The commercialization of reality tv: a historical perspective on sponsorship and advertising

The present thesis examines the historical development of commercialization in reality television, with a particular emphasis on the evolution of sponsorship, product placement and branding from the 1950s to now. Using qualitative methods—chiefly content analysis and bibliographical research—the study maps the evolution from overt advertising formats to seamless brand integration, looking at landmark shows such as The Real World, Survivor, American Idol, The Apprentice, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, and Love Is Blind.