The next great idea for a reality television series might lie within the industry itself.

As independent reality TV producers increasingly are bought up by larger entertainment companies, and as workers in the field lodge complaints about unfair treatment, there may be enough drama in the industry to warrant yet another entrant into the genre.

The unscripted arena has gone from the Wild West to a mature business. In talking to people in the business, there was a real desire among some companies to figure out a way in which they could speak with one voice.

Last week, a group of reality television production companies announced the formation of the Nonfiction Producers Association (NPA), which will be “dedicated to maintaining, growing, and nurturing the documentary and nonfiction TV production industry.”

“These companies are all maturing at such a quick pace,” NPA Executive Director Rick Feldman told Variety last week. “The unscripted arena has gone from the Wild West to a mature business. In talking to people in the business, there was a real desire among some companies to figure out a way in which they could speak with one voice.”

The industry is also facing a wave of criticism from increasingly disgruntled workers. As shows like American Idol, Honey Boo Boo, and The Bachelor capture large audiences and produce pseudo-celebrities on a regular basis, reality TV writers, producers, and directors, who say they are often treated as freelancers, have struggled to get some of the same basic benefits that others in the entertainment business enjoy.

“I’ve never received health insurance from any job in television,” an anonymous industry veteran recently told Gawker. “I’ve gotten it from my wife for the last 12 years… There is simply no way that I could have a career in nonfiction TV if we didn’t get health insurance from my wife’s job.”

Other common complaints include little or no overtime compensation, excessively long workdays, and a lack of a grievance procedure for freelancers who are treated poorly.

NPA said it will work to correct those issues.

“Part of the motivation for doing this is to be a place where everybody can get together to find an intelligent, common-sense way to solve these problems,” said Feldman, a former president and CEO of the National Association of Television Program Executives. “These companies have all had conversations with lawyers, and parameters are being set for the industry. We’d like to get everyone in an association to give their thoughts on the best way to handle these issues.”

To start, NPA member companies said they will be committed to providing a safe and supportive work environment with access to fair wages and benefits, as well as opportunities for training.

“The businesses of nonfiction television take pride in providing vibrant, creative workplaces and opportunity for thousands of ambitious men and women,” NPA said in the launch statement. “The Nonfiction Producers Association looks forward to growing its membership and eagerly and enthusiastically welcomes many more production companies to our ranks as we unite to protect and celebrate our dynamic entertainment genre.”

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