CBS Addresses ‘Kid Nation’ Story
July 18, 2007 11:01 AM
TelevisionWeek’s cover story “The Founding of Kid Nation” explored how CBS either smartly engineered a groundbreaking TV show that allowed 40 kids to escape the conformity of our consumer society and get a lesson in hard work and friendship that will last a lifetime, or found greedy parents willing to sacrifice their children for an exploitative and abusive new low in so-called reality programming.
You’ll find both opinions rephrased literally hundreds of different ways in the comments below the piece, including feedback purportedly from “‘Kid Nation’ parents.” (A surprising number of responders misconstrued the story’s description of CBS programming as “long considered the most conservative of the broadcast networks” as a shockingly naive liberal attack on conservative political values—the modest cost of Drudge Report flooding your site with readers.)
CBS Entertainment President Nina Tassler addressed the story on the TCA stage when a critic asked about “reports” that the network took advantage of a loophole in New Mexico labor laws and used the Bonanza Creek Movie Ranch film set (which includes a couple of original structures, but was mostly built in 1983 for “Silverado”) instead of a real ghost town to re-create “Bonanza City.”
“The show absolutely did not violate any laws in New Mexico,” she said. “[The kids] were not employees of CBS. [Bonanza] was originally a ghost town … but it had been used by a couple of movie crews after that, yes.”
Not that CBS minds the controversy. Tassler repeatedly noted the network is actively courting debate as part of its strategy to create more buzz-worthy programming.
“There are aspirational elements to the show, but in order for a reality show to really get out there and change the landscape of television, you have to stir public debate,” she said. “We knew we were going to create some controversy. … I don’t want it to have a negative connotation. … The whole objective was to get out there, do something different and try and reach out to have people talk about the show.”
More to come after the “Kid Nation” panel this afternoon.
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Comments (224)
My question is with tv programing at an all time low, what can a reality show about a bunch of snotty nose kids offer the 18 to 30 year olds or a matter of fact offer anybody. Barnum and Baily said entertain the people and they will come, bore the people and they will leave in droves. It seems network tv wants to bore the people. Oh well I guess I will go rent a dvd when Kid nation is boring us to death.
Posted by Marti Snyder | July 18, 2007 1:30 PM
I thought the preview for "Kid Nation" was refreshing. The kids were thoughtful, sincere and interesting. They were more honest than most adults I have seen in television in a long time.
I think it is going to do well and strike a cord with viewers who are tired of boring, backstabbing entertainment.
Posted by Belinda | July 18, 2007 3:20 PM
Let's bear in mind that most folks posting comments are doing so without having seen "Kid Nation". We can pontificate all we like about its quality or lack thereof, its social significanace and its treatment of the kids who appeared in it. We just don't know yet.
But one thing I do know for sure: CBS are being absolutely ridiculous when they try to defend their exploitation of these children for financial gain. I have ten years experience of navigating child labor laws for BBC Childrens Programs, so I know a little of what I speak.
CBS justify their actions on two grounds: that they did not violate New Mexico law, which they apparently did not, and that the children were not employees and were merely attending a summer camp-type environment where cameras happened to be rolling almost non-stop. It is this so-called justification that is utterly spurious: If you offer kids the opportunity to play video games 24 hours a day, they'll jump at it, but that doesn't mean that it's good for them. If a video game developer set it up, then they are guilty of child exploitation, as are CBS and the production company in this case.
Ultimately, there was a third way, in between the letter of every other state's child labor law, and what CBS actually did. You could call it adhering to the spirit of the law. If we accept that it is OK to place the kids in this camp environment, free of adult supervision (which is admittedly a bit of a stretch), we must recognize that the presence of cameras is going to affect their behavior, and the recording of their behavior is therefore an endeavor entered into for financial gain.
What they should have done is only have the crew there, and the cameras rolling, for the amount of time allowed under generally accepted child labor law. Then it wouldn't be exploitative, but they'd still have roughly the same show.
Posted by Stephen Rider Haggard | July 20, 2007 10:30 AM
I would love to be on next season!!!
Posted by Kaitlyn canterbury | September 19, 2007 5:55 PM
hi my name is erica and i was just wondering how u join. i think kid nation is good for kids because it teaches them to be responsible and its a way for kids to see how much things mean to them. please write back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by erica | September 19, 2007 9:11 PM
I WONT TO KNOW WERE TO SEND APPLCATION,TO KID NATION IN CA. I WONT TO SIGN UP,FOR NEXT YEAR. PLEASE EMAIL BACK,
Posted by LORI SPRADLING | September 20, 2007 9:58 AM
I would like to start off by saying that I like this show, and my reason for that is inspiration. I watched the premier and thought that it was wonderful!!! Here are these KIDS that are willing to spend their whole summer in a deserted place and work to get a whole town up and running. In my mind, I am thinking, "WOW, if 40 kids can work together to do something that not most adults would want to do, then ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE." I just wish that something like this would have came out when I was a child, I would have wanted to go in a heartbeat.
To all the people that don't like this idea, think that it is working kids to their core.. You are wrong. At anytime these kids can go home, and the ones that stay, are their because they want to be there. If it was so horrible for the children, don't you think that the show would be over in the first week because all of the children would leave.
I think this show is going to be a big hit, and I can't wait for the many many many more seasons to follow!!!
ROCK ON KID NATION, ROCK ON!!!!
-Jennifer B.
Posted by Jennifer B. | September 21, 2007 9:13 AM
I just wanted to say that I watched the premiere of Kid Nation and I thought the overall concept and experience were good, but CBS saying that the kids have no adult supervision is a bit of a stretch. All the camera crews that were around, along with the "host" (for lack of a better word) were adults. All the promos made it seem like there wasn't going to be any adult interaction so that it would be a true social experiment, but instead there is this host that shows from time to time and brings along challenges (a little "survivor-esque") and awards money and the gold star/$20,000 prize. I was very disappointed with this aspect of the show.
Posted by K Jackson | September 21, 2007 12:53 PM
I Would like to know where to sign up. I have not missed 1 episode. Please e-mail me with the mail-in address.
Posted by Devon | September 26, 2007 6:28 PM
HOW can u get your kid on the show!
email me back
Posted by Mercedes Huerta | September 26, 2007 10:07 PM
How can I get my kid on kid nation? Do you have to pay to get on the show?
Posted by Randy | October 6, 2007 1:51 PM
Hi I was wondering about getting on the show next year??? Could you send me an application or something? Thanx!
Summer
Posted by Summer Sanders | October 10, 2007 6:33 PM
I enjoy the show,
i would like to participate next show
PLEASE SEND ME AN APPLICATION!
thank you
-Keana
Posted by Keana King | October 10, 2007 9:02 PM
How can I get my kid on Kid Nation
Posted by haley | October 11, 2007 7:51 AM
i want to join kid nation can you tell me how
Posted by monti | October 12, 2007 2:22 PM
i want to join kid nation can you tell me how
Posted by monti | October 12, 2007 2:22 PM
How do I sign up for kid nation.I am looking everywhere.Please tell me
Posted by hally | October 14, 2007 4:20 PM
can someone send me am aplication
Posted by hally | October 14, 2007 4:22 PM
will you send me an application for Kid Nation I really want to be on next season
Posted by stephan sample | October 14, 2007 5:02 PM
ME HANNAH CRAFT WOULD LIKE TO BE ON YOUR SHOW. I THINK IT IS VERY COOL AND ALSO SOMETHING NEW. I WANT TO BE ON THE SHOW BECAUSE,I CAME FROM A PLACE WERE THEY SAID KIDS COULD NOT DO ANYTHING. I WOULD LIKE TO PROVE THEM WRONG.I HAVE YOUNG SIBLINGS AND I WOULD LIKE TO SHOW THEM KIDS CAN DO ANYTHINS THAT GROWN UPS CAN DO. THANK YOU, VERY MUCH.HANNAH CRAFT
Posted by hannah | October 14, 2007 7:55 PM
ME HANNAH CRAFT WOULD LIKE TO BE ON YOUR SHOW. I THINK IT IS VERY COOL AND ALSO SOMETHING NEW. I WANT TO BE ON THE SHOW BECAUSE,I CAME FROM A PLACE WERE THEY SAID KIDS COULD NOT DO ANYTHING. I WOULD LIKE TO PROVE THEM WRONG.I HAVE YOUNG SIBLINGS AND I WOULD LIKE TO SHOW THEM KIDS CAN DO ANYTHINS THAT GROWN UPS CAN DO. THANK YOU, VERY MUCH.HANNAH CRAFT
Posted by hannah | October 14, 2007 7:55 PM
I think this show is great!!! Sure a bunch of it is staged but for the most part these kids are doing a bang-up job of showing how strong they are both emotionally and morally. Having worked in an educational environment (middle school level) I think many parents would be shocked to know how their children behave when not at home. For the most part the parents of these kids should be giving themsevles kudos for a job well done. Of course, there is always the exception to the rule such as Taylor. I believe I would find it difficult to justify her behaving like such a spoiled, self-centered, lazy girl. But perhaps the upside is that they can see this negative behavior and act accordingly to steer her in the right direction before it is completely too late.
Posted by Judith Gourvil | October 18, 2007 2:33 PM
HI I am Bria O'Brien and i would love to join kidnation i really want to do it lokks like a great and fun experience i wouldnt wont anthing more then to join this awsome show
PLEASE SEND ME AN APPLICATION!
Posted by Bria | October 21, 2007 11:11 AM
HI I am Bria O'Brien and i would love to join kidnation i really want to do it lokks like a great and fun experience i wouldnt wont anthing more then to join this awsome show
PLEASE SEND ME AN APPLICATION!
Posted by Bria | October 21, 2007 11:11 AM
HI I am Bria O'Brien and i would love to join kidnation i really want to do it lokks like a great and fun experience i wouldnt wont anthing more then to join this awsome show
PLEASE SEND ME AN APPLICATION!
Posted by Bria | October 21, 2007 11:11 AM
HI I am Bria O'Brien and i would love to join kidnation i really want to do it looks like a great and fun experience i wouldnt wont anthing more then to join this awsome show
PLEASE SEND ME AN APPLICATION!
Posted by Bria | October 21, 2007 11:12 AM
I would love to be on kid nation becuse no one thinks that i can do it becuse i am vary clumsy and blound they say my mom and dad always say i will not last there but i rilly need to show them i can and i whis you will wright back plezz.
Posted by miah mcbroom | October 24, 2007 11:51 AM
I would love to be on kid nation becuse no one thinks that i can do it becuse i am vary clumsy and blound they say my mom and dad always say i will not last there but i rilly need to show them i can and i whis you will wright back plezz. can i get a aplication.
Posted by miah mcbroom | October 24, 2007 11:52 AM
I have neighbors kids who would like to be on the show. please email me ASAP! I'm 61 yrs old and I LOVE the show.
Posted by Jean Cain | October 24, 2007 4:38 PM
I WOULD LOVE TO BE ON THAT SHOW PLEASE SEND A SIGN UP PAPER I LOVE THAT SHOW SO MUCH I WOULD LOVE TO BE ON NEXY YEAR TO WIN THE GOLD STAR.
Posted by AUTUMN TAYLOR | October 24, 2007 8:00 PM
How do I sign up for next season of Kid Nation. I'm really very interested. Please email me back.
Posted by Matthew Vergara | October 24, 2007 9:06 PM
hey i LOVE the show and wanted to know where i can sign up my son. email me. if there is a fee i can pay just i want to know how to get my son on.
Posted by Dylan | November 1, 2007 3:38 PM
Dose it pay to be on the show? I relly want to go to bonaza!PLEASE E-MAIL BACK!
Posted by Morgan | November 3, 2007 4:50 AM
Hi im lexi!I am 11 years old! I LOVE Kid Nation!!!!!!!!!! Me and my brother would like to come on the show because 1-we really need the money! I have 5 brothers and sisters! My brother is 9. So will you plaese tell me where i can send an application so i can go on the show! It would really mean ALOT!!! Thankyou!
Posted by Lexi | November 6, 2007 7:20 PM
Your show is so cool i watch it every wensday!! im a country girl so i think i would b good for the show! so plzzzzzzz send me an applacation ty bye
Posted by Kaitlynn | November 7, 2007 7:37 PM
Ive watched the show from day one and i was wondering how I would be able to be on next years show.If there is an application,website,or something could someone email me?
Posted by Chelsea | November 7, 2007 9:11 PM
Ive watched the show from day one and i was wondering how I would be able to be on next years show.If there is an application,website,or something could someone email me?
Posted by Chelsea | November 7, 2007 9:11 PM
Hey everybody,
i think that everybody kid like me and every kid should prove to the world that we arnt just some kind of animal that goes crazy, we see what you do and follow what you do sometime when we dont even realize it, how i kknow cause i would do something and my mom would say youre just like youre dad or just like youre grandmother and so on. i think that you guys should have a website just for signing up for Kid Nation. oh yeah pleaze send me an application so me and my friends can prove to the people who watch this show how we can make a big difference in this world no matter who we are what we do and why.
Posted by Heather | November 7, 2007 9:44 PM
Hey everybody,
i think that everybody kid like me and every kid should prove to the world that we arnt just some kind of animal that goes crazy, we see what you do and follow what you do sometime when we dont even realize it, how i kknow cause i would do something and my mom would say youre just like youre dad or just like youre grandmother and so on. i think that you guys should have a website just for signing up for Kid Nation. oh yeah pleaze send me an application so me and my friends can prove to the people who watch this show how we can make a big difference in this world no matter who we are what we do and why.
Posted by Heather | November 7, 2007 9:44 PM
I think Kid Nation is a fabulous show. What Marti Snyder said in the first comment above about what this show can offer 18-30 year olds obvious means that they haven't seen the show. I'm 23-- right in the middle and love Kid Nation. So many of the kids are very unique, interesting, caring, ethical, humble, with the most mature and honest things to say about work, religion, money, and all of the other topics that are brought up in each episode.
When watching the show, you can see that the kids love being there. When there are kids that are homesick, there are others that are there for them and try to comfort them. It's really sweet. If they really want to go home, they go home. Not sure if the same effect can be duplicated, but it was a great idea put into action.
Posted by Gina | November 7, 2007 11:55 PM
Hi My name is Natasha. I really want to be on kid Nation So how can i be? Please Tell me.
Posted by NAtasha | November 8, 2007 2:00 PM
I love the show, it is kicking country!!!!! , I want to be on Kids Nation so bad, I notice they only show some of the kids not all of them Why??? also how can I sign up to be on Kids Nation - this WEST TEXAS COWBOY wants to give it a try & see if it is as all some as it looks. PLEASE snd me an application
Posted by Wesley | November 8, 2007 3:01 PM
OMG! I think that Kid Nation is amazing! It was so real. How did the kids get on the show? I would LOVE to join the other kids for the next season. If you can send me anything about getting on next year's show that would be GREAT!!!
Thank You so much!
Posted by Jelissa | November 10, 2007 12:36 PM
I WOULD LOVE TO BE ON KID NATION
Posted by Lauren | November 12, 2007 2:34 PM
I WOULD LOVE TO BE ON KID NATION
Posted by Lauren | November 12, 2007 2:34 PM
i WUIud LOUE to be on kid nation
Posted by Lauren | November 12, 2007 2:36 PM
i WUIud LOUE to be on kid nation
Posted by Lauren | November 12, 2007 2:36 PM
i WUIud LOUE to be on kid nation
Posted by Lauren | November 12, 2007 2:36 PM
i want to do kid nation because i always want to bnasa because i would like to make new friends and i will try my best for a gold star well see ya
Posted by lee | November 13, 2007 5:13 PM
i want to do kid nation because i always want to bnasa because i would like to make new friends and i will try my best for a gold star well see ya
Posted by lee | November 13, 2007 5:14 PM
how do i join kid nation plz how do i join
Posted by lee | November 13, 2007 5:19 PM
how do i join kid nation plz how do i join
Posted by lee | November 13, 2007 5:19 PM
Hello... My 10 year old son and I have watched Kid Nation since day one. At first we did't know what to expect. We love it! My son loves how they have to work together to make things work right!! He has been begging us to find out how he can be on the next Kid Nation? Please can you email us some information?
Posted by Gina | November 14, 2007 8:36 PM
hi my name is leigh pronounced (lee) i saw the first episode and i decided it would be great to get on the show. but i dont really know if they choose real kids or not, but it looked very educational and exciting even before the gold star. it took so long to build up the courage to ask someone HOW to get on the show. then of course it took a long time to find this sight. i'm sorry i couldn't email you, and not take up this much space on your webpage but i didn't know how. anyway i was wondering if you could get me an aplication or directions or something to help me. oh i'm 13. 14 soon.
Posted by leigh | November 14, 2007 9:20 PM
I love kid nation. I want to be on the show so bad. please e-mail me back and tell me how i can be on next year.
Posted by erica | November 15, 2007 2:09 PM
I love kid nation. I want to be on the show so bad. please e-mail me back and tell me how i can be on next year.
Posted by erica | November 15, 2007 2:09 PM
I would love to be on kid nation next year. Please send me an application!
Posted by erica b. | November 15, 2007 2:11 PM
What Do I need to do to sign up for kid nation
Posted by Ronald | November 15, 2007 8:19 PM
Hey my name is amanda and I would do anything to e on seanson 3 of kid nation and wanted to be on seanson two but I didn't get a passport in time but I have the forms filed out if the qustion are for season 3 so Cbs if you read these send me an e-mail I will do anything to be on season 3 my e-mail is alc4620 @aol.com
Posted by Amanda | November 16, 2007 12:30 PM
i want to be on kid nation send me an application as soon as possible. i think i would be great for theat shw. Ilove love love love love it!!!!!!
Posted by rachel | November 17, 2007 6:04 PM
send me on the show. i'm from New Ulm MN, and i think I'd be great on it. I would love to be on it.
Posted by rachel | November 17, 2007 6:07 PM
I would loveeeee to be on Kid Nation. I would also like to be with my friend Kaiti Barta who E-mailed you too. I dont want to brag but I am really good at solving problems. But I just really want to be on Kid Nation. I know you have to pick through a 1000 kids but I just want to be picked!! Where do you sign up and that type of things? Please E-mail me back!! PLEASEPLEASE!!!
Signed,
Katie Patterson
Posted by Katie Patterson | November 17, 2007 7:43 PM
I would loveeeee to be on Kid Nation. I would also like to be with my friend Kaiti Barta who E-mailed you too. I dont want to brag but I am really good at solving problems. But I just really want to be on Kid Nation. I know you have to pick through a 1000 kids but I just want to be picked!! Where do you sign up and that type of things? Please E-mail me back!! PLEASEPLEASE!!!
Signed,
Katie Patterson
Posted by Katie Patterson | November 17, 2007 7:43 PM
I love kid nation!! I would love to be on it! I would love to be with my friend Katie Patterson she E-mailed you too. Please tell me how to sign up and that stuff.I dont want to brag but I good at being with kids older and younger than me. I just really want to be on Kid Nation and with Katie Patterson.
Signed,
Kaiti Barta
Posted by Kaiti Barta | November 17, 2007 7:58 PM
I love kid nation!! I would love to be on it! I would love to be with my friend Katie Patterson she E-mailed you too. Please tell me how to sign up and that stuff.I dont want to brag but I good at being with kids older and younger than me. I just really want to be on Kid Nation and with Katie Patterson.
Signed,
Kaiti Barta
Posted by Kaiti Barta | November 17, 2007 7:58 PM
:} i love to try new things im really out going im a real outdoorsy kind of gir i want to be on kid nation i work well as a follower and as a leader but i cant find applications to get on kid nation im michaela hannon im 11 years old and i want to be on on the next season of kid nation
ps can you send me an application to get on kid nation?
Posted by Michaela Hannon | November 18, 2007 10:35 AM
:} i love to try new things im really out going im a real outdoorsy kind of gir i want to be on kid nation i work well as a follower and as a leader but i cant find applications to get on kid nation im michaela hannon im 11 years old and i want to be on on the next season of kid nation
ps can you send me an application to get on kid nation?
Posted by Michaela Hannon | November 18, 2007 10:35 AM
its me again well i also want to join to prove my teacher wrong she said i could never get on a tv show my town of boston there isnt a lot of kids around me si=o i want to meet new people and have a s summer to remember if i dont get picked i might even be sad :{
Posted by Michaela Hannon | November 18, 2007 10:38 AM
its me again well i also want to join to prove my teacher wrong she said i could never get on a tv show my town of boston there isnt a lot of kids around me si=o i want to meet new people and have a s summer to remember if i dont get picked i might even be sad :{
Posted by Michaela Hannon | November 18, 2007 10:38 AM
its me again well i also want to join to prove my teacher wrong she said i could never get on a tv show my town of boston there isnt a lot of kids around me si=o i want to meet new people and have a s summer to remember if i dont get picked i might even be sad :{
Posted by Michaela Hannon | November 18, 2007 10:38 AM
please email the application at xomichaelaxo333@aim.com
Posted by Michaela Hannon | November 18, 2007 11:34 AM
please email the application at xomichaelaxo333@aim.com
Posted by Michaela Hannon | November 18, 2007 11:34 AM
Hi, I'm 15 years old and i was wondering if I could possibly join the next series of kid nation. I turn 16 July of next year so if it not a possibility to join i would understand. peace
Posted by Dylan Boggs | November 21, 2007 2:57 PM
I would LOVE to be on kid nation. Can you please send me an application to my email address: rrr.roessler@yahoo.com
If they're not giving out applications now, can you send me one whenever they start sending them out again? Thanks.
Posted by reese roessler | November 21, 2007 5:36 PM
I would LOVE to be on kid nation. Can you please send me an application to my email address: rrr.roessler@yahoo.com
If they're not giving out applications now, can you send me one whenever they start sending them out again? Thanks.
Posted by reese roessler | November 21, 2007 5:37 PM
Please send me info so my kids can apply for Kid Nation 2.
Thank you
Posted by Amy Deal | November 21, 2007 6:01 PM
Please send me info so my kids can apply for Kid Nation 2.
Thank you
Posted by Amy Deal | November 21, 2007 6:01 PM
hi my name sarah i'm 14 turning 15 and i also want to join. kid nation is something that will show kids what it's like to live in the real world. and i want something to remember my teenage years by. SO PLEASE WRITE BACK!
Posted by sarah rodriguez | November 21, 2007 7:04 PM
put me on the fucking show because im black
with a big cock colton sucks dick
oh get some girls on the show with big asses and tits
Posted by ass | November 21, 2007 8:34 PM
put me on the fucking show because im black
with a big cock colton sucks dick
oh get some girls on the show with big asses and tits
Posted by ass | November 21, 2007 8:34 PM
i really would enjoy going on kid nation may you please send me the information so i could get on kid nation i watch kid nation all the time i really really want to go on so please please please please send me the application form
thank you
Posted by i really want to go on kid nation please tell me how to apply | November 22, 2007 10:39 AM
i really would enjoy going on kid nation may you please send me the information so i could get on kid nation i watch kid nation all the time i really really want to go on so please please please please send me the application form
thank you
Posted by i really want to go on kid nation please tell me how to apply | November 22, 2007 10:39 AM
i really would enjoy going on kid nation may you please send me the information so i could get on kid nation i watch kid nation all the time i really really want to go on so please please please please send me the application form
thank you
Posted by i really want to go on kid nation please tell me how to apply | November 22, 2007 10:39 AM
i think it would be so fun! i went to my maw maws house for thanks giving to help her cook and i just fell in luv with the show! I think it is a great way to learn leadership but i can't find out how in the world i am supposed to apply for this thing!Well send me an e-mail. thanks
Posted by *under orders of my parents my name isnt allowed on enternet lol* | November 22, 2007 5:18 PM