I have this cool idea for a TV show...

I haven't a clue, but am interested in the responses you will get.

I'd say first make absolutely certain it's not already being done -- it seems like virtually every twist for home decorating shows has been done. There are a TON of them, really. It seems like every time I channel-search I find a new one.

Which is also potentially good news if there truly isn't anything else like it, as it seems to be a hot niche.

I don't get to watch a lot of TV but I think this idea would have at least caught my eye. I have no idea of how to even search it out to see if something similar exists....

try checking online for a tv show line up on TLC, Discovery etc..
that might give you an idea of what shows ARE on and see if your idea is too similar to one already in production.

From there.. maybe visit web sites of tv channels.
Fox dot com.. or is it dot org?
Discovery channell and things like that might have a ' contact us' place where you can ask those questions.

So will your public access company.
They have tons of regular every day people wanting air time. Im sure they would be able to give you hints and leads on how to submit your idea to the right people.. ?

I thought about contacting the channels that run this kind of stuff but I really don't want to give my idea away.

I'm not sure that if you submit something unsolicited that you can later go back and say "That was MY idea!".

Boomerang, Before you let your idea out to the media world it should be copyrighted and trade marked or it will copied by someone with more resources and contacts. I know this from personal experience. The first thing you need is a product. Buy a consumer level digital camera and film several short segments of your idea and broadcast them on your local cable public access channel. This will give you a product and allow you to file for copyright and trade mark. At this point quality is less important than having a product. Work with an attorny knowledgeable in the field of intellectual property rights while doing this. You should also get a copy of "Patents, Copyright, and Trademarks for Dummies".(part of the Dummies serries) This is an excellent intorduction to what is a very complicated field and will allow you to ask the right questions of your attorney. Good luck

Thank you Acquiunk. That sounds like good, solid adivce.

I think I have a lot of homework and legwork to do before I really get going on anything.

I do know a few people who might have the contacts and resources to move things ahead because I know this isn't something I could entirely do on my own but I still want to protect my idea before I talk to even them.

Keep in mind that people who broadcast on Cable Access almost never copyright there ideas, so the more savvy media people are constantly viewing cable access for ideas that they can copy without fear of a copyright suit.

hmmm...a twist you say. how about the people have to do everything with one material, like wood or glass...Ok, not the best of ideas, but its a working process, i'll keep you posted.

OK, as promised i have given this some thought...
you have to put the whole room with items from a different era in history, ancint egypt, victoriam, dinosoars....
the name for this, i hear you ask?
WACKORATING
wacky+decorating, i know it sounds weird.