The Today Show
30 Rockefeller Plaza
Suite 304
New York, NY 10112
If the Ivory Tower of journalism really does exist, you'll find it with producers at The Today Show. This morning show may be rated number one in America, but producers aren't number one with PR folks. As you might have guessed, they're inundated with faxes and PR queries and don't take too kindly to irrelevant pitches. We suggest, however, that you face this media relations challenge, and court producers to get air time on this coveted morning slot. The Today Show airs weekdays from 7 to 9 a.m., but watch out for a Later Today that may be popping up this fall.
SECTIONS: CONSUMER PRODUCTS
There's no cookie-cutter formula to getting your products to stand out among the hundreds that are sent to Andy Pargh, correspondent for the section.
EDITORS/LEAD TIME: Correspondent, Andy Pargh Phone: 615/356-9595
Lead Time: rolling deadlines
He's in Nashville and prefers to get mail to 95 White Bridge Road, Suite 212, Nashville, TN 37205.
METHODS: Snail mail is the best route for product ideas. As you can imagine, he gets a mountain of pitches every week, so send lots of visuals.
COMMENTS: Pargh is interested in anything unique and wacky. As the "Gadget Guru," he features interesting toys and products but is rarely even in the office to get your pitches.
Since he travels weekly on assignment, contact his assistant, Terry Campbell, who opens his mail and answers questions while he's away. She suggests sending the product with the picture to grab Pargh's attention.
SECTIONS: GENERAL ASSIGNMENT
Producer Antoinette Machiaverna has specific interests in women and parenting issues but is also interested in any exclusive story pitches
EDITORS/LEAD TIME: Producer Antoinette Machiaverna Phone: 212/664-5204 [email protected]
Lead Time: three months; the summer is practically booked.
METHODS: E-mail is best, but if you don't hear from her, feel free to give a follow-up call a few days later (mornings and early in the week are best).
COMMENTS: Another great contact is Supervising Producer Linda Finnell, who is the main pitch contact. She wants mail only and no follow-up calls. If she's interested, she'll get back to you promptly.
Editorial Contacts at The Today Show
Main Number: 212/664-4602
Jeff Zucker
Executive Producer
212/664-2830
Carole Kahn
Business Producer
212/664-6626
Terry Schaefer
General Assignment Producer
212/664-4059
Elliot Walker
General Assignment Producer
212/664-3230
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