Cheap reality programming displaced violent action shows through market incentives, not reform.

Evidence

Reality shows that feed on suspenseful competition and the seamier side of human relationships have unexpectedly become the vehicle of change. The reality shows, which incur minimal production costs, are a gift from television heaven. … They have no expensive superstars and no writers, expensive staging, filming in pricey locations, or union representation to urge improvements in living and work conditions. … Reality shows not only have lower production costs but also draw younger audiences, which bring higher advertising revenue. Because rivalries can be staged for most any activity, this lucrative genre has proliferated. — Albert Bandura, Moral Disengagement, 1004

Categorization

• XREF: Echoes the Diamond Trade chapter finding that extralegal market forces (here advertising economics) reshape industry behavior more effectively than explicit regulation or moral appeal.