Major TV Network Teams Up With Online Schools to Find Next Big Star
There is an old story that floats around Hollywood that Oprah actually found Dr. Phil while he was busing tables in an old dingy restaurant trying to get his counseling career off the ground. Oprah, the queen of television, sat down, ate dinner, and received invaluable advice from Phil and was asked to be on the show. Now, the story may not be true, but it just goes to show anyone can become a TV therapist with the right training, and that is what one major TV network is doing.
"We are launching a nationwide search for the next great TV therapist", said a marketing director for the major TV network. The director wished to remain anonymous. "There is a huge demand for family and real life drama, and therapy shows are what's hot now!"
The major TV network isn't going to look for just any therapist. They are launching a search for qualified and trained individuals who know what they are doing. That means there will be no search in restaurants or local malls. The therapist search will start right in some of the country's top online counseling schools.
"There are hundreds of counseling schools that offer online courses", said the unnamed marketing director. "The network wishes to tap into that talent and give people a chance to show that they have what it takes to be the next Dr. Phil."
The plan for the search for the next great therapist starts with deciding if the therapist has any ability to shine on TV. The proposed talent search will take individuals through an on-screen test that allows them to answer questions that are posed to them.
"This on-screen test will allow everyone to see if they have that it factor for TV", explained a long standing TV researcher who has been following this proposed contest closely. "The next step is of course to see if they can be a therapist, but if you can't shine on TV you're useless to the network."
The major TV network will be launching the search starting in August. They have asked several online schools to participate. It is believed they will all agree to help, but so far only five of the ten asked have agreed to take part.
"There will be a new Dr. Phil like show when this is over", said the unnamed source. "I just can't wait to see what happens! It's all so exciting and a real turning stone for network TV."
