| SECTION | PRODUCERS | DAYS TO CONTACT/DAYS TO AVOID | METHODS | COMMENTS |
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News Covers breaking news and events with a focus on how and why celebrities and others with high profiles are making headlines. |
Coordinating News Producer: Carin Wong Phone: 213/956-4000Direct News Fax:213/862-2347. |
Pitches can be made on any day; the ideal time is in the afternoon.
Don't try in the morning unless it's breaking news. |
Producer prefers faxes or mail, followed by a phone call. No e-mail. | "Cover Story" typically is an in-depth, longer format item with a unique angle. News-type stories are often relayed with the help of industry spokespeople. Remember to be creative with pitches --creativity goes a long way. |
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Film Focuses on film segments with an insider's perspective. Coverage focuses on special effects in film; may spotlight hot movies, producers, stars and set visits. |
Coordinating Film Producer: Sharlette Hambrick Phone: 213/956-4000 Fax: 213/862-4954 | Best day is Monday and worst day is Friday. Best time for PR calls is between noon and 7 p.m.. Don't call between 9 and 10 a.m.Fax a press release or call. Don't use e-mail. | Fax a press release or call. Don't use e-mail. | Long-term stories, such as features or profiles, are farmed out to various segment producers, so your best bet is to target your query to the specific producer for that segment. |
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Television Covers all aspects of television --network, syndicated and cable. "Hot List" includes short highlights of releases or airdates of projects. |
Coordinating Television Producer: Brad Bessey Phone: 213/956-4000 Fax: 213/862-4954 | The best day to plug your client's information is Monday. Avoid Fridays and try to place your calls after 1 p.m. Don't call between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. | PR professionals should place a call and then follow it up with a mailed release. No e-mail. | Long-term stories, such as features or profiles, are outsourced to various segment producers, so your best bet is to target your query to the specific producer for that segment. |
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Miscellaneous ET focuses on other entertainment topics, including music, books and fashion. "Star Style" is a focus on fashion or trend pieces |
Music Producer: Clay Smith, Nashville Phone: 615/327-4422 Books Producer: Heather Borden Fashion Producer: Rebecca Meiskin, both in N.Y; 212/654-6300 | Don't have a preferred day or time. Just remember the time zone you're calling from. |
These producers don't have a preferred method, but be wise about your
contact choice --a suggestion for a story could be made via a phone call while a more in-depth topic probably merits a mailed press kit. |
As with any show, know the contents and its various segments. Also, know whom to pitch your idea to and don't double pitch the same story to different people. Compelling visiual elements are a plus. |
MEDIA INSIGHT
