Brothers Simon and Shannon Vos had a 'bittersweet' win, after the most uneven result in the show's history. Courtesy: Channel Nine
Deanne couldn't quite believe it when her apartment Source: News Corp Australia
OPINION: With reality shows being a ratings bonanza and bringing in big bucks for television networks isn't it time for them to pay the contestants more money?
Given that contestants are being paid around $700 a week, it's little wonder Dee and Daz from The Block found that at the end of their reality TV experience they were financially damaged.
Certainly, after the show finishes there is a pot of gold at the end of the reality TV rainbow, but let's be frank, only the lucky few get that elusive post-show career and even less win the big prize.
Contestants are arguably the most important part of the show and it seems unfair they are paid such a small sum that barely covers their weekly financial commitments. Emotional and exhausted after Sunday night's devastating Block auction, rumours were even swirling that teams were planning to sue Nine for compensation.
Darren and Deanne were shocked with the results of The Block auction. Source: News Corp Australia
Anna Lisle, who competed on Seven's My Kitchen Rules this year along with her mother, Cathy, said her experience on the cooking show was very similar. Contestants received "a weekly wage that would cover your life costs while you were on the show," she told news.com.au.
The 26-year-old editor of Best Restaurants admitted: "It was tight, especially because Mum and I were obviously cooking a lot, practising, and spending a lot on ingredients. But at the same time, the whole production is very full on so you don't have a lot of time to spend money.
"For me, it was hard being on the show financially, but contests are on there for the opportunity, the experience and the chance to fulfil their dream, not to make money."
MKR gatecrashers Cathy and Anna were hot favourite to win last season. Source: Supplied
For shows with a short filming period like The Amazing Race Australia, the amount of pay is not such an issue. But ratings juggernauts like MasterChef and My Kitchen Rules which have long filming schedules over six months, intense days on set, and with only one person claiming the grand prize, the pay cheque is arguably too low.
But Ms Lisle said opting to go on a reality TV show is "a long-term investment" because "the results don't necessarily happen overnight."
She added: "Money doesn't make you happy and I think that for me, I have met the most incredible people on MKR and I wouldn't put a dollar sign on it, you can't."
So should our reality TV stars simply suck it up and wait for the post-show benefits to start rolling in?
2014 MKR winners Bree and Jessica claimed $250,000 in prize money. Source: Channel 7
The flip side of this is that reality TV is no longer low budget, cheaply made TV. Programs such as The Block, MasterChef and MKR have become hallmark shows for each of the networks and are very profitable. When Ten's MasterChef was at its peak it was estimated to be a $100 million cash cow. So one could argue that a measly $700 a week per contestant is nothing more than pocket change for our local networks.
Add to this, contestants are not just competing on these shows. They are expected to advertise products as part of the programs' branded content. They don't get paid for gobbling those vitamin pills, eating that fast food, or wearing those logos. At times, they will be even mention how good the products are on camera, with viewers not even realising there is a mini-advertorial occurring. And it's no secret that networks make a lot of money off this branded content and sponsorship.
MasterChef winner for 2014 Brents Owens during a gruelling challenge. Source: Channel 10
Once the cameras stop rolling or contestants are eliminated they are still expected to do publicity for the show throughout the series. Typically, networks "own" their talent for up to six months after the finale airs.
And what about being compensated for the social media backlash that often occurs? One can only imagine how galling it must be to be branded the show's resident villain in order to create controversy and boost ratings.
Unfortunately for the contestants, it will always be left up to the discretion of the networks and production companies to decide what is a fair wage. Reality TV stars have little bargaining power. In their haste for their 15 minutes many will sign a contract knowing if they try to negotiate for more money or better conditions, there will be always someone else willing to step into to take their spot.
What do you think? Should the networks start paying our reality TV stars more money? share with us below.
The Block Glasshouse contestants on auction day — before the drama unfolded. Source: News Corp Australia
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