Despite the essential role they play in the “Antiques Roadshow” machine, the appraisers do not get paid for appearing on the show. In fact, as Mental Floss notes, they even have to pay for their own travel, if necessary. As executive producer Marsha Bemko told Reality Blurred, the reason for that is budgetary. “If we had to pay them … that’s a lot more to raise in our budget — a lot more. A stunning a lot more!,” she said. They do, however, get provided a free breakfast and lunch from an on-set canteen.
So why are appraisers giving up long days to appear on the show if they’re not getting paid (or possibly even losing money by having to pay for travel)? It’s because they get an intangible benefit: free exposure. Further, as Mental Floss explains, appearing on the show and showing off their appraisal skills bolsters the appraiser’s profile in the antiques industry.
