Is Reality TV Good For Your Town?

REALITY BITES, EMPLOYS L.A. Who knew reality had a place in Los Angeles? According to today's Los Angeles Times, reality TV shoots have "become an increasingly important component of the Los Angeles entertainment infrastructure, which supports about 240,000 local jobs and contributes an estimated $30 billion into the local economy." Los Angeles economist Jack Kyser estimates at least 30,000 local jobs are tied to reality television." That's a lot of gaffers, boom operators, and frankenbiters.

If only the residents of Maui knew what they were missing. Earlier this week, the Associated Press reported that locals in Hawaii are objecting to MTV shooting a series called Maui Fever on the island because its highly sexual content and nearly all white cast misrepresents life on the island. According to AP, "The first episode highlights a group of men who target tourists for fast, easy, and non-committal hookups."