MGM is launching a viral video show made up of funny footage from Ring security cameras.
MGM Television, a TV production and distribution studio alternatively known as Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Television Group and Digital, which is owned by Amazon, is launching a new viral video show based on footage from Ring security cameras, which are owned and manufactured by Amazon as well. Titled "Ring Nation," the show is set to be a modern-day, surveillance-tinged take on "America's Funniest Home Videos."
Deadline reported that comedian and actress Wanda Sykes has signed up to host Amazon's "Ring Nation," which is a project from MGM Television, Ring, and Big Fish Entertainment, the production company behind "Live P.D."
Amazon's "Ring Nation" is described as a "daily dose of life's unpredictable, heartwarming and hilarious viral videos," in a press release. The show, which will premiere in syndication on September 26, will also feature a number of funny and eye-catching videos captured by video doorbells, smart home cameras and more.
MGM Enlists Wanda Sykes to Host Half-hour Ring Series
Barry Poznick, president of alternative television & Orion TV at MGM, remarked that they were pursuing a "fun new take on a tried-and-true format" with "Ring Nation," which will feature hilarious, uplifting, and must-see viral footage from anywhere there's a Ring device installed. "Ring Nation" will feature clips submitted by Ring users across the US and will highlight fun and interesting moments from neighborhoods across the country.
Hosting the upcoming Amazon television show is Sykes, an Emmy-winning, eleven-time nominated stand-up comic, writer, actress and producer. The 58 year old most recently appears in the Netflix comedy "The Upshaws," which she also created.
Amazon to Make More Content (and Money) From Its Ring Users
Amazon's move to create a series such as "Ring Nation," which relies on user submission, is a "transparent bit of corporate synergy" for the tech giant, The Verge reported. Amazon owns MGM Television, Big Fish, and Ring, and has a vested interest in promoting Ring technology to viewers through the TV series. Many Ring users are expected to be more enticed to send in submissions, while those who do not have the Ring yet will maybe want to buy one for themselves.
To some, however, "Ring Nation" is another way that Amazon tries to normalize the practice of surveilling people. Amazon's Ring actually has a bit of a bad reputation for accidentally leaking people's home addresses and providing footage to law enforcers without users' consent, TechCrunch reported.
US Government Raises Concerns Over Privacy of Ring Users
Just this year between January and July, Amazon handed over Ring doorbell footage to US authorities up to 11 times without the device owner's consent. Amazon's Ring technology has also been criticized for "working unusually closely" with at least 2,220 police departments across America, enabling police to obtain video doorbell camera footage from users through Ring's Neighbors app.
The Amazon Ring has faced many safety and security issues while fielding criticism for the lack of protection of privacy of its users. The US government has placed pressure on Amazon's Ring technology and it finally disclosed its connections with law enforcement in 2019, following a letter from Democratic Senator Ed Markey who raised concerns over civil liberties.
