No Human Rights In "Kid Nation"
No liability for CBS in controversial 'ghost town' reality series
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No Human Rights In "Kid Nation"
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No Human Rights In "Kid Nation" -
No Human Rights In "Kid Nation" -
No Human Rights In "Kid Nation" -
No Human Rights In "Kid Nation" -
No Human Rights In "Kid Nation" -
No Human Rights In "Kid Nation" -
No Human Rights In "Kid Nation" -
No Human Rights In "Kid Nation" -
No Human Rights In "Kid Nation" -
No Human Rights In "Kid Nation" -
No Human Rights In "Kid Nation" -
No Human Rights In "Kid Nation" -
No Human Rights In "Kid Nation" -
No Human Rights In "Kid Nation" -
No Human Rights In "Kid Nation" -
No Human Rights In "Kid Nation" -
No Human Rights In "Kid Nation" -
No Human Rights In "Kid Nation" -
No Human Rights In "Kid Nation" -
No Human Rights In "Kid Nation" -
No Human Rights In "Kid Nation" -
No Human Rights In "Kid Nation"
AUGUST 23--Parents of minors starring in 'Kid Nation,' the controversial new CBS reality show, signed away their rights to sue the network and the show's producers if their child died, was severely injured, or contracted a sexually transmitted disease during the program's taping. The blanket liability waivers are contained in a detailed 'participant agreement' prepared by the show's producers and signed by parents. That document, a copy of which you'll find below, also gave consent to CBS and its production partners to make medical treatment decisions on the minor's behalf (including surgery), though the network made no promises about the 'qualifications or credentials' of medical professionals that might treat the stars of 'Kid Nation,' which was originally titled 'The Manhattan Project.' The show, which debuts next month, features 40 children (ages 8-15) living in a New Mexico 'ghost town' for 40 days without adult supervision. Concerns about possible violations of child labor laws have prompted state officials to investigate the TV production. A copy of the participant agreement was provided to TSG by the New Mexico attorney general's office in response to an open records request. By signing the agreement, a parent gave CBS the right to 'search the Minor's person and the Minor's belongings (including, without limitation, by x-ray or similar device).' Additionally, the agreement notes, 'Kid Nation' participants 'will have no privacy,' except when they are in the bathroom. Provided, of course, that the child is actually 'in the process of showering, bathing, urinating, or defecating.' Parents are also asked to attest that their offspring has never been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, and has never had a restraining order entered against them. The agreement also includes a strict confidentiality clause covering media contacts and the disclosure of anything learned during the show's production. If a parent or minor violates these confidentiality provisions, they will be liable to CBS for a $5 million penalty, according to the agreement. 'Kid Nation' participants were paid $5000, though some earned $20,000 bonuses pegged to their performance in the program's individual 13 episodes. (22 pages)
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