Never mind that nearly 35 million people watch each episode of “American Idol.” Never mind that the show has earned FOX more than $900 million in revenue during the 2005 season. “Idol” has nothing on the best reality television programming: local government public access stations. “Idol” judge Simon Cowell is wasting his time creating 11 new television shows involving competitions among inventors, entertainers and singers. The government public access channel has already got him beat.
The channel’s programming fits the loose requirements of reality TV: It’s based on actual events, involves ordinary people and contains no professional actors. But the programming is even better.
Reality television has been criticized for its set-ups when producers encourage reality TV show contestants to act a certain way. On the government access channel, nobody is forced to say anything. There are no acting coaches or producers barking orders off-screen. Viewers become a fly on the wall that watches every authentic, unedited moment. The only constructed plots viewers will find are a meeting agenda, a schedule or a to-do list.
Like MTV’s “The Real World,” public meetings – the bulk of government access channel programming – put strangers together. Citizens, professionals and students file into a room to voice their opinion on social and political issues.
Viewers might even see someone they know on television. When my dad was on the school board back home, people would say to me, “Hey! I saw your dad on TV!”
This is the very essence of modern reality shows: turning Average Joe into a celebrity for 15 minutes.
Unfortunately, many reality TV viewers have missed one of the best episodes thus far.
In a heated meeting – show – 200 Eugene and Springfield citizens – make that reality TV contestants – squared off over the then-proposed (now approved) $8 million public parking garage next to a future downtown Eugene Whole Foods Market.
The show was a jewel because it was unscripted, dramatic and humorous – although completely by accident.
The meeting most resembled a civilized version of “The Jerry Springer Show.” By civilized, I mean a big, beefy guy wasn’t restraining those on stage after “Aunt Jane” told the kids she used to be Uncle Bob and that he – or she? – has been cheating on Uncle Stu (poor, poor Uncle Stu) with a family member in the back of a mobile home trailer every Friday night.
Emotions were on display. More than half of those at the meeting signed up to speak during the March 14 meeting. Some made valid points while others ranted.
Eventually, Mayor Kitty Piercy limited the speakers to two-minute speeches, which angered most. This was equivalent to a producer spicing things up when in need of a ratings boost. A citizen would be speaking, and when suddenly cut off mid-sentence, he or she would get, well, pissed.
A must-see TV moment that was particularly funny: One contestant kept ranting after his time was up, so Piercy called for a break in the meeting. Ooooooh, burn!
Unlike other reality shows, this one is refreshing. Instead of contestants competing for a big cash prize or a hot date, these participants are there because they care. They care about the future of their city and want their city improved.
The shows should continue to get better with hot issues in the Eugene-Springfield area including the location of a new Triad hospital, the development of downtown Eugene and the construction of the new EmX bus rapid transit system.
But we need a few rules to make this thing work.
Producers need to hire contestants to play the devil’s advocate – someone who disagrees with everything. This person will go against the grain no matter what.
“The only way to be punk anymore is to go into a party and say, ‘George Bush fucking rules!’” Matt Stone, co-creator of “South Park” told Rolling Stone this month.
I suppose that’ll work. Different sides to any issue make discussion more interesting. And watching a vein popping out of a forehead is always entertaining.
It would also help if contestants were educated on the issue rather than sprouting out false claims.
But not everyone is interested in politics and news, which is why government public access television has yet to take off. The programming can’t attract those apathetic to politics, which is perfectly fine. We live in America.
The channel needs to be enlivened to attract a bigger audience and boost ratings.
Perhaps a hoax reality show? Anna Nicole Smith could replace the mayor, run the meeting and frustrate contestants. Then Mike Bellotti could run out screaming, “You’ve just been Punk’d!”
Perhaps the show’s title could be “Making The City Council” or “Pimp My City Council”? We could coach City Council members, and the winner could take the prize of managing Whole Foods.
The possibilities are endless, and best of all, viewers don’t have to worry about the show getting canceled. Fans of the show get to go behind-the-scenes and watch how a city operates, much like how viewers get to see police in action while watching “COPS” on FOX.
If you’re looking for reality television where producers step back and the cast decides the outcome, check out MetroVision on Comcast channel 21. To view a full schedule, visit www.metrotv.lane.cog.or.us. Enjoy.
Contact the columnist at [email protected]