Networks turn to cheap, nonunionized reality TV

+ Kevin McCarthy's shaky standing US Edition - Today's top story: Reality TV show contestants are more like unpaid interns than Hollywood stars [View in browser]( US Edition | 21 September 2023 [The Conversation] [The Conversation]( Top headlines - [A philosopher on the moral quandary of exchanging cash for hostages]( - [New research on deep brain stimulation for treatment-resistant depression]( - [How a mischievous monkey inspired centuries of literary adaptations]( Lead story The ongoing Hollywood writers and actors strikes have led to a dearth of new scripted content, forcing TV networks to scramble to fill their fall programming schedules. But they have an old reliable they can turn to: reality TV. University of Texas at Arlington sociologist David Arditi explains how reality TV has become a boon for networks: Cast members are paid a relative pittance – if they’re paid at all – while crews are often nonunion. He has studied and written about the contracts signed by aspiring professional musicians, including contestants on NBC’s “The Voice,” which will kick off its new season next week. Shows like “The Voice,” he explains, promise contestants valuable exposure and a springboard to stardom, but few participants actually benefit. Meanwhile, [the networks parlay their contestants’ and cast members’ dreams of fame into lower production costs and easy ratings](. “These participants are the unpaid interns of the entertainment industry,” Arditi writes, “even though it’s their stories, personalities and talent that draw the viewers.” [ [Give to our fall fundraising campaign, and you’ll get a downloadable e-book of must-read articles from 2023.]([]]( Nick Lehr Arts + Culture Editor Country singer Adley Stump, a former contestant on NBC’s hit reality show ‘The Voice,’ performs at an Air Force base in Washington state. Joint Base Lewis McChord/flickr [Reality TV show contestants are more like unpaid interns than Hollywood stars]( David Arditi, University of Texas at Arlington With the TV writers and actors strikes leaving networks with little scripted content, the fall 2023 lineup will be saturated with low-cost reality TV shows like 'The Voice.' Ethics + Religion - [Paying for hostages’ release involves moral risks − a political philosopher explains]( Michael Blake, University of Washington States sometimes choose to pay for the release of their citizens held hostage abroad – but there could be profound, long-term costs involved. - [‘Journey to the West’: Why the classic Chinese novel’s mischievous monkey – and his very human quest – has inspired centuries of adaptations]( Ji Hao, College of the Holy Cross There is a long tradition in China of associating monkeys with the mind – symbolism that has helped the novel’s most memorable character, the Monkey King, find universal resonance. Science + Technology - [Depression recovery can be hard to measure − new research on deep brain stimulation shows how objective biomarkers could help make treatment more precise]( Christopher Rozell, Georgia Institute of Technology; Sankaraleengam Alagapan, Georgia Institute of Technology Deep brain stimulation can help some people with treatment-resistant depression feel better, but it can be unclear whether a bout of low mood is a relapse or a bad day. - [NASA’s Mars rovers could inspire a more ethical future for AI]( Janet Vertesi, Princeton University AI poses a variety of ethical conundrums, but the NASA teams working on Mars rovers exemplify an ethic of care and human-robot teamwork that could act as a blueprint for AI’s future. Politics + Society - [Kevin McCarthy’s leadership is an open question as budget shutdown looms and GOP infighting takes center stage]( Charles R. Hunt, Boise State University An expert on Congress helps untangle the mess that is Kevin McCarthy’s life as speaker of the House right now. - [Traffic tickets can be profitable, and fairness isn’t the bottom line in city courts where judges impose the fines]( Sian Mughan, Arizona State University; Akheil Singla, Arizona State University Research shows police officers issue more traffic tickets and judges impose more fines when their city gets the money and when the budget is tight. - [G20 summit proved naysayers wrong – and showed Global South’s potential to address world’s biggest problems]( Jorge Heine, Boston University The G20 has its critics, but an expert on international politics explains why it still performs a useful function – particularly in this period of great geopolitical divisions. Economy + Business - [The Federal Reserve held off hiking interest rates – it may still be too early to start popping the corks]( D. Brian Blank, Mississippi State University News of a soft landing may be premature. Education - [Educators say student misconduct has increased − but progressive reforms or harsher punishments alone won’t fix the problem]( F. Chris Curran, University of Florida Debates about school discipline have become polarized between proponents of restorative justice and those who believe a get-tough approach is required. Environment + Energy - [Wildfire risk is soaring for low-income, elderly and other vulnerable populations in California, Washington and Oregon]( Mojtaba Sadegh, Boise State University; John Abatzoglou, University of California, Merced Alarmingly, about half the people exposed to wildfires in Washington and Oregon were those least able to afford to protect their homes, evacuate safely and recover. Trending on site - [Why India fears the Khalistan movement and how Canada became embroiled in diplomatic spat over killing of Sikh separatist]( - [Alzheimer’s disease is partly genetic − studying the genes that delay decline in some may lead to treatments for all]( - [Why China’s real estate crisis should make the global travel industry nervous]( Today's graphic 📈 [Electric vehicles were about 13% of global car sales in 2022, up from 8% in 2021. The International Energy Agency projects strong growth in China and the U.S. in 2023.]( From the story, [EV sales growth points to oil demand peaking by 2030 – so why is the oil industry doubling down on production?]( - - More of The Conversation Like this newsletter? You might be interested in our weekly and biweekly emails: • [Weekly Highlights]( • [Science Editors' Picks]( • [This Week in Religion]( • [Politics Weekly]( • [Global Perspectives]( • [Global Economy & Business]( Trying out new social media? Follow us: • [Threads]( • [Bluesky]( • [Spoutible]( • [Mastodon]( • [Post.news]( • [LinkedIn]( - - About The Conversation We're a nonprofit news organization dedicated to [helping academic experts share ideas with the public](. We can give away our articles thanks to the help of foundations, universities and readers like you. [Donate now to support research-based journalism]( [The Conversation]( You’re receiving this newsletter from [The Conversation]( 303 Wyman Street, Suite 300 Waltham, MA 02451 [Forward to a friend]( • [Unsubscribe](