Tonight is the final of 'The Exclusives'. The first advert caused much controversy, causing all the journalists I follow on twitter to burst into ridiculing the candidates and the whole idea of a reality TV show for this particular industry. The aim of the show to find the next young star to work for, arguably one of the most powerful Magazine groups, Bauer publications. The chance of a job at one of these magazines obviously appeals to me, (my absolute dream job is being the next Polly Vernon writing about feminist issues each week in Grazia), however, I completely agreed with the viewpoints of journalists like Grace Dent who wrote a review of the first episode for the Independent summarising the absurdity of reality TV and this show's glamorisation of working in the media industry with the sarcastic comment: "ITV2 put the kids up in the luxury apartment as a fair representation of where one can hope to abide in London on an unpaid editorial-assistant travel-expense wage" I've come to learn since looking to be a journalist that it's not easy. I've been told so many times by working journalists, journalism lecturers, journalism students and just about everyone that it's going to be a life of lots of work for little pay, so there is something a little un-realistic about 'The Exclusives'. The competition that has been running for viewers throughout the show seems to sum up the producer's representation of journalism to me, saying that the Camera, Dictaphone, Laptop, Headphones, Magazine subscription, Mobile phone and Cash prize, was "everything you need to become a top reporter yourself"!
I have been asked by various people if I would ever apply for a show like 'The Exclusives' and at first I replied with a definite no. I saw it as ruining your credibility and career before it's even been established. There seems to be an unwritten rule in this career that you must remain independent and asking for help is a sign of weakness and the more I've watched 'The Exclusives' the more I've considered if that rule is outdated. We live in a world now, where there is a reality TV show for everything and although it's annoying, it does, to a certain extent, give everyone a chance to do something with their life, albeit quite high profile and often criticised. I would still say now that I wouldn't be interested in appearing on a show like 'The Exclusives but I can't deny that these candidates, particularly Ellie who I am most definitely rooting for in tonight's final, are passionate about journalism and are willing to work hard to get to the top. The show will give them contacts and as they say, 'It's who you know not what you know".
I've enjoyed watching the series and as much as I sit and criticise them, they're out doing what they want to do. The mentors and judges on the show which include Hannah Fernando and Lucie Cave from 'Heat!' have been constantly reinforcing the value of good writing, which I was pleased to see. I honestly don't know what my writing is like, but to me, without good writing and a strong viewpoint you don't have a journalist!
'The Exclusives' final is on ITV2 at 9pm tonight (28th June) featuring finalists Ellie, Stuart and Felix.
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