In its 19 seasons on the air, MTV's The Real World has tried to make a habit of bringing timely social issues to the forefront of reality television. Its 20th season, which premiered Wednesday, follows in the tradition of the long-running program, with a focus on environment and eco-friendliness.

While MTV asserts its thrust to promote awareness of socially relevant matter, there are still those who criticize the series, along with other similar MTV reality fare, for showcasing more adversely affecting content.  Critics have alleged that behavior shown on The Real World only leads to public detriment, more than its socially relevant themes contribute any genuine concern and awareness.

"I think that many of the pro-social initiatives that MTV is undertaking are really undercut by the irresponsible programming that they feature night after night, day after day on the network," Melissa Henson, director of communications and public education at the Parents Television Council, remarked.

Henson feels that shows like The Real World, with scenes featuring teenagers and young people engaging in sex and getting intoxicated, have a greater impact on the youth than any of the network's public service announcements on safe sex and AIDS awareness.

Still, MTV senior vice-president for strategic partnerships and public affairs, Ian Row, stands by his network's concerted effort toward opening more eyes, egging on more action and really making a difference.
"There's no question that our audience is more engaged on a wide range of issues than we have seen in the past," Rowe told The Hollywood Reporter.  He pointed out that while 35% of MTV viewers had professed to following the 2004 presidential elections, the number has jumped up considerably to 58% for the 2008 race.

According to Rowe, MTV is going full steam ahead with socially relevant drives, receiving revitalized support from the new Think.MTV.com.


-Rosario Santiago, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
(Image Courtesy of MTV)