Format and Content Features of Modern Television Music Reality Shows in Russia and China

The paper presents the results of a study of the features of top-rated music reality shows aired on Russian and Chinese television channels. The following goals were set: to analyze the main specifics of music reality shows as a special television format, to determine the genre characteristics of music programs, to identify the key moments of the emergence of music reality shows, to consider the entertainment functions of reality shows, to determine the format and content characteristics. The study took place in the first half of 2024. Content analysis was chosen as the main research method, which allows us to identify the features of music reality shows in format and content. The programs for the study of the format and content features of music reality shows were not only world franchises, but also original music programs that are similar in format (“The Voice of China” and “The Voice”, “Mask”, “The Masked Singer”, “Concert of Time”, “Song from the Heart”) and programs that are highly popular (“Avenue of Stars”, “Chinese Good Songs”, “Endless Sound”, “Classics in the Song”). The analysis was conducted according to the following criteria: main content, special elements in the programs, format and genre characteristics of these programs. The study showed that being a subgenre of reality shows, music reality shows inherit all their genre characteristics. The study revealed that in China and Russia different accents are made on the genre characteristics of reality shows – Chinese scientists emphasize more the features in the content of the programs (authenticity, interactivity, dramaturgy), in Russia scientists emphasize more the characteristics of the structure of the scenario plan (established rules, moments of competition and means of manipulation). In addition to the entertainment function, the selected music programs can also perform educational, and in some cases, political functions. The results of the study show that the format features of music reality shows are closely related to the diversity of their content. This diversity is mainly reflected in the different professions of the participants and the different directions of music reality shows.