MySpace partners with reality show

MySpace is teaming with reality-TV magnet, Mark Burnett, to find the next John Kennedy or Ronald Reagan.

MySpace and Burnett, the creator of such prime-time hits as Survivor and The Apprentice, are expected to announce Wednesday they are planning to launch a political reality show called Independent.

Burnett is producing the show and is attempting to sell it to one of the networks. Fox, owned by MySpace's parent company News Corp, is a potential partner said Jeff Berman, general manager for video at MySpace.

"Most people are tired of politics as usual," Berman said. "When you see politics in the hands of everyday people you see it in a very different way."

As part of the agreement with Burnett, MySpace will manage the show's Internet presence. Those wishing to be contestants must submit video of themselves at MySpace Video.

The Internet is transforming the political process. Already candidates can appeal directly to the public by posting videos of themselves at areas designated for politics on YouTube and MySpace. Each Independent contestant will create MySpace profiles to serve as their campaign platform.

Each week, MySpace users will help choose the challenges that contestants on the show face.

[chuckie-chuck]

Great Entertainment

I have no doubt about its entertainment value. But as a mode for finding the next John Kennedy, you may have to cast a wider net and the method, different. The eminently qualified heir apparents may not want to participate in such a reality show (demeaning?). I'm sure many would like to have their own shot at popularity. But these may not be the ones you are looking for. It's politically correct to say that "everyday people" should be the sea that should be trawled; that's democracy after all. But I doubt if competent governance and leadership will naturally follow from winning a reality show, even if designed or structured to simulate political realities. Remember, America is the only remaining superpower in the world. Would you want the next American president to be selected from among reality show contestants? Just asking...