Finding Your Roots - Regular People Are Not On The Show for Several Reasons. What Can Your Genealogical Society Do About It?
It is time for some intellectual humility about television economics. Celebrity genealogy shows like Finding Your Roots brings the millions of viewers required to attract corporate underwriters. Without famous guests driving those ratings, PBS cannot afford to produce the show. That reality is even sharper now that the Corporation for Public Broadcasting has dissolved.
Season 10 featured three viewers out of 9,000 applicants. Producers haven't issued another casting call since.
If you want everyday family history showcased, look to your local genealogical society. A local group can easily research brick walls for a member and host an FYR-style reveal event at a meeting or annual conference..
Stop expecting television networks to do what local societies can do better.
BONUS! A 23-page Research Report ... Finding Your Roots Celebrity Casting
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