Presumption of innocence is for the legal system and the courtroom, to assure a fair trial. Outside of the courtroom we have eyes, ears and, hopefully, common sense ... all of which allow us to evaluate a person's standing. Yet you seem to want to take a guy that shows up with condoms and love lube and presume him innocent -- until when exactly? Just asking.
I am not going to ask such a man over for dinner, of course. I am going to make the reasonable assumption, for my own purposes, that he is likely guilty, and act accordingly.
However, the state is held to a higher standard. NBC, when acting in concert with the state, should be held to the same standard. NBC is using local law enforcement to add a imprimatur of authority to their broadcast. But they are not holding themselves to the same standard.
This is evident by the fact that none of these cases goes forward for prosecution. The people are shamed on TV and that is the end of it.
But since the police are intimately involved in the shaming, this is a punishment that is imposed by the state without the benefit of a trial. These men are convicted of nothing, and yet their lives are ruined. They do not have a chance to defend themselves or confront their accusers, which is a right we grant to every murderer, rapist or thug in court.
We have a system of justice which works. It is cumbersome, at times, but it works. I see no reason to throw it out the window just so Dateline NBC can score a ratings victory over American Idol.