If your pitches to the morning news shows are falling on deaf ears, don't take it personally, said producers of popular sunrise shows during the Oct. 8 "Working with Morning Show TV Producers," luncheon in New York, sponsored by the Publicity Club of New York.
"Today Show" Producer Antoinette Machiaverna estimated that out of 100 pitches she receives, only about five are passed on to the show's supervising producer, Linda Finnell.
But don't lose hope. Machiaverna and the rest of the panel, Sonya Armstead, Good Day New York and Patty Neger, Good Morning America, offered a slew of Dos and Don'ts.
- Always state who your client is
- Learn how to take "no" for an answer
- Address letters to the person you are trying to reach
- Don't leave long, rambling messages. Get to the point quickly, starting with your name, number, client and why the shows' viewers would appreciate your story
- Don't call more than once a day
- Don't call a producer to say you are sending them a story idea. Just send it in the appropriate manner
- Watch the show so you don't pitch a story that just aired.
While every pitch may not land your client a television spot, keep trying, advised Negar. "We need you as much as you need us. We really are open to suggestions."
Contact Information: Today Show, NBC News, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, Suite 304, New York, NY 10112; Phone: 212/664-7385; Good Morning America, 147 Columbus Ave., New York, NY 10023; Phone: 212/456-5900; Fax: 212/456-2859; Good Day New York: 205 E. 67th St. New York, NY 10021. (Look for HotSheet's specific "do's and dont's" for pitching each morning show in next week's Pitch Tips)