by Lisa Kooper

Created on: May 26, 2007   Last Updated: May 28, 2007

Sometimes I watch game shows. It is often fun to watch "Who Wants to be a Millionare" and "Jeopardy" and see what questions I can answer correctly. I also wonder what it would be like to be a contestant on "Wheel of Fortune" - to spin the wheel, solve the puzzles, and win a whole lot of cash.

But I notice one thing about game shows: the contestants are among the least needful of of the money availed to them as they win the contests. It is an example of the rich getting richer and the poor getting nothing.

Most if not all game shows require contestants and audience members to pay their own travel and incidental expenses to and from the studio while the show is being taped. The advertisers and other staff of the show do not assume responsibility for these expenses. And if the contestants can afford these expenses, they do not need to be on the shows.
Most of the time, friends or relatives cannot or will not sponsor these trips.

Even "Oprah" while not a game show, gives out thousands of dollars in merchandise to audience members at holiday time. Again, if you can afford to travel to the taping, you are in less need of these expensive items. There is nothing for the home viewers who are boosting show ratings by watching.

Has it ever occurred to anyone that financing these expenses can add to the publicity of the show, leading to more advertising dollars?

Consider a high school student from the inner city or other poverty stricken area of America who qualifies for the high school version of "Jeopardy." He or she passes the first test, but cannot afford to go to the taping.

If the show's sponsors have all this money and other prizes to give away, they can certainly afford to pave the way for a financially disadvantaged student to be on the show.

The winnings from the show can fund an otherwise unattainable college education or other educational or vocational venture for the young person. Or it can assist the family with other expenses.

And even if the young person does not win, there is still the good publicity for the show and the advertisers as well as an experience for the contestant. Everyone still wins all around.

There are obviously billions of dollars to be given away daily on these game shows. Why not give them to those who could benefit rather than the rich only getting richer

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