In the article “Reality TV Gives Back: On the Civic Functions of Reality Entertainment” by Laurie Ouellette, how does the author use the rhetorical appeals of pathos, logos, and ethos to construct her argument that reality TV is actually beneficial to society?

In classical rhetoric, there are three primary forms of argument: pathos, ethos, and logos.
Pathos is an appeal to emotions. It focuses less on facts and figures and more on making the audience feel something.
Ethos is an appeal to character. It inspires the audience to act a certain way or points to the character, experience, or expertise (or lack thereof) of someone as an argument for or against something. An argument by ethos may quote the opinion of an expert to prove a point, for example.
Logos is an appeal to logic. It focuses on using reason and facts and figures to make an argument.
Oullette uses all three techniques to make her argument that reality television is beneficial to society. Here are some examples:
Pathos: Reality television encourages viewers to sympathize with the hardships and stories of the people on the show. It often uses emotional appeals to convince viewers to give or volunteer.
Ethos: Many reality shows focus on improving the character of those on the show. For example, Oullette points out that the show Secret Millionaire helps make wealthy citizens aware of the wealth imbalance between themselves and the poor.
Logos: Oullette believes that reality television has taken the place of documentaries as a way of "citizen-building". She states that reality television shows can be used to educate and promote positive behavior. She gives examples of reality TV being used to promote charitable activities or bring attention to the plights of others. Oullette argues that although the situations on reality television are often embellished and exaggerated, that does not negate the positive message they can convey.

Ethos--she builds ethos by referencing a variety of sources including starting with an opposing viewpoint. Throughout the essay she provides a variety of examples and quotes a large number of other sources. There is little doubt that she is well versed in the topic. Her academic tone and professional language also provide evidence that she is a trusted source.
Logos--If you look at current reality television within the context of the current political reality--post-welfare--of this essay, then you must accept that there is an inherently civic aspect to reality television.
Many reality television shows feature good civic behavior like volunteering and giving back. This models positive civic behavior and to a certain extent normalizes it which will have a positive impact on the viewers--monkey see; monkey do.
Pathos--There is a pride in American reality television as compared to the British reality television. "Do-good television is especially common on commercial channels in the United States. Although European public broadcasters offer reality-based lessons on living, most lack the resources to intervene directly in reality on a philanthropic scale." This pride will encourage the audience to respond positively to Ouellette's message. There is an American pride, and perhaps even a generational pride, in the do good message of more modern reality television shows which supports the idea that society benefits from them.