TCA16: TV Critics Grill TLC GM on Duggar, Honey Boo Boo Controversies

By R. Thomas Umstead
published

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TV critics at the Television Critics Association showed little love to TLC general manager Nancy Daniels, questioning her on the network’s screening process for its reality series in light of recent controversies surrounding the network’s reality shows.

Daniels, appearing at the TCA to tout the networks new reality series Single Dad Seeking, was asked by several writers about how aggressively the network screens its reality series stars after sexual molestation allegations linked to 19 Kids and Counting star Josh Duggar and Honey Boo Boo star June Shannon’s relationship with a convicted sexual predator.

Daniels defended the network's development of its characters and reality shows, saying the network “has a strong screening process.”

She also pointed to the network’s December special following Duggar sisters Jill Dillard and Jessa Seewald, which drew 3 million viewers in December.

R. Thomas Umstead
R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.