Reality TV shows have been a popular form of entertainment for decades. From singing competitions to survival shows, reality TV has become a staple of modern entertainment. However, as these shows gain popularity, questions about the safety and wellbeing of contestants have come into the spotlight.

Reality TV shows must balance entertainment with the duty of care owed to their participants. In this article, we will explore how reality TV shows navigate their duty of care and the challenges they face in doing so. 

The Duty of Care Dilemma 

Reality TV shows have a responsibility to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their participants. However, this can be challenging in an industry where entertainment is the primary goal. The duty of care dilemma arises when reality TV shows must balance the safety of their contestants with the need to create compelling television. 

The tragic death of a reality show contestant in the UK highlights the importance of the duty of care. In 2019, a participant on the reality show "Love Island" died by suicide. The show was criticized for not providing adequate mental health support to its contestants. This tragedy brought the duty of care issue to the forefront, and reality TV shows must now consider how they can balance entertainment and safety.

Lessons Learned from Previous Incidents 

Reality TV shows have faced numerous challenges over the years. In 2009, a participant on the reality show "I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!" was bitten by a venomous snake. The incident highlighted the need for proper safety protocols and medical support on the set of reality TV shows. 

Another incident occurred on the reality show "Survivor" when a participant was accused of inappropriate behavior towards another contestant. The show faced criticism for not addressing the issue sooner and not providing a safe working environment for its participants. 

Reality TV shows have learned from these incidents and have taken steps to improve their duty of care. Many shows now have on-site medical professionals, mental health support, and safety protocols to ensure the safety of their contestants. 

Challenges of Navigating the Duty of Care

Despite these improvements, reality TV shows still face challenges when navigating their duty of care. The nature of reality TV means that contestants are often put in high-pressure situations that can be emotionally and physically taxing. Contestants may also be away from their support systems for extended periods, which can contribute to mental health issues.

Reality TV shows must balance the safety of their contestants with the need to create compelling television. Producers must make difficult decisions about what content to include in the show, and how to handle conflict between participants. These decisions can impact the safety and wellbeing of the contestants, and producers must consider the consequences of their choices.

Regulatory Bodies and Guidelines 

Regulatory bodies such as Ofcom (Office of Communications) in the UK and the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) in the US have created guidelines for reality TV shows to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their contestants. These guidelines include providing adequate medical and mental health support, ensuring participants have access to their support systems, and avoiding situations that could cause unnecessary harm or distress.

Reality TV shows must adhere to these guidelines, and failure to do so can result in fines or even the cancellation of the show. However, these guidelines are not legally binding, and some shows have faced criticism for not following them. 

The Future of Reality TV

As reality TV continues to evolve, the duty of care dilemma will remain a challenge for producers and regulatory bodies. With the rise of social media, contestants face increased scrutiny and pressure to perform on and off the screen. Reality TV shows must consider the long-term impact of their actions on the mental health and wellbeing of their participants.

The future of reality TV depends on the ability of producers to balance entertainment with the duty of care owed to their contestants. As the tragic death of a "Love Island" contestant has shown.