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MySpace and Mark Burnett launches political reality show

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mark-burnett1.jpgJust when we thought we are overdosed with reality shows, MySpace and Mark Burnett announced that they are teaming up to launch INDEPENDENT, a groundbreaking political reality show. The show will find the nation’s next great politician through an online, offline, on-air multimedia campaign expected to launch in early 2008.

INDEPENDENT is an interactive television series that will engage and empower young Americans to participate in the political process at an unprecedented level. The show is a reality-based competition where America will select a candidate whom they feel will best reflect the voice of young Americans.

“INDEPENDENT represents a giant leap in the re-democratization of American politics,” said Chris DeWolfe, CEO and co-founder of MySpace. “MySpace puts political power back in the hands of everyday people and INDEPENDENT takes it to a whole new level,” added Tom Anderson, President and co-founder of MySpace.

“Through this new network television series and the partnership of MySpace, we’re going to discover in a big way, what America really thinks, and bring to light the issues that are closest to those who now finally have a chance to be heard,” said Mark Burnett. [Read more…]

Originally posted on April 25, 2007 @ 9:40 am

Political Unrest in Egypt and Social Media’s Role

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It looks like Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak will be looking for a new job soon.  But first he’ll have to repair his image.  He might want to look into an SEO campaign from the guys at Banc Media to put a positive scene on his presidency. Though we’re not sure that’s possible.

As political unrest grows in Egypt, I think it’s fair to say the tipping point was the government’s concerted effort to block citizens from using the Internet and disrupting cell phone service.  People will tolerate a lot of abuse, but take away their ability to surf freely, and watch them lash out.  Mubarak, who has survived six assassination attempts, will likely be taken down – not by sniper – but by social media.  The 82-year-old former Lieutenant General for the Egyptian Air Force probably never saw it coming. [Read more…]

Originally posted on February 1, 2011 @ 6:44 am