Jobless Get Their Own Reality TV Show

***John*** · 10-08-2002, 10:13 AM

From Yahoo! News (Variety):

Quote:

Jobless Get Their Own Reality TV Show
Tue Oct 8, 5:27 AM ET
By Mary Sutter

MIAMI (Variety) - A controversial Argentinean reality TV show that pits unemployed people against each other could soon be adapted for TV stations around the world.

Sony Pictures Television Intl. has acquired the international format rights to "Human Resources" (Recursos humanos) in which jobless contestants compete for jobs, cash, prizes and employee benefits. Critics claim the show makes light of the tragedy of unemployment.

The hourlong game show airs live weekdays and has struck a chord in a country where half the population is out of work. Studio audiences and at-home viewers choose which of the two candidates is best qualified for the job up for grabs each weekday. Sony claims the show has awarded more than 184 new jobs to local contestants in 91 broadcasts.

The studio acquired the rights from indie production company Imagen Real and will pitch the format to buyers at the Mipcom TV market in Cannes this week.

Similar formats, such as Hong Kong's "Job Matchmaker," are already out there; German cable channel Neun Live is prepping an unnamed show along the same lines. Before it even airs, critics are denouncing it as exploitative.

Sony defended its new acquisition.

"In addition to its truly feel-good outcome, 'Human Resources' also imparts valuable insights and guidance for anyone who will ever be looking for work," said Steve Kent, the studio's executive VP of international productions. "It's a show where everybody wins, because even the losing contestant earns something which is a big help when you're unemployed."

"Human Resources" awards all contestants with health benefits just for being on the show as well as scholarships, home appliances and cash.

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**fluff** · 10-08-2002, 11:03 AM

Ugh, this sounds beyond tacky.
At least everyone ends up getting something I guess

cali · 10-08-2002, 11:32 AM

It does sound tacky... I might have to watch one though to see how the people "compete" for jobs. I guess if 184 people got jobs, it can't be all bad.... can it?

***John*** · 10-08-2002, 11:47 AM

Yeah, it can.

cali · 10-08-2002, 12:05 PM

Yeah, I suppose you're right!

**JR.** · 10-08-2002, 05:40 PM

Hey, where do I sign up?

10-08-2002, 11:03 AM	#2
fluff Why can't we just rewind? Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 40,428	Ugh, this sounds beyond tacky. At least everyone ends up getting something I guess __________________ "That's Numberwang!"

10-08-2002, 11:32 AM	#3
cali Soccer Kicks Balls Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: right behind you Age: 41 Posts: 15,258	It does sound tacky... I might have to watch one though to see how the people "compete" for jobs. I guess if 184 people got jobs, it can't be all bad.... can it? __________________ "Rice is great when you're hungry and want 2,000 of something' -- Mitch Hedberg

10-08-2002, 12:05 PM	#5
cali Soccer Kicks Balls Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: right behind you Age: 41 Posts: 15,258	Yeah, I suppose you're right! __________________ "Rice is great when you're hungry and want 2,000 of something' -- Mitch Hedberg

10-08-2002, 11:47 AM	#4
*John* The race is back! Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: On the mat Age: 38 Posts: 40,428 Blog Entries: 1	Yeah, it can.

10-08-2002, 05:40 PM	#6
JR. Drummer / Model Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: 42° 22' N 71° 2' W Age: 37 Posts: 6,930	Hey, where do I sign up?