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NBC's "The High Life"
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 7, 2004
Congressman Rogers: NBC Backs Away from "Hillbilly" Reality Program
SOMERSET, KY - NBC Television Studios has decided to back away from efforts to develop a reality program that would move an Appalachian family to a posh Beverly Hills mansion and tape their lives. After expressing strong opposition to the program earlier this week, U.S. Representative Hal Rogers (R-KY) received word last night from senior officials at General Electric - NBC's parent company - that the program would not be moving forward.
"I've received assurances from senior officials at GE that this program will not be moving forward," Rogers said today. "I'm glad NBC quickly came to its senses and decided this ill-conceived concept wasn't going to become a part of 'Must See TV.' Let's hope all the other networks are paying attention and get the message loud and clear."
Rogers, who actively opposed CBS' efforts to develop a similar program, continued, "Almost as soon as reports started circulating about NBC's interest in airing this show, I think it became pretty clear that the American people weren't going to stand for this type of hurtful and divisive programming. It is incomprehensible that anyone would think it's acceptable to propel negative and erroneous stereotypes about the people of Appalachia. No one would dare propose creating a program focusing on stereotypes about African Americans, Muslims, or Jews. Why then would it be okay to bash those of us living in rural America?"
Rogers is a lifelong resident of Appalachian Kentucky. For the past 23 years, he has served as the United States Congressman for Kentucky's 5th Congressional District, which is located in southern and eastern Kentucky. His mission has always remained the same: to bring jobs, better education, and more opportunities to the families he represents in southern and eastern Kentucky.
Read what the press has been saying about "The High Life".
Associated Press - May 8, 2004
Appalachia TV show dropped by Roger Alford
PIKEVILLE, Ky. - NBC has scuttled a proposed rural-to-riches reality show that would have followed an Appalachian family's adjustments to a ritzy lifestyle in Beverly Hills, a network spokeswoman said yesterday. Read the story.
E! Online - May 7, 2004
NBC Takes Reality Series to Shed by Joal Ryan
NBC has decided to pass on the proposed reality series about an Appalachian clan transplanted to Beverly Hills. Kentucky-based Congressman Hal Rogers said senior officials at General Electric, the network's parent company, told him Thursday night that The High Life would never fly at the Peacock. NBC confirmed the decision Friday, citing "creative reasons." Read the story.
Associated Press - May 5, 2004
NBC quietly shoots pilot of "The High Life" by Roger Alford
PIKEVILLE, Ky. - After months of Appalachian outrage over CBS’ planned “Beverly Hillbillies” reality series, NBC has shot the pilot of its own rural-to-riches show without attracting widespread attention. Read the story.
reality blurred - May 5, 2004
NBC orders pilot for The High Life.
NBC ordered a half-hour pilot episode of Top Model producer Ken Mok's new show "The High Life". Rather than following a group of stoners or marijuana dealers as its title might suggest, the show simply rips off CBS' proposed series The Real Beverly Hillbillies. Read the story.
E! Online - May 4, 2004
NBC Aims for "High Life" by Sarah Hall
NBC is hoping that viewers are ready for the anti-Paris Hilton.
The network has committed to a half-hour pilot for The High Life, an oeuvre from producer Ken Mok (America's Next Top Model) that capitalizes on the fish-out-of-water theme of The Simple Life--but in reverse. Read the story.
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