When we first started investigating the Paranormal a few years ago, we watched almost every television program that involved the paranormal, investigated the paranormal, or had "Ghost" in the title. Over the years, we have gained in knowledge and experience in our field of research and aren't as impressed as we were then. As I sit back and look at some of the paranormal-related programming on the air, I have to laugh. The paranormal television shows run the gamut from completely scripted to mostly accurate. Each netowrk on cable television is grasping for ratings by utilizing this somewhat newly recognized field of research. Don't get me wrong, Paranormal Investigation has been around for centuries in one form or another. Its popularity has exploded over the last few years and some of the television shows are almost as popular as American Idol or Survivor. My concern is the way some of the programs mislead the public. I'd like to take a moment and provide my opinion on the three most popular programs availbla on the small screen.

***These are just my opinions. CCPI does not endorse one program or network over another!

Ghost Hunters (Sci-Fi Channel):  Probably the most accurate of programs on the air right now. This is a team of investigators with integrity, knowledge and what appears to be a genuine desire to achieve our common goals as Paranormal Investigators. Their popularity has grown so drastically, they have expanded into  a second television show for their International investigations. The jury is still out on Robb Demarest, although I will compliment on his method for gathering EVP. No, CCPI is not a member of the TAPS Family - but we do believe in their research and caliber of operations. If they don't discover paranormal activity at a particular location, they've got the intestinal fortitude to say so...even on network television.

Paranormal State (A&E):  This is a new show that I has hoped would develop into an actual Paranormal Investigation program. At this point, its still the "Ryan Show" with all cases he 'investigates' somehow relating themselves to his inner demons and dreams. I can assure you that the Nobel Prize recipient for answering the universal questions surrounding life after death will NOT come from a college student who battles his inner demons and practices VERY dangerous religious rituals on netowrk television! It will come from those of us who eat, sleep and breathe our research. While Mr. Buell continues on his path to fame, fortune and self-righteousness, let us remember that we were once young and eager to learn the mysteries of the Paranormal. Those who were lucky enough to have mentors were leaps and bounds ahead of those who had to learn by trial and error. My suggestion is that we continue to view Paranormal State as a source for comic relief and pray that neither Mr. Buell or his team do anything potentially harmful to themselves or one of their "clients."

Most Haunted (Travel Channel):  Probably the biggest joke out there. The only positive thing they have done recently was getting rid of Derek Acorah. The show is visibly scripted and I'm not going to use up any more space on this forum for them.

In conclusion to my rambling and excessive typing, I would like to offer a suggestion to you, the public:

When viewing paranormal or investigation-related television programs, do your homework. Research the organization or individual on camera. If what you just witnessed was a once-in-a-lifetime event, it could be real. If that organization or individual has frequent, unbelievable "evidence" and are always having a member of their team become possessed or get knocked over, chances are, you have just witnessed a scripted, made up hoax designed to get ratings.