Format ideas for the new unsolved

[wiseguy182]

We've had a couple of good threads started by posters who asked what cases should be on and who the new host should be, and what network it should be on. This question is slightly different: What new format concepts would you like to see implemented.

One good idea was mentioned awhile back: have viewers call in and vote on whether they think someone is guilty or innocent, and display the results. Or if there are multiple suspects, vote on who you think is guilty.

I would also like to see more of the special alerts. I think this is a good way to get mass exposure to alot of cases in a short amount of time.

Also, a section on cold cases would be great.

And more live from the telecenter broadcasts.

any other ideas?

[PrettyinPink55]

I think a section on Cold Cases is genius!!! This isn't a new idea, but I would like for them to continue to update, and frequently. Special alerts would be nice too. They do it on AMW and I think it's pretty effective.
I would also like for UM to take on the more underdog stories, that the media or others haven't focused on or have ignored. For example, as intriguing as the Amelia Arhart segment, and others like it are...I am even more interested in not just actual cases, but things that we don't hear about on the news or mainstream media. Does that make sense? LOL!!
Oh! And as for network, I thought A&E would've been perfect!!!

[kamy]

Originally Posted by wiseguy182

We've had a couple of good threads started by posters who asked what cases should be on and who the new host should be, and what network it should be on. This question is slightly different: What new format concepts would you like to see implemented.

One good idea was mentioned awhile back: have viewers call in and vote on whether they think someone is guilty or innocent, and display the results. Or if there are multiple suspects, vote on who you think is guilty.

I would also like to see more of the special alerts. I think this is a good way to get mass exposure to alot of cases in a short amount of time.

Also, a section on cold cases would be great.

And more live from the telecenter broadcasts.

any other ideas?

Love all the ideas, wiseguy, (expecially the special alerts) except the calling in to vote on guilt. Honestly, UM has portrayed plenty of people who to us viewers, were obviously guilty, but imagine the pain and humiliation one would feel if America vote's someone as the likely killer and that person is honestly innocent? I can see the suicide rate jump!

[LooksLikeCRicci]

Not to mention the number of lawsuits against UM for defamation of character, if it turned out that the folks voted guilty were actually innocent. Or, if someone actually DID commit suicide, as Kamy pointed out, and later evidence exonerated that person, the family of the victim could go after UM on a wrongful death suit...

I'm not saying I think it's a bad idea. Frankly, I'd probably vote. Just pointing out some legal difficulties. After all, that's what we lawyers are good for.

[Kane]

Originally Posted by LooksLikeCRicci

Not to mention the number of lawsuits against UM for defamation of character, if it turned out that the folks voted guilty were actually innocent. Or, if someone actually DID commit suicide, as Kamy pointed out, and later evidence exonerated that person, the family of the victim could go after UM on a wrongful death suit...

True. And that is certainly not the kind of scandal that we want to see UM become a part of, do we? Such trouble might result in the show being yanked off the air. For that reason, having a call-in for viewers to vote on someone's guilt or innocence would only cause more trouble than it is worth.

Besides, when Charles Manson was on trial for mass murder, then-President Richard Nixon told some reporters that he believed Manson was guilty. Guess what? That statement became front page news, and almost caused a mistrial.

So you can see how publicly deeming someone's guilt or innocence could endanger a trial and those involved in the case (the accused, police, attorneys, prosecutors, etc.).

[Kane]

Originally Posted by wiseguy182

I agree that politicians should stay away from voicing their opinions on cases. I remember former Colorado governor Bill Owens publicly announced that he thought the Ramseys were guilty, and I always thought that he was out of line in that regard.

It goes to show that not everything we say is meant for public consumption.