While March Madness has made many men unusually clicker happy (and some women mad), it may be the time to start courting sports publications, TV and radio shows. Most have allotted more time and space than usual to sports reviews, previews and profiles. A good bet is WTEM's Sports Talk 980, which produces several original programs, and syndicated shows. As a Chancellor Media Station, WTEM has added a new lineup this month in honor of March Madness. Sports Talk brings on Jim Rome, syndicated sports talk radio show host, from noon to 3 p.m., and legendary Georgetown coach John Thompson will join the Doc & Al Show to host "Time Out With Thompson."
THE DOC & AL SHOW
This locally produced show airs from 10 a.m. to noon weekdays and covers more than just hard-core sports. Anything related to "guy entertainment" such as movies, books or music tailored to a man's taste is desired.
Producer: Andy Walton
Fax: 301/881-8025
Phone: 301/231-7798
Lead Time: depends on the nature of the story; usually one week will suffice.
Methods:Producers want PR pros to start with a fax and then follow-up with a call for more details.
Comments: General Manager Tod Castleberry says that when the show launched seven years ago, producers were vying for valuable guests. Now it's much easier to grab intriguing guests for interviews. This means the need for PR has lessened, but the need for creative PR tactics is as important as ever. Give producers a compelling or "off the wall" story to entice them.
Castleberry says Sports Talk is shying away from interviewing authors.
THE KEN BEATRICE SHOW
The focus here is solely on "hard-edge" sports stories. The Doc & Al show is a good venue for creative features, but stick to an all-sports pitch for Ken Beatrice.
This show airs from 7-10 p.m. weekdays.
Producer: Shawn Bryant
Fax: 301/881-8025
Phone: 301/231-7798
Lead Time: Daily or weekly is fine.
Methods: Again, fax works best. Casteberry says keeping in touch with producers is a great way to build relationships and make air time. Keep sending them advanced copies of books or faxing press releases.
Comments: One of the staff's pet peeves is that publicists are getting cheap with sending copies of books or other materials. Castleberry says most refuse to send more than one copy of the book, even when two producers may be doing a segment.
This may put you in a tricky situation when your budget is also tight, but it may be worth the money to get your client on air.
Editorial Contacts at Sports Talk
Main Number: 301/231-7798
Contact all producers through the main number
Chris Johnson - Producer
Rick Graham - Producer
Recent Guests
The Doc & Al Show has recently done interviews the models from the Sports Illustrated reknowned swimsuit issue (if you were wondering, this would be categorized as "guy entertainment"). These co-hosts also plan to profile a movie and tell viewers if it's a "chick flick" or guy-worthy.