Seven Broadcast Plaza
Buffalo, NY 14202
716/845-6100
If you're frustrated with pitching national news shows such as Good Morning America or the Today Show, try targeting local affiliates with similar programs. Although getting air time in the top-five markets is worth the aggravation, many times courting smaller stations can build relationships and garner better air time.
A spin-off of Good Morning America, AM Buffalo runs from 10 to 11 a.m. EST, Monday through Friday, on ABC's affiliate WKBW. It's been a staple in Buffalo for 16 years for stay-at-home moms and senior citizens. We spoke with Co-Host and Co-Producer Drew Kahn, who gave us the skinny on working with his team.
You'll impress producers by proving your knowledge of the show's format and its target audience. Young mothers and grandmothers are the biggest demographics, Kahn says. But remember that senior citizens will watch the entire show from start to finish, while moms watch between diapers and bottles.
Kahn and Producer Sue Dobmeier gave us some tactics on pitching their show:
- Give them the who, what, where and why of your story; tell them your deadline for the piece;
- Explain the type of guest you plan to provide and always humanize the angle for the target audience;
- Cooking shows will always do well on AM Buffalo. Remember to provide visuals; and
- Try to tie in your idea to the Western New York area.
Contact Dobmeier by fax or e-mail with ideas at 716/842-1855 or dobmeier @wkbw.com.