Unscripted Producers Feel Squeeze of Growing Expenses, Reduced Pay

Variety: It’s been more than 15 years since the heyday of unscripted TV, a frenzied era when megahits like “Survivor” launched, surprises like “Joe Millionaire” came out of nowhere, and it seemed like almost any topic could become a phenomenon.

Now, with fewer instant hits and the focus on this golden age of scripted TV, malaise and fear have swept in. Reality TV has become a mature business, which means the shows are more expensive, profit margins have been squeezed, and ratings are down — yet producers are being asked to do more.