The past 15 years or so have been the age of the reality TV show. But long before “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” and “American Idol,” reality shows existed on public television. I remember watching unscripted programs about cooking, remodeling houses, and yoga as a child and young teen. My favorites were the shows about art. Theoretically, you could learn how to paint a masterpiece by watching the artist turn a blank canvas into a beautiful still life or landscape.
While reports may not be works of art, there are some similarities. ...
