How To Get on Television: Part II

Part I focused on identifying appropriate pitch topics for television shows. Part II is focused on pitching a segment that will WORK within the format of the show.

1. You need to know if the show is taped in-studio or if they create segments on location. Your pitch should be tailored to this type of segment.

2. Realize that in some in-studio segments you are working within limited space. Some studios are unable to hold models or guest participants, so if you're demonstrating items, they will need to sit out on a table.

3. Create the entire segment in your head prior to pitching. The easiest way to do this is to watch prior segments to determine length and style. If they are demonstrating something, like exercises, how many do they do and how much time is devoted to each one?

4. Make sure if you're pitching a segment where you need participants or models that you can get those participants/models yourself.

5. If this is an on-location segment, make sure you have permission to use that location. Don't assume that a particular store will allow you to film there. If you're doing a shopping segment, you may want to shoot before the store opens to the public unless the news station wants to film customers shopping.

6. On-location segments often have several parts. For example, they may want to film a particular place of business, interview the owner, interview a customer and then film the customer going through the shopping experience. You will need to coordinate all of these elements.

Part III will focus on finding the appropriate contact to pitch!

Quick Pitch Tip: Pay Attention to Segment Titles and Magazine Headlines

Feeling stumped when forming your pitches for the press? Pay attention to how segment titles and magazine cover 'teasers' are written. Here are some samples from The Today Show website:

14 Habits that Can Hurt Your Health
Prepare Your Skin for Summer
Jewelry for a Cause
Teach Kids the Value of a Dollar

Catch a producers/editors attention by writing headlines like these for your pitches (use as your subject line of your email pitch letter or the headline of your press release). Taking 5 minutes a day to check out headlines from shows you dream of getting coverage on or magazines you want to be featured in will go a long way!