ABSTRACT
There are various ways of participating in media production and reception practices. Participation can involve the making of a TV or radio programme or website, whether as part of a professional organization, a private company or for personal use. It can involve taking part in a programme, or multimedia platform, by participating as a professional/non-professional, as a member of the public, being part of a studio audience or generating content such as photographs. It can also involve watching, listening to and talking about a programme, as well as interacting with certain elements, such as voting, gaming or online communication. Media production and reception practices operate in a big loop, connecting people who are media professionals of one sort or another with members of the public, some of whom participate in the media. The different levels of involvement in the production and reception of factual television highlight ethical issues to do with the treatment of people by programme makers, the motivations of people to participate in programmes, and audience responses to this.
