From the BBC:

Like them or loathe them reality TV shows are big business. For the television companies they are a sure-fire way to boost the ratings and pull in the advertisers.

Reality TV series The Apprentice continues to be a big hit on BBC

But in Italy, the state broadcaster Rai has taken an unprecedented decision to scrap them from next year. It's a decision winning popular support.

"Reality television is a dinosaur," said Italy's daily newspaper La Repubblica.

"After all the vulgarity, all the swearing, and the smut, its time is finally coming to an end."

From now on the reality shows in Italy will only be found on the private Mediaset network of the former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

But is this a moral crusade - or is it an astute decision based on viewing figures?