There's been a ton of controversy surrounding 'Kid Nation", CBS Corporation (NYSE: CBS)'s innovative new reality show featuring 40 children, ages 8-15, sent to a ghost town in New Mexico to see if they can build a civilization with little in the way of adult input. Think it sounds like Lord of the Flies? So do a lot of critics.

Parents of children who were featured on the show, set to begin airing on September 19th, have complained about injuries and the working conditions. Some have even suggested that legal questions about child labor are involved. The New Mexico attorney general's office is investigating the show and there is uncertainty as to whether, should the show be a success, they will be able to find a state willing to accommodate the production of a second season One executive told The New York Times that they could conceivably shoot another season in a country with less stringent labor laws.

Given the controversy that the show has generated even before it begins airing, there are reports that some advertisers are mulling backing out.

Assuming that there is something legally objectionable about the show, the parents should be the ones taking the heat, not the network. Parents signed extensive waivers before their children participated in the show, and should we really rely on producers to safeguard the interests of their stars?

Given the personal problems that seem to surround former child stars -- Michael Jackson, Leif Garrett, Danny Bonaduce, and even Judy Garland -- it's hard for me to imagine why anyone would want their kid to be on this kind of a show. But if Hollywood thinks it can get ratings, why wouldn't they give it a shot?

Blame the parents, not the producers.

CBS sticks by controversial 'Kid Nation' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 03 Sep 2007 19:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.