What does a reality TV show runner or executive producer do?

What does a reality TV show runner or executive producer do?

Richard Hall (Reality TV Producer) gives expert video advice on: What does a reality TV 'casting producer' do?; What does reality TV 'art department' do? and more...

The reality TV show runner or the Executive Producer is first and foremost accountable to the network to make sure that the network is getting the program they want. They are the ones that really have to make sure that everybody beneath them is executing the show that the network wants to have and not freelancing with what they think might be fun. We have to keep a good communication line open to the network executives, either to apprise them of a pleasant surprise about how well the story is going in a way we never imagined, or to help problem solve to keep the reality show on the track that the network wants. If the network wants a show that's going to maximize its appeal to younger women, then the male characters have to have their shirts off a lot. That's oversimplifying it, but we have to stay on the same page about what the objectives of the reality show are. The show writer primarily is there to manage up and make sure the network, who is the client, is getting the reality show they want, or better.