What we might call a reality show for those who aren’t fans of the typical reality show, If I Can Dream is the next big endeavor for American Idol creator Simon Fuller. The innovative program, disclosed by Entertainment Weekly, will debut online in early 2010, The show will focus on three young actors, an aspiring musician and a model-hopeful, as they share a Hollywood Hills house while awaiting their big entertainment-industry breaks.

Viewers from around the world will be able to watch the show’s participants live 24/7 at the show’s own Web site. Hulu will then stream weekly recaps. 

So far, that sounds a little same old, same old. But…

Viewers will also be able to interact with the show’s participants via MySpace, Twitter, Facebook, and texting as the action unfolds in real-time. If a contestant on the show drops out for any reason, a replacement will be cast through an open audition process featured on MySpace.

We think this is a great idea, and one that local media could easily use to their advantage. In addition to the “typical” reality show viewers, the show’s name, If I Can Dream, is especially alluring during these tough economic times. The interactive social aspect might well tend to draw in those who might not sit down in from of their TV sets for Survivor, Wife Swap or any of those other one-medium reality shows.

We can see a radio station and newspaper, perhaps, teaming up for If I Can Dream, Houston, or If I can Dream, Traverse City, or any city small or large. They could put local hopefuls together in periodic video presentations, and offer them opportunities with local media and retailers and catalog publishers seeking models. They might add a comedic aspect to it, including stand-up hopefuls, and a winning showcase gig at a local or other comedy club.

Local media might also host an “If I Can Dream” party in which local show fans gather to which it live, text, tweet and post, with those communications displayed on a projector screen while the show rolls. There could be a “tell me your dream” component when they register for the event, and dream enablers (recruiters, e.g)  could then be invited as well. These enablers might be, for example, a local TV show host for those who aspire to be in broadcasting, a local editor for those who wish to write, a voice coach for singers, and so forth. Local companies who are looking for new talented staff members could sponsor the event.

This could make money, as well as paint the participating media as good neighbors helping to promote jobs and dreams in a tough economic environment.

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