Why TV reality shows need to change for contestant welfare

Reality TV casting is flawed and talent show contestants are being failed with regard to ensuring a duty of care and well-being – there I said it!

The world of showbiz needs to change and remains problematic for all.

Last updated 4th Oct 2022 18:45pm by Mark Boardman.

I’m am standing up and championing for change in the industry, in Law to protect peoples human rights, and to seek Justice for Victims, so they can speak out and tell their truth. I am here to support all people who have been exploited, assaulted ( sexually, physically or verbally), abuse is abuse.

Widespread issues still exist across ‘creative industries’ from music, acting, modelling, to dancing and beyond, and I am only naming a few sectors from across the world of entertainment. Believe me, this is bigger than “Oh well, it doesn’t affect me”. I am not just talking celebrities here either; I am talking safeguarding issues from 10 year-olds being protected at dance lessons whilst in the changing rooms, to fully grown men and women and everyone in between who are in the care of others from reality show contestants, or someone being hauled away to an Island via a 2.5hr flight with no friends, or family and told to simply trust the team. I am not making accusations, but who can they turn to when issues arise? or if they feel uncomfortable? How many times have we seen people just storm off shows, stage, and so on out of frustration?

I fully support the industry on the whole, and want to further improve the creative arts globally with better respect for people who go into this arena to ensure they are proteced, and know where to find support: whether it’s for ‘how to have a successful career in music’, ‘where to train if you want to get to Stricly Come Dancing level’, or if an issue arises with a colleague, boss, casting director or manager.

The global film and music market is still growing and back in July, globenewsire reported that the industry is expected to grow from $291.83 billion in 2021 to $325.06 billion by the end of this year, so alot of money is floating about and up for grabs!

TV, music, dancing, modelling, and movies are supposed to offer joy for the audience, where the avid viewer is encouraged to get involved to vote, play at home, or use a hashtag online, but this can come at the expense of the person in-front of the camera…the contestants, participants or extras in the case of TV and here’s why. It is a bit more complex than “Well they chose the limelight”.

The world of showbiz needs to change and remains problematic for all.

Everyone must be “Grateful for the opportunity”.

Laws need changing to protect the many new and existing talented individuals and groups that we have who just want to perform and entertain for audiences, not only here in the UK, but around the globe, including the hot spots of London and LA which are two key cities that exploit, and promote the greed of these stars and spit them out then the cash flow stops.

How many more times are people going to ignore what happens to stars like Britney, or the people who are controlling every part of their lives? What has changed, and what should we do to protect one another from huge flaws in the current system (I know there are bigger issues but I am not a politician or peacekeeper) and nor would I want to have that job. Worryingly, If someone does speak out about pay or work conditions…will their accusations be taken seriously??

Fame, money, success, and being idolised are elements we all feel that ‘stars crave’, but at what cost should come at? I could never handle the pressure that Ronaldo plays through on the football pitch, or sing in-front of a huge crowd like Adele but I respect them and value their work. Is it worth the price to feel so pressured to perform when you really should be lying dow? and resting if you are ill, or what about losing your rights to choice, freedom or artistic creativity?

Did you see that Jesy Nelson from Little Mix claimed she was once injected with painkillers FIFTY times so that she could go on stage. More people are now working against in the entertainment industry to improve it once and for all.

What is the issue?

In a nutshell…Toxic management and greedy record labels.

Being famous and earning millions of dollars/pounds sounds like fun, and it is largely for many, if you have the right people around you from agents, publicists, managers, friends, family and mentors. Without this you could l be screwed over, or your career short lived by varying manipulative ways.

I speak about this as not someone who has ever been a star (a few appearances on BBC, CH4 and radio) does not constitute this and have minimal impact, unless you become a meme); nor as a person do I have an issue with anyone, I just want to highlight what I’ve seen, read and what I’m being told.

My most recent tweets from my twitter account @MarkBoardmanUK attracted 1.75m impressions and 433k profile views in just 7 days, so what? It shows there is interest in me speaking out, not as someone who has all the answers or has been sworn to secrecy, but as someone who has been on the outside, a fan with media access who has seen and heard things that I don’t like, and don’t agree with. Of late I have had my eyes opened too following multiple calls with talent from Katie Waissel and her incredibly supportive fanbase via Twitter Spaces, as she and her followers (they are more than that to us all already) share and listen to each other’s stories and truths, slowly but surely, the good and the come are coming out and our circle of trust is there to support.

Many of the online community want to know and do more to help and improve working conditions, so that others do not suffer or get mis-treated and protected from the minority who will exist within the industry. Whilst many stars are in a happier place many years on, the likes of Rebecca Ferguson who I also first met during the X Factor days (on the red carpet), have been majorly affected too. I love the industry and have probably met, interviewed, photographed and know upward of 4000+ stars plus thouands of people who work on events, behind the scenes across all sectors.

Like every business or industry there are shady areas you don’t want to go into. I am here to share the good and the bad, and highlight the experience and nkowledge wealth (not money wise) of others, and to say what I had witnessed and hope from a perspective to help, guide and build stength ti say NO, and create visibility of others who have come through and are still in legal battles a decade later. I am not the only one shedding light on this, you know who you are and I am so proud for speaking out, from all the fans online, across platforms tagging in the right people we hope to get artists played on the radio who we feel are being blacklisted to shedding a light on NDA and how winners contracts screw the contestants if don’t toe the line.

The Contract

I’ve seen copies of the X Factor UK and US contracts as well as BGT now and honestly they are simply appauling with total disregard of any laws including health and safety. They are so one sided you wold not believe it. YES there is only ever one winner!!

Let’s say you go on the show (in this case Britain’s GOt Talent) and are “Lucky enough” to make the semi-final. You create a piece of art (For this instance you’ve painted the judges for example in 60 seconds using coffee beans, guess who now owns the rights? That’s right ‘the show’ and all your previous work under licence. Permission is required for almost everything and all press is monitored too. Your soul is sold for promise of success and if that fails, you are on your own.

Why am I writing this

Again, as a entertainment writer, media owner and someone who remains to be a regular on the showbiz scenes, interviewing stars, promoting music and movies and so on – I am no more entitled than the next person to write about this, like many I have attended hundreds of gigs, events and so on; the difference is I live and breathe this not only in my personal time attending movie screenings to review, but with a phone book full of stars. From being backstage at gigs you get to see how the whole thing comes together, or being on the red carpet in-terms of event planning. I’ve seen standard industry contracts and have the supportr, confidence and trust from the industry (from those to whom I’ve met), having built valuable friendships with an endless supply of work in-bound having worked in the industry over the past 20 years. It’s about being fair, reliable genuine, and delivering on expectations and taking into account all factors including mental health and understanding that we all need to be seen, heard, recognised and rewarded.

Of late, I’ve wanted to get back on social media, having not necessarily ‘shied away’ from it, but so snowed under with work and family, I just fell out of love with it. Now I’ve realised that I want it back to share valuable content and this time, instead of trying to sell the whole time click here etc), I’ve gone back to publishing the information and content that people really care about and can enjoy. Whether they are looking for the latest releases, to radio playlists (we’ll come to this later), film trailers etc – I will support the industry as much as I can in the time I have spare outside my current job in media to ensure it remains a beacon for all and an area that people will continue to want to work in despite all the celebrity antics you hear about.

The workload

Being worked to exhaustion and beyond every day is modern day slavery. No wonder why some stars take a year off, or suffer burn-out or worse for fans ‘go on a permanent hiatus’ when told to work 15 hour day!

I appreciate working 12 hour days for some of us then going home to look after children, loved ones or cook and clean is the norm for millions, and I know you do amazing even if you are too struggling to do it all.

We’ve all been in jobs where the manager just OVERLOADS your diary making it just impossible to do all tasks. I can remember attending a book signing by Justin Bieber and he was about 1h40 late as his manager had scheduled in several more press interviews and photoshoots. No wonder why some people don’t even know what city they are in.

A throw-back springs to mind when One Direction played 329 live shows in just under four years. This is besides personal appearances, travelling, writing and recording and everything else. No wonder it had to come to an end.

Beyoncé took a year off of work for her mental well-being back in 2011, and publicly opened up about multiple experiences with burnout over the years, even to the point of cancelling shows due to exhaustion.

Next, let’s talk about ‘Career killing PR’

Does it exist? Yes, it does. If you misbehave.

I’ve been working in media and entertainment across music, tv, film and radio for two decades. I specialise in creating content and am often asked for my opinion on national radio across a wide range of subjects from culture, to business and of course celebrity. I’m not here to whistle blow or anything like that, I’ve simply seen too much talent fail and not because they were sh*t.

You must know of singers, bands and who knows what else who smashed it on the telly, had a standing ovation, and then years later you think to yourself “What the hell happened to……” I’ll leave it to you to insert who you think would fit here, but I can assure you there are dozens, if not hundreds of names!

For those who followed my journey online, I used to cover ‘today’s tv listings online’ highlighting when the stars were on the telly, post gig listings, celebrity appearances from album signings, including invite only events that were not public to audience and have given hundreds, if not thousands the opportunity to meet the stars at public events from London film premieres, gigs, tv studios and countless others. Some say tell now that I am and remain a intrinsic part of the fandom and know to support One Direction, Justin Bieber, Cheryl, Little Mix, Joe McElderry, Adam Lambert and many more stars besides the love of movies, both as myself, Mark Boardman and a media brand (news site and digital media agency) that I am the proud founder of called MarkMeets.

Hopefully that gives you a further insight as to where I am coming from, and why hopefully you are still reading this.

Some throwback photos of me with @MattCardle @RebeccaFMusic @LiamPayne @Harry_Styles @NiallOfficial @zaynmalik @Louis_Tomlinson on the red carpet and X factor wrap party 1 of 2 pic.twitter.com/MT9pOZz8AR

— Mark Boardman (@markboardmanuk) September 22, 2022

One person who had a really bad time in the press was Zayn Malik. Such a caring person he is, and what a talent also! Let’s forget his first dance class at audition stages, and look back at how got through some difficult times whilst in 1D and after the split. He’s went through so much in a short space of time in the industry that his team did not know how to best manage him and certainly failed him in their duty of care. The main reason he left, (he said in his book) is because when he first went on the x-factor he tried out for a solo artist hoping to become big star, and not be in a band. The constant touring took it’s toll and the group were not allowed proper breaks and ate only when they had time since alongside touring, they had to keep recording new songs too led to Zayn’s anorexia. His anxiety was high and he did not want to disappoint the fan but leaving but the boys supported his decision to leave. He suffered alledged racism, Islamophobia, and severe mistreatment both whilst on and after the show. In one video clip I was sent Zayn had recording all morning, travelled for rehersals, gigged then back in the studio and finally to sleep. 10 minutes later: he is awoken by the music producer do more vocals! (this was for their 3rd album ‘Midnight Memories.

Singer Zayn Malik admits that he he made no friends while in One Direction and didn’t like their music either. 1D’s management quickly became too toxic and controlling, and that is just one the many reasons why Zayn also left. September 2020, Malik released the single “Better” as the lead single from his third studio album Nobody Is Listening. The song was his first solo release in nearly two years. Malik described the album as “his most personal project to date”. Recently Louis Tomlinson admited he feels ready to rebuild his friendship with his former One Direction bandmate Zayn Malik after long-running feud.

I’m sure you have seen dozens more videos clips online involving other celebrities who no longer feel they can continue in a band or group as the time is up. Fans lately have been discussing the topic of ‘The Azoff‘s regarding Harry which may be a whole article in it’s self and only one that I am beginning to learn more about.

From watching, and knowing many reality stars (some X factor and BGT star who I know even attended my wedding), as well as regularly chatting with established presenters, award winning radio personalities, I feel many of them are experienced enough and savvy as to up’s and downs within the industry, other newcomers however are not so, and can be manipulated by trusted producers and public figures (no names or accusations here). Being told “You stick with me, and you’ll do well. Just do as you’re told – you’ll be a success and we’ll both make lots of money”, is something I find sickening and if you hear it, do call them out, taking voice recordings and report it to the relevant people or authorities (I am not a lawyer) but there is plenty of advice online with more guidance and support coming soon via the new independent standards authority besides government ministers being lobbied for change.

I recently noticed that even some well known stars, I mean globally known stars like Louis Tomlinson, had not been added to the Radio 1 playlist, like why not? His new songs are getting tons of streams so why is his team/label not supporting him? I’m not saying he is any better than other stars but why sign him and not make the most of his talent (whether you like him or his music), the point is, fans noticed this and believed that “He had been blacklisted”,with fans reporting that he won’t give into the stations bosses and pay for plays”.

I raised the issue further publishing the Radio 1 playlist online and with hundreds tagging in the BBC asking what the issue was? Just one week later and suddenly he’s ‘added to the BBC2 playlist. Was it timing, fate or the fandom pulling together? Louis’ fanbase I give full credit too, for their amazing campaign. We realised that our voices in unison can be heard.

Recently Louis Tomlinson defended Liam Payne after his controversial podcast comments. I’m sure we also heard Liam’s accent at the Brit Awards too? The pressure some of these people face in a month is beyond a whole lifetime of hate we receive in our entire lives.

Convinced Ur posts helped him get on the BBCR2 playlist!. @289Mia @RollerButcher @grisousmiles @4theluvoflarry @civility_LT @Stuckonlou28 @YNehir92 @MeAsIAm4 @starryhazelou @carelouislths @justlike_change @loulouglasses @liat21_ @markboardmanuk @ArianaMeir @FindinHappines5

— BBCR1 Complaint Proj. Tag our Pinned! (@LouIn22) September 30, 2022

Whilst only a tiny minority of personalities make it to such a high level, with Harry Styles being the prime example of someone coming from nowhere (well ‘Holmes Chapel’), but being raised in an incredibly supportive household, he has his head screwed on and is one of the ‘hardest worked people on the planet‘., see what I said there HARDEST WORKED. I know he loves his music and acting and I hugely support all he does, but I do personally feel that he is overworked and getting well rewarded offcourse at last, as I hope that he is on a better contract that he has signed in the past!!!

Not all are as lucky. Public image is everything and can easily be manipulated and even sabotaged. Some stars I’ve been told by users online have been taken out of circulation. Recently I searched for several formerly well known people (to ask them to contribute), to discover that they were no longer on twitter and leading more private lives. I say this as X Factor contestants and reality show stars are forced…or should I say encouraged to be very social (Accounts are opened for them) in many cases, and verifition comes quickly and if they are not posting, I can assure you one of their team is!! I could tell you hundreds of celebs who are known to TWEET, but barely or never do.

Expenses

Selling the dream to anyone who is talented enough to “Make it”, with a high, if not almost certain chance of them being “Exploited for entertainment“, is likely. We all need a fair deal in our jobs.

You would also think that hotels, private cars and high-end restaurants are living the lifestyle, but who pays? I can assure you the bosses do not pay from their pockets…it comes out of the artists earnings which have already been hammered hard by excessive agent/management fees, and often because of the ‘worst contracts you would ever see’ that even a slave would even feel disgusted at.

It’s not all bad though (trying to be positive) about some of the horror stories I’ve been told of, but how many people have you heard speak out recently? I am not just talking about being forced to create fake celebrity relationships, or participate in dramatic events for publicity, as that’s what the viewers want to see apparently!

What is the real cost?

Millions of us watch reality shows from Gogglebox, to The Masked singer but who puts on these shows, who benefits and at what cost? Artists discovered by The X Factor – including One Direction, Little Mix, Olly Murs and Leona Lewis – have sold more than 500 million records worldwide, making it the most prolific show in history for finding chart superstars.

Timewise we’re all busy creating a brand, working in day jobs, or many of you may well still be in education, but we all have many things in common, and for the article: it’s consuming content on a daily basis and making judgements or simply sharing great content.

From TikTok, Youtube, Twitter, etc, we discover tv shows, personalities, influencers, brands and much more and become emotionally invested in the stars and want to see and follow their journey. We idolise many of them, and pay good money on tickets, merchandise and put our faith in others, that they will continue to perform, but what goes on behind the scenes? why do they do it, and who can they turn to for support if things go wrong?

On the positive side, look at Mr Beast, he has dedicated his life (he’s not old), but committed to be a creator for life, and he is incredible at what he does too. At what toll is his success? I admire him immensely but he is always being expected to deliver, day in, day out. The global star has been credited with pioneering a genre of YouTube videos that centres on expensive stunts. His main YouTube channel, “Mr Beast“, is the fifth-most-subscribed on the platform and the money he makes, is ploughed back into his many brands. Why am I saying this? Because he is in control, he makes the decisions and can say NO to whatever he likes.

He does not have overly controlling people around him, from assistants, security, legal and management dictating his every move. His image from what he wears sits firmly with him and not his team. He calls the shots and dictates who he can call, and what time he has to be up the next day.

Reports online from Jedward, Misha B and Katie Waissel (more coming below) all tell a different story from reality contestants of old. I mean things do improve right? The contracts are better now and the people are protected? The lack of care and emotions these shows and platforms create are managed? We are all vulnerable, especially at a young age. I recently was informed about Ronan Parke who I met and interviewed a number of years ago now, but only seeing his story and how there are many others are are spotted and asked to be on a sho. Every element of them is decided by the show producers whether they have a sob story to win public affection or something else. He remains to be a great person, warm and gifted but the way that ‘no act really is in control should be worrying’, maybe they feel empowered by song-choice, etc but what about their family, relationships, goals, plans, career or mental well-being.

MONEY, MONEY, MONEY

The moment an artist is told by a reporter “I hear your net worth is 10 million”, why do they reply (not in a modest way). “We’ll I’ve not seen it”, then laugh out loud as they look at their PR person at the side of the camera shot before using “Interview diversion techniques” to quickly move on to a new subject or topic.

From Lewis Capaldi, who I am sure is doing well for himself now, but does the talent who the ‘fans buy into’ get such a raw deal early on?

Ticket prices for a start are also disgusting at gigs and live events -but  I’ll save this for another time! Many singers and bands have spoken up about touts, but why on earth are some standard tickets over one hundred dollars to start with? Where is all the money going??

The prize money you hear about be it 100K or 250K is not straight into the bank either!

TV

More conversations must be had with the casting directors from the very start. Still to this day the level of  immense scrutiny will come and no-one can prepare you.

By sourcing a diverse and authentic cast I still do not know that it has to be fully represented on screen. Contestants must however be easy to manage, says show bosses.

Media Training

Seems like a good thing right to know how to answer questions but who is being protected? The short answer is both artist/talent and boss/manager.

Paul McKenna has bagged tens of thousands of pounds doing media training with these contestants, but does he not just do ‘hypnotherapy’? I saw online recently, suggesting some sort of NLP also allegedly may have taken place but that is another rabbit hole to look down another day.

What are the other issues

While there have been numerous complaints from viewers on social media, viewership for these series remains strong, which means there is less impetus for change. Barring the mention of boycotts, it’s unlikely that the current state of reality television will change much in the near future — but that doesn’t mean there is still not further room for improvement.

If you have followed the story of Rebecca Ferguson and Katie Waissel, then please do find time to read what they’ve had to say, I can assure you, It will open your eyes and really is a must, honestly. There is only so much I have heard to far but it’s unravelling at a FAST PACE.

Everything from missing money (where Rebecca lovingly refused to accept an appearance fee from a chartiy for performing), yet was told that still someone walked out with a bag “Full of cash”…and it was not going in her bank account!

Credit to journalist Daniel Bird for being brave enough to run the exclusive recently that Rebecca Ferguson claimed former management tried to ‘ruin’ her career with Trump gig’.

More research online shows that the constant signing of waivers and release clauses are the norm, and GDPR requests are seemingly being diluted too when process is followed (there is no HR manager to go to in many cases).

Both stars (Katie and Rebecca) have said how PR/Legal teams were chosen for them in the past and they had no choice at all!!!

Another note, who would write songs they are now allowed to release? Many more talk of exploitation and alleged abuse still largely in music but still why restrict the arts. We’ll all seen so many people change label or management because there were in a toxic environment, is it any wonder why the same names come up eveyttime?

Katie W who has been studying law is setting up a secure safe space via the O.W.H.L Foundations, whilst Rebecca has been sharing some positive moments of her more recent TV performances online, and is in a happier place having gone through some horrific experiences but both still have much more to reveal!

See more on their Twitter/Instagram and TikTok channels below.

KATIE

Tweets by katiewaissel24

https://www.owhlfoundation.com/

REBECCA

Tweets by RebeccaFMusic

https://www.tiktok.com/@rebeccafergusonofficial

What would help fix the issues?

Upload contracts online. Better protected by law.

Empower the community of creatives.

Change the duty of care, and human rights act to all in the creative industry sector.

Ensure anyone working on shows from crew to talent isreated with utmost care both on and after the show.

All of the creatives will soon have a new independent standards authority and more legalisation is essential for musicians, actors, dancers and theatre performers.

Finally, if you read something from somone or see that they are reaching out to press or online via their social media, please listen, support and don’t be a troll. We all need to lift each other and ensure no-one is being held back from achieve their potential. Success could just be around the corner for you too.

Watch this space for any updates and Let me hear your thoughts?