Question for the Pros

[Naturalstyle]

Hi Everyone.

I have a question for the experienced radio and TV members.

I live in extreme South Jersey (close to AC) in an area with MANY latinos. I am kinda new to the area and every time I go to town I hear people pumpin' freestyle and dance music.

There is no major latin radio down here (not like "La Mega" in NYC) but there IS a small station AND there's a TV station.

My question is: How do I "pitch" (propose) a radio show OR a video show to the TV station? How do you approach a media company and propose an idea?

Has anyone out there ever done that? Any suggestions or advice?

I have a degree in Communication and I've had a radio show before so I'm no stranger to media but I have NEVER had to pitch a show or develop a proposal.

If anyone has any suggestions I'd appreciate them. I've been considering this for a while and I'd like to give it a shot.

Peace!

Hi

 

[damianwild]

Hi Everyone.

I have a question for the experienced radio and TV members.

My question is: How do I "pitch" (propose) a radio show OR a video show to the TV station? How do you approach a media company and propose an idea?

Has anyone out there ever done that? Any suggestions or advice?

Well I know someone who works for a major TV network and what you would have to do is draw up a proposal - you should do a search on google or something about writing an outline to pitch a tv show or radio show. If you have no professional writing skills it might be a good idea to get someone who does to format it - first impressions are everything. and you really have to do a lot of homework to get an idea off the ground.

For radio you would have to find out who the program director for the station is. For TV you would have to find out who the station manager is and if it is a major network then you have to find out who in the Programming Dept you could pitch your idea to.

It will take a lot of research in order to convince a radio station or tv station that there is a local demand for them to do this (remember - this is VERY valuable airtime. The stations actually make their dollars from ADVERTISING, not the shows themselves. If you cannot prove that putting a certain type of show on the air will be a moneymaker then they will not be interested. Advertisers are not going to spend big bucks on ads if they air during a program that nobody is watching or listening to. You have to convince them that there is a big untapped market in your area for the kind of show you are pitching.

You need to come with a VERY tight proposal, and sometimes with research figures. Do you know that major TV networks hold market research focus groups to test tv shows with real live viewers before they air? Most of these networks deal with major advertsing agencies who do all this for a small fortune. Even if it is a local station chances are they are still what is known as an "affiliate" of a major network like ABC and NBC etc. Also - you cannot technically copyright an "idea" - the station can swipe it right out from under you if they think it is good - however you can protect yourself by getting the outline notarized before you send it off and sending everything return receipt so that you have proof of delivery if you ever find yourself in the position of having to prove someone took your idea and split...

 

[Naturalstyle]

Thanks Damian,

That was a very thorough and informative reply. (Thanks).

Yes, I know that media's #1 purpose is to make $$$ from advertising (ratings are everything) and THAT is why I am thinking of pitching the ideas. There are a LOT of people down here who want (but don't get) what "La Mega" and KTU supply in NYC.

Thanks Damian for your time.

I appreciate it.

Peace!

 

[G_I_JOE_EMR]

good luck on that project it's a big one.
I had to one for college purposes and it took a lot of research and facts and it was not a real one. we never proposed only to the professor.
Have fun!!!!!! good luck

 

[julian599]

whats up people i live in South Carolina and i wanted to know if anyony knows wher i could bye freestyle records nearby??????