Control and Agency on Reality TV Sets with Professor Tim Wilson
Episode description
Reality and unscripted television are often anything but that. Join us in demanding that producers add a mandatory disclaimer before and after each episode, underscoring that episodes are for entertainment purposes only, and the content can be edited, manipulated, and presented in any order for storyline purposes. https://sign.moveon.org/petitions/add-a-disclaimer-to-all-reality-television-programming
On today's episode of Eyes Wide Open, we’re joined by Professor Tim Wilson, who has a really compelling and fascinating backstory as an actor, animator, politician, and educator. He was also cast on season two of the reality TV show The Circle, where he went on to win the show. However, as has been a consistent theme in our podcast, there is a darker side to his story with manipulation and loss of agency behind the scenes.
Tim’s story underlines the need for basic human rights, labor practices, and representation in reality TV. This issue in reality TV is much bigger than I ever thought it was. Every time a new story or a new headline comes out, it is an unpleasant reminder that this is a completely unmanaged, unregulated wild, wild west and people are being hurt and neglected.
We're going to learn a little bit about Tim, how he ended up on The Circle and as the winner, as well as everything that he's been through personally, professionally, and the impacts that appearing on reality TV has had on him. I hope his story helps you watch reality TV and think about how we view these shows with your Eyes Wide Open.
Find Tim here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialprofessor_tim_wilson/?hl=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ProfessorTimWilson
Find Nick Thompson here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/
Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com/
UCAN Foundation: https://www.ucanfoundation.org/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EngageWithNick