“Kid Nation” parents signed just-unveiled waiver “not to sue” if anything harmed to their child, including death
By Stacey Silberman
HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 9/5/07 – Newly-revealed contracts show that in exchange for $5,000, star-struck “Kid Nation” parents signed a fine print-filled contract that prohibited them from suing CBS TV or producers even if their child died during the “inherently dangerous” shoot. The parents further agreed not to accompany their children the 40-day New Mexico desert location taping, which the state is investigating to see if child labor laws were over-stepped.
The $5,000 contracts, written by the show’s producers (Good TV, Inc.), makes sure to protect the interests of CBS and production entities no matter what happened during the reality show shoot.
The contract shows that parents agreed to receive a $5,000 “stipend” in exchange for their child’s guardianship over a 40-day period without any parental oversight. The contract said that the show was “inherently dangerous” and could expose the minor children to “uncontrolled hazards and conditions that may cause serious bodily injury, illness or death.” In the first paragraph it reads, “By signing this Participant Agreement, I represent that I have read, understood and voluntarily agreed to abide by it’s terms and conditions and have explained to the Minor the contents and the meanings of this Participant Agreement to the Minor.”
Just in case Junior didn’t grasp the legal ramifications explained to him, the contract posted at TheSmokingGun.com. goes on to say, “I acknowledge that by signing this Participant Agreement, I will be giving up certain legal rights on behalf of myself and the Minor.” Parents also signed a clause that released liability in case of “emotional distress, illness, sexually transmitted diseases, HIV, pregnancy and death.”
Unfortunately, some of the stipulations in the contract came to pass, resulting in some injuries. According to news reports, some of the accidents sustained were a sprained arm, burns from hot grease and one young kid accidentally drank bleach. The contract does shed a little light as to how the producers managed to gain guardianship over 40 children ranging in age from eight to 15-years old. The contract stipulates, that the kids would live in a remote location (New Mexico in the heat of summer) solely decided by producers, where they shall live among themselves. Then the contract goes on to talk about large prizes being awarded at the discretion of producers. Some contestants won $20,000 prizes. And all of this is stated within the first two paragraphs in plain sight.
Despite increasing public outrage, CBS plans to debut “Kid Nation” on Sept. 19. The Viacom-owned network must convince its advertisers not to drop out of the line-up due to negative publicity. The network has taken steps to deal with advertising executives by screening its first episode. Advertisers can see for themselves what the show is about and whether they believe it will incite potential customers. Several international television companies have already contacted CBS about buying the show’s franchise.
Consequently, the show is under investigation by New Mexico public officials, who were not allowed on set during filming. They are inspecting records to see if any laws were broken during that time. Participating children were forced to work up to 16-hours daily for the duration of filming. Unfortunately, New Mexico’s child-labor laws had a loop pole that allowed for children to work without limitation in the production of film and TV. Those laws have since been updated.
CBS entertainment president Nina Tassler said at a July press event, “In order for a reality show to really get out there and change the landscape of television, you have to sort of stir public debate. We know we’re going to create some controversy, but I think the whole objective was to get out there, do something different and try and reach out and have people talk about the show.”
This can’t possibly be the type of debate that CBS was hoping for. But, who are we the public to say this is wrong, let’s see if that same public watches the show and turns it into CBS’ newest hit series. Only time shall tell.
