David Hiltbrand

About the author: David Hiltbrand is an entertainment writer for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Teenagers prefer to watch reality TV shows because they are attracted to the relatively short duration of reality TV series. Further, reality TV shows often deal with relationships and rejection, two issues with which teenagers typically identify. Teens' preference for reality TV has led networks to shift their programming in that direction since advertisers—particularly those in certain product categories such as movies, soft drinks, and cosmetics—prize youthful viewers. Networks now realize that teenage viewers are trendsetters, and that the programs they like often turn out to be the most successful.

If your television could talk, it might fill you in on the real generation gap in this country&mdash...