We say it here, it comes out there.... (misquoting Albert Brooks in 'Broadcast News')
Almost as if they were eavesdropping on John and I over lunch on Thursday, according to the New York Times today, Showtime picked up on the 'American Candidate' reality show idea.
Also Endemol in the UK are exploring the possibility of a Pop Idol-type show called "Power Idol".
While both these concepts would - of course - be fascinating to watch for all the wrong reasons, where they might be missing the boat is in equating reality TV with a panacea for voter apathy in the 18-34 age group.
There are myriad other reasons why young people don't participate in the democratic process; and for programme-makers to somehow argue that they are advancing the noble cause of civic engagement by churning out this kind of novelty content is disingenuous at best.
Elsewhere, in the 'there but for the grace of God...' dept: someone over at AP Sports will be spending their weekend making a bunch of apologetic phone calls....
Steve
Almost as if they were eavesdropping on John and I over lunch on Thursday, according to the New York Times today, Showtime picked up on the 'American Candidate' reality show idea.
Also Endemol in the UK are exploring the possibility of a Pop Idol-type show called "Power Idol".
While both these concepts would - of course - be fascinating to watch for all the wrong reasons, where they might be missing the boat is in equating reality TV with a panacea for voter apathy in the 18-34 age group.
There are myriad other reasons why young people don't participate in the democratic process; and for programme-makers to somehow argue that they are advancing the noble cause of civic engagement by churning out this kind of novelty content is disingenuous at best.
Elsewhere, in the 'there but for the grace of God...' dept: someone over at AP Sports will be spending their weekend making a bunch of apologetic phone calls....
Steve
posted by Steve at 6:46 PM
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