TV3 Morning shows focusing on Adoption

The_Conductor

Hi all,

TV3 propose to hold 2 morning shows with adoption related slots-

The first show would be about tracing birth parents. For this show, they would need one or two "case studies" that is people who are currently searching, but have not yet found their birthparents. They are suggesting that they would have a person who specialises in tracing present, along with a psychologist to discuss the process, along with any possible pitfalls, including the emotional strain involved, that may be encountered along the way.

The second show proposes to focus on success stories about reunited families. Once again they would focus on one or two specific instances- and they are (rather unfairly in my mind) only interested in those who are adopted, have successfully traced, and have now have a good relationship with their birthparents (I don't know whether this is birthparents, singular or plural). They would have 'experts' present again- the nature of the experts would depend on the particular cases being discussed. They are only interested in 'success stories' for the second show.

Unless you are very comfortable discussing your particular case in public- do not consider this under any circumstances.

If there are any interested people out there- please e-mail laura.hogan@tv3.ie for further information.

I would reiterate- unless you are comfortable discussing your adoption and/or trace in public- do not consider this.

Shane

Ostrom

I seem to fit the profile, but I dont think we're ready for something that...public

I'm generally cautious about the nature of 'expertise' in areas such as this. And, the ideal reunion is hardly a fair historical (or contemporary) representation of the Irish experience.

The_Conductor

efla wrote: »

I seem to fit the profile, but I dont think we're ready for something that...public

I'm generally cautious about the nature of 'expertise' in areas such as this. And, the ideal reunion is hardly a fair historical (or contemporary) representation of the Irish experience.

I'd have to agree with you. Anyone who is genuninely knowledgeable about adoption and its different effects on different people- is probably adopted themselves- and if they are, and are properly qualified- they are highly unlikely to put themselves on a pedestal with the 'expert' label. Also- the ideal happy reunion- is a concept sold to us by our US and UK cousins- who are several decades ahead of us in terms of support and assistance- a situation that is not going to change for years here.

Its the sort of thing that makes good television- but what even might appear to be a good situation in terms of tv- can degenerate into a mess in no time flat.

I'd seriously recommend people only consider this if they are 100% certain of what they're doing.......

kathy finn

why would anyone want to put themselfs though this i don,t know, im all for being upfront about adoption but the real story not the fairystory ending type cause that rarely happens...kathy

The_Conductor

I agree with you- the fairytale ending that the media love to portray is very rarely the case. Its the sort of thing that people love to hear- and indeed I dare say colours the expectations of adopted people or birthparents who are searching- and expect some sort of a magical ending. I know reading the wonderful stories of other people definitely built up my hopes and dreams- its only through my dealings with many 'normal' people and their experiences, that I've actually come to accept how extraordinary the searches with fairytale endings actually are- certainly they do happen- but they are far from normal.

class1comp

Did programmes happen yet?
I rarely watch TV3

The_Conductor

class1comp wrote: »

Did programmes happen yet?
I rarely watch TV3

Whatever about rarely watching TV3- I never ever watch TV in the morning.
I don't think its happened as yet.
To be perfectly honest- its my personal opinion that the whole idea was a flawed idea. Its the sort of thing that might work in the States (and has happened there several times)- but in an Irish and even a UK context- given the different attitudes (and the nature of closed adoptions) its unlikely to be a runner.