"Kid Nation" Courts Controversy

One of the hot topics for CBS at this week’s Press Tour was the building controversy over “Kid Nation,” the reality show featuring children trying to build back a ghost town (Many are comparing it to “Lord of the Flies.”).

Reports surfaced last week that CBS and the show’s producers skirted child labor laws by classifying the production as a “summer camp” and taking advantage of a loophole in New Mexico labor rules (That loophole has since been closed.).

CBS President Nina Tassler told critics they knew the show would create controversy. “It’s good that we’re talking about the issues and challenges that those kids have to go through. But the whole objective is to get out there and do something different.” Neither Tassler nor the show’s Executive Producer would confirm the reports (of course).

“Kid Nation” premieres Wednesday, September 19th at 8 p.m. on CBS…