Mediation “Reality” TV Revisited

The concept of the mediation-themed reality TV show has reared its ugly head yet again. As noted by Geoff Sharp and Vickie Pynchon, Jerry Lazar and Richard Kilnger (who makes a guest appearance in my comment section to defend the concept but conveniently forgets to mention he has a “piece of the action”), have been shopping a show called The Peacemaker.

According to the article, “The show has not proved an instant winner with television executives. . . . Lazar said he tries to emphasize the personal drama of mediations – a combination, as he puts it, of “Jerry Springer” and “Dr. Phil” – but realizes it is difficult to explain. ”

I’m on record as thinking this is stupid idea. And it appears that Hollywood may agree (for whatever reason).

Reality TV shows garner ratings by creating conflict – whether naturally or artificially: Taking food from starving castaways; Putting incompetent chefs in with experienced ones; pitting gold-digging strippers in trumped up “contests” to win the bed of an aging hair metal star. It’s contrived and it’s meant to appeal to our baser instinct. Even a show with a laudable goal – helping morbidly obese individuals lose weight – creates conflict by dangling Snickers bars, lasagna and french fries front of the newly slimmed down contestants.

As a colleague of mine said when I described the concept, “This show will only get viewers, advertisers, and top ratings if it depicts and exploits the dark side of conflict. No one gives a shit about the feel-good resolution at the end.”

This show will not raise awareness of mediation as a legitimate dispute resolution process any more than Judge Judy has helped steer litigants towards arbitration or Dr. Phil (or Sallie Jessie or Montel or Donohue or Oprah) have helped people with disabilities or mental illness seek counseling.

Frankly, I don’t want to spend the next 10 years of my career telling people, “No, its not just like on The Peacemaker.”