Reality show pays suspects to air faces

Associated Press ^ | December 12, 2006

[Zakeet]

MUNCIE, Ind. - Producers of a reality television show are paying suspects arrested by gun-toting celebrity cops to persuade them to show their faces on the air.

"Armed & Famous" is an upcoming CBS reality show in which former "CHiPs" star Erik Estrada, La Toya Jackson, Jack Osbourne and others become armed reserve officers on the Muncie police force.

CBS publicist Kelli Raftery confirmed Monday that the show has offered some of those arrested T-shirts or cash to sign a waiver, officially known as a "likeness release."

"This release form has no effect or impact on the arrest or the bond," Raftery said in a statement. "A nominal fee in exchange for a likeness release is not typical, but is certainly not unprecedented."

[Zakeet]

Just when you thought the Media couldn't possibly sink any lower -- they pay goons to get arrested on the air!

Incidentally, according to the article, there is another interesting angle already starting to develop. It seems some characters are claiming the program "exploits" poor minorities.

Y'all be sure to tune in to the new CeeBS show.

[CrawDaddyCA]

CBS publicist Kelli Raftery confirmed Monday that the show has offered some of those arrested T-shirts or cash to sign a waiver, officially known as a "likeness release."

I'm on a dive boat in the Gulf of Mexico, repairing Hurricane Rita damage. We have a Discovery Channel crew on board filming day-to-day operations, and they have the same type of release. Out of the 71 people on board, I am the lone dissenter. I told the cute little English girl that was sent here that I simply don't want to be involved. When she asked why, I told her I had 'too many warrants'.

I keep getting strange looks every time I pass her in the passageway...

[trumandogz]

If CBS is going to make money using the likeness of these people that have been accused of a crime then CBS needs to pay them.

[Just another Joe]

The show "COPS" does the same thing. They have to get a release from anyone whose face is to be shown on the air.
Standard practice.
That's why, every once in a while, someone in the crowd has their face blurred out.

[beezdotcom]

I keep getting strange looks every time I pass her in the passageway...

That's very funny, but don't be surprised if you're met by some fine upstanding LEOs when you get back to port...she might think she's phoning in a 'hot tip'...

[CrawDaddyCA]

I'm waiting for it...it'll add to the story. LOL!

[Emmett McCarthy]

I see major problems here. What happens when one of these idiot "celebrities" gets their ass handed to them by one of these "bad guys"? I see prosecutions going south because of some, probably justifiable, claims of prejudicial publicity. Cops can cause enough damage all buy themselves without bringing in a bunch of twits there for the camera.

[ErnBatavia]

Jack Osbourne???