We are a society who loves to watch the television. We watch to be entertained, inspired, educated and escape from the daily routine of our life. Maybe that’s why pageants and TV are a natural fit for each other.


With all the filming effects, camera angles, and editing, television can make events and people smaller or bigger than life. I totally understand contestants’ and parents’ apprehension when they first find out the pageant they are competing in is being filmed for television. After all, most of what the media focuses on is the isolated, over the top situation. It’s not representational of the pageant world as a whole.

There are a few keys points to keep in mind when the TV crew is around. They are going to follow and focus on events and contestants who will draw people into watching the show. The network doesn’t care about who wins the pageant. Their focus is to give their demographic audience a show worth watching.

If it’s drama they want, they will seek out the “drama queen.” If it is to inspire, they will find the person with ...