Anyone ever tried to sell a show to a TLC or similar station?
 

I've got an idea for a show (don't we all, ha!) and am interested in figuring out the best way to handle the situation.

I'm able to fund the shooting of a pilot, but don't really know the ins and outs of what to do to get them to look at it.

On the one hand, what if I tell them my idea and they take it and run? I do have a friend of a friend that's the producer for a bunch of Trading Spaces type shows for TLC (not TS, but others) but I'm afriad to mention it to her because she's got the connections to run with the show idea if she likes it.

I don't know her so I can't really trust her with it.

Anyway, has anyone ever done this or know someone that has?

You are going to have to trust someone with it if you don't have the experience to sell it yourself.
I'd look into something like a non disclosure agreement that you would have your friend of a friend sign, before you showed her your proposed idea.

TLC is actually part of Discovery Communications, Inc. Lots of suits. Very corporate.

From their site's FAQ page:
Translation: fuggettaboutit

Nah. I think I'll try anyway.

I've sent a message to my friend who knows the producer to see what needs to be done. Not going to get anywhere by giving up.

They should send you a release form, basically saying you are providing them with ideas and they are acknowledging the fact. Then you submit the idea. Doing a pilot will do little if anything to get it sold.

Even though their site says they only accept ideas from established production companies, that's more of an attempt to keep down the goofy submission from every Joe and housewife.
But it would be a good idea to put "Producer" or some company name down.

By all means, Bryan, give it a go. My "translation" remark was meant to be voiced from their mouths, not mine.

Let us know how you do with this.