Why Would TV Bosses Support Wrong-uns?

Schofield Island: Disgraced Celebrity Victim Special

5 min read

What Can You Do These Days?

The country has taken a step toward televised celebrity redemption, an interesting turn that could save a fortune on PR. Philip Schofield's reality TV appearance follow the theme of him surviving as a survivor, an outcast. The show format raises questions about how we should handle disgraced celebrities. I mean, did his platform really serve as genuine redemption or was it simply about him having his rant after getting caught? Why did TV bosses even bother to begin with? 

The Schofield Approach

Schofield's career trajectory offers a case study, one day this will be taught in media studied to completely dumbfounded students: module F: celebrity recycling and PR. Once Schofield was a prominent breakfast television presenter, his departure from mainstream TV followed a personal scandal and genuinely seemed final! However, his exclusive reappearance on a 'survival show' was calculated.

Past Conduct Concerns

During his television career, Schofield's presenting style lost him respect. He challenged guests in quite unnecessarily confrontational ways. He led almost sadistic interviews that were uncomfortable to watch. They weren't limited to celebrities and public figures, but regular Joes alike. His approach often appeared to prioritize dramatic television, putting himself in the frame more so than sticking to quality interviewing and rapport.

The circumstances surrounding his departure from television - involved a romantic relationship with a young male, who was a teenager when he initially met Schofield. Of course it raised serious questions about power dynamics and yet again, professional conduct in the industry. As expected, Philip Schofield stressed and maintained that the relationship was legal, it was a desperate thing to witness. The significant age gap, his liars to his wife and children. His workplace environment created concern for us all, ringing unpleasant notes of the BBC and children. This all added to his clear history of condemning guests be shared across the internet shaping an algorithm, which led inflammatory accusations and anger.  

The Redemption Question

The broader issue here extends beyond one individual. How should society handle the nasty public figures? Are traditional consequences evolving into entertainment opportunities? Wouldn't that raise a few questions? Televised redemption arcs designed to trick the masses into believing a re-purposing is happening to their staff caught offending! It could be made to look like a service to justice if the right rings align. There's little to no doubt the BBC would've loved going all 'vatican rules' but, my imagination is running away with me.

Marketed favourably

The survival show format could not address the underlying issues that led to the downfall of Philip Schofield. Instead, it trivialized his misconduct because it was treated as material for entertainment! The boy/victim was not even present to share his experience! 

Moving Forward

Perhaps what's needed is a more thoughtful approach to accountability? Imagine if the entertainment industry focused on  genuine reflection, making amends to those harmed, and demonstrated real intolerance of sexual misconduct, rather than silence, going legally defensive or by seeking quick public sympathy like we have seen in the past! 

What do you think about giving disgraced celebrities a televised platform to explain themselves? Drop us a comment!