A new study, from experts across the field of Media and Culture Studies, has revealed that almost one third of reality television participants interviewed for a project have experienced instances of severe harm and trauma.
Dr Jack Newsinger, Associate Professor in Cultural Industries and Media at the University of Nottingham, worked with colleagues at Aston University and Loughborough University as part of the co-investigating team for the project, ReCARETV: Reality Television, Working Practices and Duties of Care, which is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).
With data collected over a three-year period, from over 100 interviews with participants, crew and broadcasting executives across a wide range of reality television formats, the research did not set out specifically to uncover negative or traumatising experiences, or to expose particular shows. The purpose was to identify the lived experiences of on-screen participants and production staff, as well as the broadcast and company executives responsible for implementing care in reality television.
There is a strong sense in the industry that things have got better. And while we found examples of good practice and television remains a really popular place to work, we also repeatedly found evidence of people experiencing poor care and even abuse. Particularly worrying is that care protocols can be in place and bad things still happen, and when they do there is very little recourse for participants or production crew."
In 2021, high-profile concerns around serious mental health risks for reality television participants led to changes in Ofcom's Broadcasting Code, seeking to improve welfare for participants. The researchers have noted that since then it has been widely assumed that the updated rules have "helped to make sure people taking part in TV and radio programmes are properly looked after by broadcasters" (Ofcom 2024).
However, the research – which was led by Professor Helen Wood of Aston University – has uncovered widespread issues experienced by participants and crew, including examples of bullying and racism, problematic use of alcohol, allegations of sexual assault and rape, and threats to women's safety. In some cases, the research has uncovered mental health issues as a result of taking part in reality TV shows, including suicidal ideation, psychosis and PTSD.
Across the data we hear from broadcasters and executives a strong commitment to duty of care and to acting in compliance with the Broadcasting Code, but the findings show a mixed picture in terms of experiences on the ground in production. Worryingly we still hear about serious concerns about continued failures in duty of care towards reality television participants, and experiences of serious harm occurring since the code change in 2021."
"The study indicates that the experience of crew in unscripted TV is one of near universal experience of bullying or harassment, working long hours on precarious contracts. Whilst there is better duty of care for participants, the situation with the industry slowdown is worsening for crew which obviously puts pressure on practices of care."
Ofcom's change to the Broadcasting Code now says that broadcasters should take "due care over the welfare of contributors who might be at risk of significant harm as a result of taking part in a programme, except where the subject matter is trivial, their participation minor, and that participants should be informed about potential risks arising from their participation in the programme."
The data collected by ReCARETV also highlights the potential ineffectiveness of the available complaint mechanisms for participants. Around 70 per cent of participants interviewed for the project did not know they can complain to Ofcom if they have a negative experience on a reality television show. Participants interviewed for the project who had complained to Ofcom reported that their complaint was 'not entertained' or 'not upheld' by the regulator.
The most serious issues reported are from 'high risk' shows where formats are based on emotional intensity and conflict, and participants are cut off from friends and family. The researchers identified that where participants have least autonomy there is a closer link to trauma.
However, the data wasn't all negative. It revealed that when participants have had good experiences, they feel cared for and subsequently retain trust in the programme producers, psychologists and the welfare team. This means participants can feel well-informed and cared for, even in genres where the issues involved are sensitive.
The researchers, who also include co-investigators Dr Jilly Kay from Loughborough University and Dr Mhairi Brennan at Aston University, will produce a series of reports in the autumn which includes recommendations about the rising discipline of welfare in unscripted TV.
The authors of the study are working to get better protection in place for participants. One of the outputs from the project will provide advice for people considering taking part in reality television.
To take part in the anonymous questionnaire visit https://bit.ly/Reality_TV_Participation
