Birth and Apogee of Celebrities from TV Reality Programs: The Lofters in the French Tabloid Gala

Today forgotten, the candidates of Loft Story, first tv reality program ever shown in France, became stars in only a couple of weeks. At first completely unknown, then freaks, fashion phenomenon, they gradually obtained fame and legitimacy, to reach such a pitch that they stole the show from “well-known” celebrities (actors, singers, or royals).Analysis of the treatment of the lofters made by the weekly magazine Gala allows to enlight this change of status, and the evolution on the way one looks at these new stars. After a few weeks, contempt replaced silence, recognition replaced mockery, then apologia replaced admiration. Study of reports and articles dedicated to the lofters emphasizes efficiency of television and of tv reality programs to produce new stars, even as short-lived as they are.