.  We learn things that were not filmed, like Sammi flying out without Ronnie knowing.  If MTV had continued filming then the viewers would have be 'caught up' and not fallen into the drama and wanting to know what's going on.  The producers used framing in a way to boost their ratings for their after shows.  Once you're into a show, some people want to know more and more so of course they'd watch anything with their favorite characters involved!

-Kayla