Mark Burnett, MySpace get political with $1M prize

'Independent' reality show/politician search timed to 2008 elections

[phranque]

from variety [variety.com]:

Mark Burnett Prods. is partnering with MySpace to discover the modern-day Mr. Smith.

The two entities are behind “Independent,” an online project targeted to become a full-fledged TV series built around a search to find the next great politician.

The show, timed to the 2008 elections, hasn’t yet been pitched to networks. It comes with a $1 million prize … and a catch: Winner must donate the money to a political cause or use it to run for office.

[rogerd]

Fascinating idea, and one that could make a dozen contestants more recognizable than 99% of real politicians.