Ratings Over Integrity

In the realm of reality television, ratings dictate the life and air play that a show will be broadcast to viewers. For the stars of the show, being broadcast on television often means an opportunity to earn income, fame, and other perks associated with the entertainment industry. All of these gains are enough to make any one jump on board at the sound of a whistle. however, the question is why does it seem when these reality stars sign on, viewers would much rather see them jump off ship.

Lately there has been a backlash on reality tv shows such as VH1's  basketball wives and Love & Hip Hop series now airing. Apparently viewers have been outraged about the content the network has been allowing the viewers to see and the portrayl of bad character and behavior that has been captured. Many petitioning the show to be removed off air, believe all of the malicious fighting, sex and love triangles are not healthy for young viewers that may think that type of behavior is acceptable.  On the website Change.org, explains it’s reasoning why they believe creating a petition is necessary “For example, let's look at the story of Momma Dee, the ex-pimp/ex-human trafficker on the show. In a city where sex trafficking is pervasive, we desperately need to hear Mama Dee's story. Yet, VH1 treats her story like it's no big deal. When sex trafficking is treated casually, like it's chewing a piece of gum, it perpetuates the problem!”. http://www.change.org/petitions/boycott-vh1-love-hip-hop-atlanta-specifically-stop-dealing-digital-crack-and-tell-balanced-stories. 

In response to the negative backlash, some of the characters on the show have defended VH1 and themselves by stating what is aired is real life, and if people have a problem with it, then they need to change the channel. To see some of the controversy click on the link to view a trailer of this weeks upcoming episode of Love & Hip Hop on VH1.  http://www.vh1.com/video/misc/809042/episode-3-sneak-peek.jhtml#id=1688464

References

Harper, E (2012). Boycott VH1 (Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta, Specifically): Stop Dealing Digital Crack and Tell Balanced Stories. Retrieved from. http://www.change.org/petitions/boycott-vh1-love-hip-hop-atlanta-specifically-stop-dealing-digital-crack-and-tell-balanced-stories. June 28, 2012

(2012). Love & Hip Hop Atlanta > Ep. 3 | Episode 3 Sneak Peek. Retrieved from http://www.vh1.com/video/misc/809042/episode-3-sneak-peek.jhtml#id=1688464. June 30, 2012