Here's what happens when reality TV gets out of control. CBS's new upcoming reality show, "Kid Nation," puts 40 children between the ages of
8 to 15 in an abandoned New Mexico desert town alone, with no parental supervision, forced to fend for themselves. Four of the children have been injured after drining bleach that was left in an unmarked soda bottle; one was burned by hot grease when trying to cook. But it gets worse - the parents of the forty kids participating in the show have all signed blanket liability waivers that state they cannot sue CBS if their child was severely injured, contracted a Sexually Transmitted Disease, or
died during the filming of "Kid Nation."
I don't know why Child Protective Services is not all over this one.
The waivers also consent to the network making their own medical treatment decisions on behalf of the minors, including surgery, and make no promise as to "the qualifications or credentials" of the medical personnel on staff. They sign away even their privacy, unless they are "in the process of showering, bathing, urinating, or defecating."
Each child was paid only $5,000 for appearing on the show, save for a few of them that earned $20,000 bonuses for challenges presented during the 13 episodes. You can read the actual release that these parents signed at
The Smoking Gun. The New Mexico Department of Labor has said the children worked up to 14 hours per day and were taken advantage of, because statutes protect theatrical and film productions from child labor restrictions. Twelve of the forty children are ages 10 or younger.
CBS is now casting for Kid Nation 2. Please put a stop to this NOW, before more children are hurt.
TELL CBS THAT YOU WILL NOT STAND FOR THE CHILD ABUSE AND EXPLOITATION OF this rock-bottom reality series.
"CBS: Be advised that I will no longer watch any programs on your station unless you pull this unethical, illegal, and immoral show from your fall lineup. If you proceed to air this show, I will continue to boycott your station as aggressively as possible. If you do air this program and continue with the second installment I will begin a boycott of every one of your network sponsors."
