Does television accurately reflect reality, or does it create its own? This article critically examines the nature of television, arguing that it primarily constructs its own version of reality. Driven by intense competition for market share, television programming often prioritizes filling airtime with content that appeals to a broad audience. The pressure to cater to everyone, coupled with constant monitoring of rivals, leads to homogenization and political conformity. The selection of "news" tends to favor sensational and extreme events, while debate often rewards superficial thinking over originality and depth. A constant eye on the competition reduces the capacity for innovation. The author questions the autonomy of television, highlighting the internal censorship driven by economic and political forces. The exploitation of the desire for visibility further shapes content, raising concerns about the medium's ability to provide genuine reflection and informed discourse. The ability for the media to shape society is clearly reflected here.
Published in European Review, a multidisciplinary journal covering arts, humanities, and sciences, this article fits the journal's aim to provide a forum for interdisciplinary perspectives on contemporary issues. The analysis of television's role in shaping reality aligns with the journal's broad scope.