Unions Seize on 'Kid Nation' Controversy

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2007/08/31/ap4071218.html

Associated Press 08.31.07, 2:03 AM ET

LOS ANGELES -

Hollywood unions have stepped into the fray over "Kid Nation," saying the CBS series is an example of networks exploiting reality shows to keep costs down by not paying writers and actors.

The series, in which youngsters run their own town, became the subject of a New Mexico attorney general's investigation after one of the children's parents complained that her daughter was hurt during production.

"Kid Nation" is slated to premiere Sept. 19, and was filmed over 40 days during April and May in a movie-set town in the high desert just south of Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Union representatives are seizing on the controversy over the show to air their grievances with reality television.

"To me, this is the sweatshop of the entertainment industry," Jeff Hermanson, assistant executive director of Writers Guild of America, West, told the Los Angeles Times.

FULL story at link.

[sasquatch]

1. I agree with the unions on this

There are TOO many reality shows.

[LiberalFighter]

2. The previews I have seen... I have no sympathy with them whining and crying

This type of stuff wouldn't happen to those specific kids in real life. The statements they made in previews were stupid but then again these are kids.

The parents should be prosecuted for allowing their kids to be involved in this type of situation.

The network should be prosecuted for refusing New Mexico access to the site to determine if the kids were not being abused as in labor laws being properly supervised, etc.

Should find out who the sponsors will be for the show and let them have it.

[rpannier]

3. And the state of New Mexico should have revoked their permits when they were denied access

I find it appaling that NM would say they were denied access to the site and they did nothing about it -- this is not a highly classified federal research facility

[rpannier]

4. Fascinating logic by CBS

Network lawyers have maintained that no work permits were needed because the children were "participating," and not working, during the filming of the program.