Miss America getting real

Back in September 2004, after the ratings for the Miss America Pageant hit a new all-time low, we wrote an editorial in the Press saying we wouldn't be surprised to see the Pageant take the low road and opt for a serialized reality TV format to help improve viewership.

Well, that's exactly what happened. Pageant officials announced Saturday that the Pageant, which will be televised on a country music network and held at a locale yet to be disclosed, will air a seven-segment reality/documentary series in the days leading up to the contest. Audience members will be asked to help choose the finalists.

Will it help build back interest in the pageant? It depends what audience they are targeting and how they approach it. Will they take viewers into the dressing room? Will they leave everything but the cat fights, the back-stabbing and the tears on the cutting-room floor. Will it be typical reality TV? Unfortunately, probably yes.

Maybe it's a blessing the pageant pulled out of Atlantic City after all.