Truth Culture Decoder: Reinventing Reality Study decodes what makes hits – or misses – in Reality TV

Truth Consulting, an independent consultancy specializing in brand transformation, announced the release of “Truth Culture Decoder: Reinventing Reality”, an innovative study that analyzes over 200 reality shows that aired across the span of over 20 years, and provides unique and actionable insight into why some reality shows are hits, while others are…misses.

“This tool has proven to be an impactful, effective way to communicate our brand’s relevance to advertisers”

The Truth Culture Decoder’s syndicated “Reinventing Reality” study, fueled by semiotics – a research methodology long used in consumer product development – is the first study of its kind to provide broadcast and cable networks with a tool to help diagnose problem shows, predict the chance of success or failure with a show, make talent more relevant, inspire new ideas that audiences are ready to embrace, and identify more impactful marketing messages. To date, television networks including Animal Planet, Sundance Channel, Telemundo and MSG Networks have incorporated semiotics-based findings from customized Truth Culture Decoder studies into their network and program strategies.

“The Truth Culture Decoder is an actionable, insight-driven tool that gives networks a cultural snapshot of how viewers see their content – and the societal context in which they view it,” said Linda Ong, President of Truth Consulting. “As audience tastes continue to change with cultural shifts, we’ve seen an increasing number of television networks who are embracing this tool to help fine-tune their programming and marketing – from content, development and talent selection to promos and ad campaigns. Networks that have utilized our research have seen immediate results and view it as an instrumental tool for their network’s growth. We believe our new Reinventing Reality study provides the valuable perspective needed to help networks develop a successful reality programming strategy.”

According to Ong, viewers are usually unaware of these cultural cues, but they keenly sense when messages are new, timely or feel dated. The Truth Culture Decoder gives programmers and marketers the ability to see beyond the obvious, and decodes the hidden connections that can bring viewers to their shows. From our changing relationship with food to why Jersey is just the beginning, from what’s replacing catfights to where we’ll find our next guilty pleasure, the Truth Culture Decoder unearths the deeper themes that resonate today with viewers – and explains why.

“The Truth Culture Decoder has been a valuable resource, providing provocative points of entry to help us understand and align with relevant cultural shifts,” said Marjorie Kaplan, President and General Manager of Animal Planet. “By integrating the findings with our consumer research, the tool inspired a creative engagement with our programming and marketing strategy that has helped further and deepen our connection with viewers.”

Sarah Barnett, General Manager, Sundance Channel, adds: “The Truth Culture Decoder is an effective tool that allows us to understand better how to connect our marketing and programming to our audience: it helps us to sharpen our communication into one clear, unified point of view.”

“This tool has proven to be an impactful, effective way to communicate our brand’s relevance to advertisers,” said Jacqueline Hernandez, COO of Telemundo. “The Truth Culture Decoder provided sharp new insight into the cultural codes of our Hispanic audience, delving deeper into the behavioral trends they are shaping today.”

For more information at http://www.truthco.net>