How To Get on Television

Often when clients contact me for a publicity campaign, they express the luck they've had getting placements online, on radio and in print (newspapers, magazines)and their disappointment at lack of television placements.

Television spots are not impossible to land. In fact, if you take the time to learn how to pitch producers properly and have a story that's relevant to the show you're pitching, you'll see your TV coverage results increase exponentially.

So where to start? Simple - watch the show you want to be on and check their website.

Oprah, Rachael Ray, Ellen, Bonnie Hunt, Dr. Phil and Tyra all have a 'Be on the Show' section of their website that shows the topics they are covering. It can't get any easier! Oprah and Rachael Ray also have Facebook fan pages with even more insider information. Oprah's producers also blog on the Facebook fan page (great way to learn how things work behind the scenes)

If you're trying to land Good Morning America, The Early Show or Today Show, tape a week's worth of shows to really see what they cover and how they cover it. Your pitches should be tailored to the shows' format.

If you're approaching your local news station, think about where you would best fit in. Lighter segments often end up on morning shows and hard hitting news is reserved for the evening spots. Always pitch a local angle - the segment must tie in to a local event or story or have a local angle on a national story.

My next post will be devoted to identifying the right kind of segment to pitch!