Whatever your feelings toward reality TV, they're fixtures of network programming and successful ones to boot. The Real Housewives of New York City has two seasons under its designer belt, and the cast is currently negotiating contracts for a third.
The ladies are shooting for six-figure paychecks, and Housewife Jill Zarin explained her feelings toward the group's salaries to Us Magazine. She said,
"I think that in an ensemble cast, it's hard to have demands because I think all women are the same. I think all women should be treated identically. I don't think one is more valuable than other . . . I'm not saying someone new on the show would be valued the same as someone who’s been on the show three years, but I think that the cast is the cast."
Do you agree with Jill that reality show participants should be paid the same, so long as they've put in the same amount of time?
Killah
Minnetonka
Elle Macpherson
yes and no. i think that when you're in an ensemble cast, you're all being given the same opportunities so you should get the same pay, but i also think that there are definitely some people that help raise the ratings and can understand how they would want to have more money.
1But, how do you decide who the one bringing the ratings in is? There is one person from the cast who I can't stand, but perhaps that is the same person other viewers love. The only way I could see breaking up the salaries is based on how many seasons they've participated in. You couldn't do it based on air time during the season because that's up to the editors.
2I agree with Jill Zarin comments but am appalled that these women are currently "negotiating" contracts for a third season. Not one of them are hurting for money, it would be nice if they all donated their salaries to charity.
Ultimately with reality TV it's the director and editors that make the most out of the footage they record and create buzz for one or more individuals that defines the drama on these types of shows.
3I think it depends on network's standards. Is the network negotiating by the amount of time someone is on per episode weekly or the entire season. I think factored in should be what seniority do they have? The housewife's being able to mention their personal and business websites in their blogs should also be considered as compensation that should also be addressed in their contract.
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