Television Show Raises Debate About Companies and Giving

The debate about charity marketing deals is finding its way into the mainstream cultural discussion thanks to efforts like the recent Idol Gives Back
episode of the popular TV show American Idol.

Discussion about the effectiveness of such efforts has been a staple on some charity blogs in recent months.

But this week’s airing of the Idol Gives Back telethon, in which the show devoted two episodes to raising money for children living in extreme poverty, has those outside of the nonprofit world debating the openness of such efforts.

For example, TV Squad, a blog that discusses the content of network television shows, has been home to a lively debate about the Idol episode.

And many of the reader comments have centered on whether Fox television and its sponsors are disclosing enough details about where the money is going.

“The sponsors are the donors from Tuesday night’s show and the public viewers will be the donors on Wednesday night,” writes one commenter on the blog. “So what exactly did AI do other than host it, get huge ratings, expand the time slot for another hour, as already stated with huge charges for commercials.”

Another commenter writes, “They have all missed the true meaning of what giving really is. It’s not about ratings, it’s not about lining ones own pockets. It’s about a cause that actually means something. Doing something for someone else because you want to, not because the cameras are rolling.”

Are companies being open enough about high-profile charity efforts such as Idol Gives Back ? Click on the comments link below this post to share your thoughts.