Correction:This article cites an incorrect Associated Press report that said Jon and Kate Gosselin had been living apart for two years. A TLC spokeswoman confirmed
that the Gosselins have been living apart for only a week or two. AP also issued a correction.
It doesn't hurt to be reminded television can fool with reality on reality
shows. Does anyone get hurt here?
We are reminded of this as word comes that Jon and Kate Gosselin of TLC's reality family show, "Jon & Kate Plus 8," have actually have
been living apart for at least two years.
This comes after an episode on Monday night revealed the couple are getting a divorce. During the entire five-year span of their cable network show, the Gosselins had portrayed
themselves as happy until the past few months -- even renewing their wedding vows in Hawaii last year.
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All of which brings up this question: Why don't TLC advertisers demand some
make-goods for supporting a real-life show that isn't? Because unlike the content on Fox News, CNN, or ABC News, reality TV isn't news -- but it sure looks real.
TV needs a
stimulus package, alright. Maybe that should come with disclaimers attached to some shows.
Half-truths and other half-baked stuff are everywhere. At USA Network a press release went out
recently that said Donald Trump was buying WWE's "Raw." It turned out it wasn't true.
Critics blamed the business press for not following up,
snickering that TV writers should have known this is part of the show's storyline, and that wrestling is, after all, all-phony. (MediaPost fell for the story, as well).
That's all well and good. But a lie is a lie. Does WWE get a free pass where other shows have to be a bit more responsible? (For its part, USA Network apologized for its gaffe; but not the WWE,
however.)
Backlash? What might happen the next time USA Network issues a ratings release about WWE's "Raw"? Will the press avoid that story -- or make fun of it? What
about WWE investors?
This is your current TV landscape -- full of spin and promotion. Real-life wrestlers slam chairs at each other, and a loving couple smiles and takes marriage vows.
There is no real mystery here: Nobody gets hurts, and everyone makes money -- for the most part.