How do reality shows select contestants?

http://www.starnow.co.uk/Casting-Calls/Reality-TV/tv_family_mediation_series_need_sep.htm

A new reality TV show is advertising for aplicants this is what it says:

TV family mediation series need separated couples with kids

New Living TV series that aims to help couples who have split up but have kids together

Are you a father who finds it hard to communicate with your children now you’re no longer living under the same roof? Would you like help to rebuild your relationship with them? Or are you a mother finding it hard to juggle work and raising your children and need your ex to take more responsibility?

Maybe you’d like help working through a difficult relationship with your ex and would like help from our mediators and legal experts? Do you see your children as often as you’d like? Or does your ex have a new partner and you’re worried about where you fit into your child’s life now?

Living TV is making a new programme that aims to help parents like you work things out for the sake of your children. Our team of experts who specialise in this area could help you reach an amicable arrangement and find a real resolution to improving your child’s happiness.

Location: London, United Kingdom

Payment details: no pay

Any gender, aged 18 to 50 from the United Kingdom

Casting:

Producers of programmes play on the needs and desires of people in society and use their situations for entertainment!- This is shown through the rhetorical questions, inclusive and emotive language.

Similar to big brother- plays on peoples desire to be rich and famous
Could come dine with me play on pride and competition- to be the best cook on the show?

Why is this relevant?

If producers select "desperate","vunerable" or "proud" contestants for their show it will create emotional drama, dramatic conflicts and lots of competition- and this is what audiences want- making the show popular!