Mark Burnett is already walking the plank (so to speak) with his new series, Pirate Master. Now, the reality TV guru is innovating yet again, expanding his empire beyond the realm of television and onto the World Wide Web.

Social-networking website MySpace and Mark Burnett announced that they are teaming up to create Independent, a new reality TV show aimed at finding the next great politician through a multimedia campaign, which will include both the Internet and network TV.

Independent - expected to launch in early 2008 - is geared towards engaging youth in America's political process by giving those who visit the site and watch the show a chance to actually select a candidate whom they feel "will best reflect the voice of young Americans."

Burnett, the creator of Survivor, as well as The Apprentice and other hit shows, is excited to enter the political arena.

"Independent represents a giant leap in the re-democratization of American politics," said Chris DeWolfe, CEO and co-founder of MySpace.

Tom Anderson, president and co-founder of MySpace, said "MySpace puts political power back in the hands of everyday people and Independent takes it to a whole new level."

Instead of featuring a traditional reality cast of contestants, Independent will use "candidates" who submit information about themselves via MySpace Video. Once the final candidates are chosen, each will launch MySpace "Impact profiles" that will serve as their political soapbox.

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