Stanley Roberts, the journalist renowned for his "People Behaving Badly" segments, has indicated that a revival of the popular show faces substantial financial and logistical hurdles without the backing of major broadcasters. Public interest in the show's return remains high, particularly among law enforcement and everyday citizens. Roberts, who previously hosted the segment on KRON4, is exploring peer funding as a potential pathway forward for independent production.
Roberts departed KRON4 in 2018, partly due to the Bay Area's high cost of living and a dispute over the "People Behaving Badly" trademark, which led him to develop "Caught Misbehaving" independently. Despite these efforts, he has expressed that maintaining his nonprofit, @MrBadlyTV, has put him "in the negative category." This financial strain underscores the challenges of sustaining independent media ventures.
"The truth is, without support from major broadcasters, it's tough to make it happen," Roberts stated in a recent tweet. He detailed the extensive costs associated with producing a quality show independently, including expenses for "skilled employees, production equipment, a studio, insurance, vehicles, and more." These elements are critical for achieving the production standards expected by viewers.
The journalist remains optimistic about the show's future, despite the significant financial and operational obstacles. He acknowledged the strong public demand for the return of his unique brand of reporting, which often highlighted minor infractions and public courtesy issues. The potential for a revival hinges on successfully addressing these considerable production and operational costs through alternative funding models.
Roberts' candid assessment highlights the evolving landscape of media production and the difficulties faced by independent creators in bringing content to a broad audience. His sentiment, "What shall be, will be!", reflects a hopeful but realistic outlook on the future of "People Behaving Badly." The path to its return will require overcoming the substantial financial requirements for a high-quality, independently produced series.