United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
The reality of reality TV programmes
Chris Emmins, founder of KwikChex, a company that assists businesses in managing their reputation, gives the following advice to those tempted to participate in reality TV programmes, such as Four in a Bed to avoid the abuse received by some previous participants, as reported on TravelMole today.
If you decide to appear on one of the growing number of reality TV shows, the potential benefits are matched by the potential hazards. We would advise people to seriously consider the risks – the possible invasions of privacy – and, as this latest case shows, how it can open the gates to extreme and distressing abuse.
We would advise the following:
- Carefully consider the nature of the programme – does it (or the producers of the programme) have a track record of presenting participants badly or showing conflict between participants?
- It would be wise to expect some invasion of privacy and the potential for some viewers to react (no matter how unjustly) – by using powerful internet resources to attack participants. The perpetrators could be disgruntled ex-employees, competitors – or just people that take a dislike to a person (a considerable amount of attacks are not rational behaviour).
- If a person or business is attacked after appearing, keep as much evidence as possible, including recording phone calls when achievable.
- Contact expert resources such as KwikChex, who will provide initial free advice on possible actions, from civil to criminal law, including removal of malicious content, the applicable laws and contact where appropriate with the police (who are sometimes initially reluctant to take cases on, not realising the extent of the damage and distress that can be caused).
Bear in mind there is a particularly high risk appearing in programmes such as Four in a Bed because:
- Viewers have the names and locations of the participants and can then easily find the addresses, phone numbers and email addresses – and in many cases, (as with B&Bs), the business will also be their home.
- Perpetrators will know that serious damage can easily be caused for such businesses by placing fake reviews on sites such as TripAdvisor, which is very influential – and placing a credible fake review will be much easier because they will have seen so much detail on the programme. For example, they will know the names of the owners and be able to accurately describe the facilities and the character.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail
Sophia Hyder Hock on Global Social Inclusion in Tourism
Sustainable Tourism: Don Welsh on Community Values and Global Collaboration
Jane Cunningham: Enhancing European Engagement in Tourism
Kristin Dunne: Navigating Destination Strategy
Revolutionizing Mobile Connectivity: Boris Bijlstra on HUBBY eSIM
Capturing Glasgow’s Vibrancy: An Interview with Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life
Lebua Hotel & Resorts: Rajan Khurana on Hospitality and Bangkok’s Charms
Sustainable Tourism and Growth: Insights from Chiravadee Khunsub from Tourism Authority of Thailand
Revolutionizing Travel: SmartSIM USA’s Dale Takio Unveils the Power of E Sims
TravelMole Interview with Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy CEO of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka
Unveiling the Essence of Magari Tours: A Dive into Authentic Italian Experiences
Abercrombie & Kent hails $500 million funding boost
British Airways passengers endure 11-hour 'flight to nowhere'
CLIA: Anti-cruise demos could cause itinerary changes in Europe
Gatwick braces for strike
Co-pilot faints, easyJet flight issues ‘red alert’