Launching a Successful PR TV Program

A TV-oriented public relations campaign has threeFor example, we represented an acupuncturist who
primary components, you need to create a compellingspecialized in acupuncture facelifts.  TV producers
visually-oriented story, be able to pitch it effectively andloved this segment idea.  It wasn’t a surgical
know who to pitch it to.   Most people think theyprocedure, so it wasn’t going to be too graphic,
know which story or pitch will work for them, butthey could interview the acupuncturist, the patient,
they’re generally wrong.  The story about whyshow a bit of the procedure in process and then show
your product or service is so good usually misses thesome after shots.   It was visual, different, and had
mark because it’s not a story that meets theto do with health and beauty and offered them a good
media’s needs, or <a rel="nofollow"hook.  We represented a fitness trainer who starred
onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('in a how-to fitness video; the pitch there was summer
outgoing/article_exit_link');" href=" with your targetfitness tips.  She could bring a client with her and
audience</a>.  You need to think like yourshow different at-home, quick, and easy exercises. 
customer thinks, more importantly, you need to thinkThis proposed segment reached a large target
like a TV producer.  You have to think backwards. market, was easy to shoot and offered an interesting
What does your local TV news program, the Todayvisual component. 
Show or Oprah need?  Study them.  Make notes. So to launch <a rel="nofollow"
Now give them a visually-oriented pitch that fills thatonclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('
need.  Think in terms of personal stories, anecdotaloutgoing/article_exit_link');" href=“ effective
stories that others can relate to, and talk in a languageTV-oriented PR or media relations campaign</a>,
that the journalist you’re pitching will understand. keep your message in mind, but think in terms of
When pitching a TV show, think visually, what can youmeeting the media’s needs.  Be concise, be clear,
offer that has a visual component.  What can youkeep it interesting and never ever forget that TV is a
come up with that would give them a compelling TVvisual medium.
segment?