Trump reality TV: Execs will get the gong

NBC has announced a new “Survivor”-type reality show built around Donald Trump and his business empire, the Trump Organization. In the TV series “The Apprentice,” expected to air next season, about 20 candidates will test their corporate survival skills by competing for a chance to earn a six-figure salary while being mentored by legendary business tycoon Trump. Each week Trump will “fire” one candidate.

Mark Burnett (“Survivor”) will serve as executive producer on the 13-episode series.

“Mentoring up-and-coming executives has been something I’ve always enjoyed and this is a way to discover a new generation of business leaders in a fun, entertaining and cutthroat way -- not unlike the real business world,” Trump was quoted in an NBC news release.

-- Lynn Smith