Here's how reality TV shows get away with paying people on them nothing

Reality television has certainly generated some big paydays for its stars and become a cash cow for networks. But for most of the people we see on-screen, there's very little in the way of payment.

That may be surprising to you, but that's just the business of reality shows.

Reality shows were designed from the beginning to be cheap television. They're a break from the huge budgets that scripted TV needs, and they give networks more bang for their buck.

"The only people that really make money off the show is the network," a reality TV agent told Business Insider on condition of anonymity.

As one reality producer told Reader's Digest, "We're always trying to get as much talent as possible while spending as little money as possible. Ninety-nine percent of the people on reality TV get their expenses covered and maybe a daily stipend of $20 or $30, but that's it."

So how do networks get away with paying people basically nothing?