Several weeks ago, I posted an item about how January was a big month for fitness and weight loss stories, because people were trying to get back on track after the holidays. The media’s love for these stories spills into February, one of three Sweeps months. Today, for example, “Oprah” is supposed to feature a woman… Read More
TV & Radio
Dateline’s troubling predator program begs for comment, follow-up
After watching “To Catch a Predator” on NBC’s “Dateline” Friday night, I was so upset I could hardly sleep. It was the third installment of a show that illustrates a growing and horrific epidemic in the U.S.—grown men, trolling the web searching for minors in hopes of engaging in sex. To expose them, “Dateline” set up… Read More
Piggyback onto prime-time TV shows for publicity
So much for the Rev. Daniel Webster, the pill-popping Episcopal priest, and his dysfunctional family. NBC has canceled “The Book of Daniel,” the Friday night drama that featured the Vicodin-addicted priest, his boozing wife, gay son and a bisexual aunt. Oh yeah. And don’t forget Jesus. What a shame. I never saw the show. But the… Read More
TV Weatherpersons Day is February 5
You can score a great publicity hit if you tie into TV Weatherpersons Day on February 5, which this year also happens to be Super Bowl Sunday. I’ve been preaching about this for years because so many Publicity Hounds have told me it works. A few days before February 5, send your local TV weatherperson… Read More
Dying to get on ‘Oprah’? Check her website
When Publicity Hounds think of ways to get onto “Oprah,” they spend days and sometimes even weeks crafting the perfect pitch that will appeal to her producers. Most of them, I’m guessing, probably miss a vital step that could save them a lot of time. They fail to visit her website and click on the… Read More
Forget the cufflinks on TV, guys
If you’re a guy, and your local TV station wants to interview you, how would you dress? If you’re in the corporate world, the logical assumption might be a dark suit, white shirt, red tie and gold cufflinks. Sandy Dumont, also known as The Image Architect, says that would be a good choice, except for… Read More
TV loves fitness, diet stories during January
My Jazzercise instructor has already warned us to be braced for packed classes this month. That’s because this is the month when everybody tries to take off what they gained over the holidays. TV stations everywhere want to know about these stories. Here’s an almost guaranteed way to get your company on the local TV… Read More
How to get great radio publicity
Some Publicity Hounds sabatoge themselves and make it difficult for the media to find them, then wonder why they don’t get publicity. For example, they give media contacts only their office phone numbers, forgetting that radio talk show hosts and newspaper reporters work around the clock and sometimes need to contact sources in the wee… Read More
Share your experiences on Voice America Network
Several Publicity Hounds have asked my opinion on Voice America Network, the single largest producer of Internet talk radio programming in the world, with more than 100 hosts who broadcast over three branded networks (health, business and VoiceAmerica variety). One person in my mentor program was “offered” a $5,000 package to have his own show.… Read More
How to get your product onto QVC
Ask yourself these five questions about the product you sell. Does it: —Demonstrate well? —Solve a common problem or make life easier? —Appeal to a broad audience? —Have unique features and benefits? —Is it topical or timely? If you answered yes to every question, there’s a good chance your product is an ideal candidate for… Read More