TruthCo. President Linda Ong Urges Reality TV Producers to ‘Stop Copying’

The branding expert describes why unscripted controversies are plaguing networks in this week’s “Office With a View”

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Linda Ong, TruthCo./Ada Guerin/TheWrap

TLC’s decision to cancel “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” amid reports of Mama June’s relationship with a convicted child molester has once again focused a spotlight on the state of reality television.

If anyone is able to explain where unscripted TV is and where it needs to go, it’s Linda Ong. She’s the president of TruthCo., an independent consultancy firm that has been studying reality TV since the first season finale of MTV’s “Jersey Shore” in 2010.

“Paula Deen’s views are seen as odious,” Ong told TheWrap. “Phil Robertson‘s views are considered intolerant.

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