I think I've figured it out

I think that you had a point there. These companies are taking advantages for the contestants that just want to earn a little and sacrifice their private life for money. And so as the viewer who find it entertainment little as they know it the most victim on these are the contestant!

Works for me too. I think that these shows are for the masses who are duped into believing that the mostly moronic "talents" that appear are somehow what they want to see and hear. I don't watch them and as a result when people say "Did you see that Jonny Rottonsinger is marrying Lucie Morals" I don't have a clue who they are talking about. I'm happy in my smugness too!

The bottom line is that these shows are cheap to produce. Yes they give a prize away of say 25 000$ to whoever wins the show, but the producers save a lot of money, it saves on actor fees, writers fees even camera and production crew as it requires a lot less people, eg wardrobe costs are drastically reduced. I do distinguish between game shows and reality shows, game shows is interesting in that they have always existed and though embarrassing when things go badly they do not radically change a persons life unless something really drastic happens. Reality shows are another matter, they are not only using people they can destroy peoples lives who are unable to deal with the fallout of whatever happens on these shows. The only way these shows will disappear is if people stop watching and it no longer becomes profitable to the producers. TV is like any business, they try and find the way to make the most money out of their product (shows) and some are more ruthless then others, willing to do anything for a larger profit margin and with the constant competition of not only other stations but also the internet, it makes them willing to go further and further for that profit.

I remember listening recently to some old radio contest shows, they would usually make a phone call and do it--the audience was on the edge of their seats with anticipation and happy when someone one, imagining themselves with the prizes. People will always like this, at least a certain segment of them. It is unfortunate that that segment has grown as we've dumbed down the schools, let our kids be raised by strangers and all become addicted to television. So reality shows are very big. I can't stand them, though. I watch Curiosity on the Discovery Channel, the news, a few dramas and old movies, I love the silent ones. There's still good television but you have to watch in moderation and be picky--just like anything else! My mom lived for years without a TV, voluntarily. She once said she was never sharper and more alive than when she didn't have that big eye dominating her living room.

I think in reality t.v. they get something either way, a tshirt, a few thousand or an already paid for plane trip home if they don't win. I don't know, but all the reality shows are pretty much ridiculous. Though I have to admit about 7 years ago I was into watching Big Brother. I've read an article about how the people who were contestants on big brother had to go through so much, and not very healthy / safe exercise routines. I'm wondering if that's why the last time I flipped through, i didnt' see Jillian or the other trainer on there anymore. I'm sorry, I don't care how much money I *MAY* win, it's just not worth it.

I think you are on to something there. I never thought of it that way, I do not watch gameshows that much. but your observation would seem to make sence.

I never ever watch these just Americas got talent they are fun to watch specially the little kids. but there is a lot of shows on the tv I love to watch

That could be the case. I really do not watch much tv anymore anyway. There is really not much I like on there.

You may be on to something...

You're correct, I think, & this occurred to me years ago. I didn't mention it because it seemed to me no-one would believe it. Maybe soon they'll get it. Maggiepie "Television is to news what bumper stickers are to philosophy." ~ Pres. Richard Milhouse Nixon

Makes sense. $25,000.00 is better than a set of cheap dishes, even with inflation.

You said so yourself. They are cheaper than making a regular TV show where you have to pay actors, identify locations or design sets, etc. The only thing is finding people to be on them that might have enough shock appeal to draw viewers. People like Gene Simmons, Snooki, Chaz Bono. Then there are the 'talent' shows that are again cheap to make and viewers might tune in to see if they agree with the judges or maybe think they have more talent than the performer. At some point the talent shows will hit critical mass and burn out like the games shows did, followed by the survivor type shows, which means we might see Snooki, Ozzy, and company move to prime time network TV.

i think its alright to make it internationally because it can commercialize more to have more sponsors and to have more sponsors and to have big prizes like millions of dollars. Like the "X Factor USA" 5 MILLION $$$ . that's too big .