TLC . . . a channel which once aired programs
relevant to its title (The Learning Channel). Any more, a viewer is more likely to learn how to conduct a seance as
opposed to what the medical term fetus in fetu refers to. TLC is no stranger to
exploitation. The network has ran specials on everything from the world's
largest mother to the life of conjoined twins. Its most recent attempt at exploitation, however, is
probably the most shameful.
Switch
gears to 2008 when an Arkansas family landed themselves a series which went
through a few title changes in its seven year run. TLC's
17 Kids and Counting stared Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, and lest we forget, their 17 children.
America experienced first hand what it was like to be a devout Christian family
who was as close to godliness as any family could possibly be. 18 Kids and
Counting soon followed as did the final series when the 19th child was born (no
need to insert the title.)
America
was in love. TLC had a hit that could go on for what was looking like eternity.
With the way sequels are milked these days, who knows how many more title
changes the series may have been granted. Sadly, the facade of perfection was
broken when the world was let on to a Duggar family secret in 2015. Jim Bob and
Michelle defended their eldest son Josh when the public scorned him for having molested five of his younger sisters as a teen. TLC cancelled their
million dollar baby.
Enter
2016, your watching a show about 600lb individuals and you see an advertisement featuring a few familiar
faces. The Duggar sisters are speaking of hurt and forgiveness, and most
importantly, moving on. Then, the announcement: New series coming to TLC, Jill
and Jessa: Counting On. . .What?!
If
you're a viewer, you probably got a good chuckle at the ridiculousness of said
preview. If you're an advertiser, apparently your pulling your ads during the
show's time slot. If
you're TLC, you may be in the process of cancelling the obvious attempt at exploiting
a tragic event turned tabloid news story.
Although Jill and Jessa are still drawing in millions of viewers, the number of advertisers is dropping rapidly. According to Forbes,
"Brand are fleeing the radioactive reality show in droves. Representatives from Credit Karma, X Out, Cici’s Pizza, and the UPS store expressed that the Jill & Jessa ads were part of a large advertising purchase and were not intentionally chosen. All stated they will no longer run ads on any shows about the Duggar family. Other major companies that have abandoned Jill & Jessa include Verizon and the RCN corporation."
Advertisers aren't willing to take the risk of offending their customers. Forbes also noted that the cancellation of 19 Kids and Counting cost the network $19 million. What a price to pay! Often times, exploitation of a news story leads to the big bucks, which is why it is done. In this case, the future, outright exploitation of the Duggar children's case may or may not continue to make TLC rich.
Photo Credit: tlc.com
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