Should Reality Stars Have a Union? With Bethenny Frankel
Nov 2, 2023
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Entrepreneur and former Bravo star Bethenny Frankel joins Matt to discuss the mistreatment of reality TV stars and the need for a union to protect their rights. They explore the challenges and exploitation faced by reality stars, the legality and ethics of reality TV contracts, the unregulated workplace of reality TV, and the potential for a class-action lawsuit. They also touch on Disney's acquisition of Hulu and its implications.
Reality TV stars should have a union to protect them from abusive working conditions and mistreatment on unscripted shows.
The reality TV industry prioritizes sensationalism and rewards contestants' bad behavior, emphasizing the need for better safeguards and industry-wide standards.
Deep dives
The Reality TV Unionization Push
Bethany Frankel advocates for the unionization of reality TV, highlighting the abusive and oppressive working conditions contestants face on unscripted shows. She calls for an end to non-disclosure agreements, protections against long shooting hours, industry-wide talent standards, and minimum fees per episode with raises each season.
Exploitation and Corruption in Reality TV
Bethany Frankel exposes the exploitative nature of reality TV, where bad behavior and drama are encouraged for ratings. She criticizes Bravo and other networks for rewarding contestants' bad behavior and prioritizing sensationalism over the well-being of participants.
The Need for Union Protections
Bethany Frankel emphasizes the need for union protections in the reality TV industry, arguing that contestants should be afforded the same benefits and safeguards as other industry professionals. She discusses the challenges of making contracts legally enforceable and promoting fair compensation, better working conditions, and mental health support for participants.
Class Action Lawsuits and the Future of Reality TV
Bethany Frankel suggests that class action lawsuits may arise from the mistreatment of reality TV contestants, highlighting ongoing legal cases and potential industry-wide issues. She calls for streamers and networks to proactively implement rules to protect participants and suggests the involvement of SAG-AFTRA in representing and advocating for reality TV talent.
Matt is joined by entrepreneur, media personality, and former Bravo star Bethenny Frankel to discuss the abusive and oppressive working conditions on reality shows, the mistreatment of their participants, and why she is pushing for the unionization of reality TV. She discusses why a union is the best way to protect reality TV stars, the forces preventing this from happening, and how she sees her role in this process. Matt finishes the show with a prediction about Disney’s buyout of Hulu.
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