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The State of Reality TV: New Opportunities

October 29, 2025 - 6:30 PM PT

About the event

As the television industry continues to navigate consolidations, budget tightening, social and political pressures and other challenges, Reality Television is evolving. Buying initiatives at legacy media companies have shifted and new opportunities and pathways are emerging. This genre has always been populated by high-level creatives who work tirelessly to tell real stories when pivoting is crucial. 

Where is Reality Television headed, and what new and exciting trends, programs and platforms are in store for viewers in 2026 and beyond? How will we continue to ideate and produce compelling concepts and elevate this increasingly popular art form despite the state of the business? Two panels intend to answer these questions, support the efforts to rebuild and thrive, and provide hope for a brighter year ahead. 

Panel 1: Top decisions-makers from broadcast, cable and streaming discuss their priorities and how they are adjusting to mounting challenges in the media landscape. 

Panelists

  • Olivia LaRoche, Head of Alternative Originals, Roku Media 

  • Max Micallef, VP, Development & Programming, History 

  • Yasmin Rawji, EVP, Unscripted, FOX Entertainment 

  • Sharon Vuong, EVP, Alternative Programming, NBC 

  • Hashim Williams, Senior Creative Executive, Unscripted , Amazon MGM Studios

Moderated by: 
  • Bob Boden, EVP, Production & Development, Entertainment Studios 

Panel 2: Industry leaders discuss unique funding opportunities, brand collaborations, and innovative partnerships that are bringing new opportunities to reality television. 

Panelists

  • Sergio Alfaro, President, Partners In Kind; CEO, InventTV 

  • Tara Cole, Creative Executive and Executive Producer

  • David Hillman, Head of Alternative & Unscripted, Sugar23 

  • Daisy Hamilton Risher, Associate Director of Content Acquisition, Vizio

  • Alanna Strauss, Head of Content and Marketing Solutions, Brand Partnerships, CAA 

  • Brian Toombs, Head of Brand Studio, Roku

Moderated by: 
  • Ashley Hammen, SVP, Development, Monument 

*Panelists subject to change 

Complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served