reality tv popularity What's Up With the Rise in Reality TV Popularity?

   I do not understand the rise in reality TV popularity. As we all know eight reality television shows received a total of 31 nominations for Emmy Awards. This obviously shows that although the total number as far as reality TV popularity declined this year, the artistic achievements in the reality TV popularity area as a whole are receiving more recognition from the television industry than ever before. That being said they didn't do well as far as actually winning an Emmy award goes. It's nice to be recognized but we all know it's winning that counts.
  Actually I don't consider American Idol and Dancing with the Stars as reality TV. To me it's a talent show.  Kathy Griffin show on Bravo is stand up comedy. My definition of reality TV is shows like Survivors or The Simple Life etc. 
  Now those are the ones that I definitely do not understand their rise in reality TV popularity. Most seem to me to be people who will debase themselves on every level for the almighty dollar or just fame.