Rogers: NBC Backs Away from "Hillbilly" Reality Program

Rogers: NBC Backs Away from "Hillbilly" Reality Program

SOMERSET, KY - NBC Television Studios has decided to back away from efforts to develop a reality program that would move an Appalachian family to a posh Beverly Hills mansion and tape their lives. After expressing strong opposition to the program earlier this week, U.S. Representative Hal Rogers (R-KY) received word last night from senior officials at General Electric - NBC's parent company - that the program would not be moving forward.

"I've received assurances from senior officials at GE that this program will not be moving forward," Rogers said today. "I'm glad NBC quickly came to its senses and decided this ill-conceived concept wasn't going to become a part of 'Must See TV.' Let's hope all the other networks are paying attention and get the message loud and clear."

Rogers, who actively opposed CBS' efforts to develop a similar program, continued, "Almost as soon as reports started circulating about NBC's interest in airing this show, I think it became pretty clear that the American people weren't going to stand for this type of hurtful and divisive programming. It is incomprehensible that anyone would think it's acceptable to propel negative and erroneous stereotypes about the people of Appalachia. No one would dare propose creating a program focusing on stereotypes about African Americans, Muslims, or Jews. Why then would it be okay to bash those of us living in rural America?"

Rogers is a lifelong resident of Appalachian Kentucky. For the past 23 years, he has served as the United States Congressman for Kentucky's 5th Congressional District, which is located in southern and eastern Kentucky. His mission has always remained the same: to bring jobs, better education, and more opportunities to the families he represents in southern and eastern Kentucky.