Big Baby Gets Dutch Work Permit

Michael Hedges September 5, 2005

So “Big Brother” opens its new season in the Netherlands promising, at least in the season promotion, a live birth. One of the contestants is in the final trimester of pregnancy and would, if not earlier voted off the show, give birth right there on TV from the Big Brother house. Not exactly stunning television because live births have been televised before, though usually in public TV documentaries. The Dutch government is not so sure.
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Reality TV has served the television business well since John de Mol first presented “Big Brother.” Every syndicator and producer worth their mettle has copied, revised, exaggerated and in any other way “pushed the envelope” with different twists on the same basic theme.

The Dutch Ministry of Culture did ask a question, not entirely rhetorical: was the yet unborn child suitably protected under statutes protecting minors from exploitation?  Not questioned was whether or not viewers, some likely minors, would be offended or harmed. It is the Netherlands, renound for its laissez faire toward such things. 

The mother-to-be, identified by program producer Endemol only as Tanja, is all in favor. After all, the winning contestant carries home €400,000. The show will air on John de Mol’s Talpa television channel.

Endemol assured the inquiring Dutch officials that the potentially televised great event would be treated with great care. Thankfully Endemol president did not use the word “tasteful.”

The German commission charged with protecting minors, Kommission für Jugendmedienschutz – KJM, last September took on “Big Brother” clone appropriately titled  “Alles ist möglich” (“Anything is possible”) for proposing live cosmetic surgery. In its’ ruling, the KJM considered “these TV shows to be exhibitionistic and could impair the development of children and adolescents.”  And live cosmetic surgery produced for entertainment could not be aired before 11 o’clock at night and set the potential fine at €500,000.

Finally the Dutch Ministry of Culture decided that “Big Baby” could indeed come into this world on live TV with the understanding that, under the law, he or she cannot “perform” more than four times before his or her fourth birthday.  With audience figures for reality TV sagging even its’ “15 minutes of fame” might be drawing to an end.

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Big Brother Baby is a Girl – October 19, 2005

Overnight TV ratings have not been released yet but Talpa TV is hoping the hype surrounding the first birth in the Big Brother House will guarantee a winner. Baby Joscelyn Savanna’s arrival was shown on the Dutch channel Tuesday evening, about 8 hours delayed.

According to rules negotiated between Talpa TV and Dutch authorities filming of Baby Joscelyn will be limited to 2 hours a day for as much as 8 days. She gets her own room, without cameras, and, unlike contestants, can leave the house with family members

No Live Debut for Big Baby? - September 8, 2005

"It's the mother that's important for us, not the baby," said Talpa TV spokesperson Maarten van Rooijen, quoted by AP.

Reports conflict about the broadcast of Big Baby’s live debut of Big Brother in the Netherlands. Some say the Dutch Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor banned the live birth drama and others say only that the baby’s appearances after arrival will be limited.

What is certain, however, is that Endemol will not be creating the obvious spin-off. At least not for Dutch TV.