Reality shows under govt scanner

Reality shows under govt scanner
Friday July 4 2008 11:11 IST Express News Service

KOCHI: REALITY shows involving children are being brought under the Central Government scanner following the incident in which a young girl from Kolkata developed severe stress problems. Is it necessary to impose curbs on reality shows?

Yes, says the Kerala State Women’s Commission.``Regulations are necessary for reality shows. If a participant becomes a victim of torture by parents, organisers or judges during a reality show, we will interfere,’’ Kerala State Women’s Commission member P K Sainaba told the website’s newspaper.

``I attended a reality show with a lot of hope. Later, I understood that money rather than the skill was the criterion. Though I got wide exposure, my family has been facing mental and financial problems since I lost in the show,’’ said one contestant at a famous reality show. He is now participating in another one.

``It was a turning point in my daughter’s life when she took part in a reality show. Though it was a show to identify talented singers, marks were given for costumes, sets etc. Since we are from an ordinary family, we found it difficult to bear the cost and are now facing the resultant financial problems. So it will be good if the government imposes some regulations,’’ said Bindu.

``It is not practical for the government to impose a code of conduct for the judges of reality shows.

We judge the contestants according to the situation and their performance. We try not to hurt them, but to point out mistakes kindly,’’ said music director Sarath, a judge of Asianet’s Idea Star Singer.

``We are ready to accept and follow the regulations, if they are healthy,’’ said Shyama Prasad, president, programmes, Amrita TV.

``Self-regulation is better than anything imposed by the government. We already have our own regulations,’’ said R Sreekandan Nair, vice-president, programmes, Asianet Communications.``If any victimisation of participants occurs, the government can take action or conduct an inquiry. If new regulations are enforced, channels can violate the regulations through the loopholes,’’ Sreekandan said.``Reality shows in Kerala have not crossed the limits,’’ he said. ``Judges use reality shows to showcase their knowledge and to humiliate participants. So curbs are necessary,’’ said Smitha who has been part of a studio audience.

``Some boundaries are necessary for reality shows if they are against our culture,’’ said Bright San Robins, executive producer, Jeevan TV’s Reality Show.