I've just found the following on the Guardian Talk pages.
I've type it out here cos you have to be registered to view the pages.
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In Saturday's Guardian Weekend magazine, leading media commentator Mark Lawson went against the grain of much recent critical comment, arguing that far from dumbing down TV, reality shows such as Big Brother have actually raised standards.
Lawson argued other genres - particularly news, comedy and serial drama - have prospered because they have adopted elements of reality TV and, in the process, become more credible. Examples he gave included The Office, Marion and Geoff, Phoenix Nights, Jamie's Kitchen, Daniel Deronda and Out of Control.
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CLICK HERE to go to the actual page, but I don't think it willlet you view it if you are not registered on the Guardian Talk forum.
