What is daytime TV looking for? Tips to pitch Meredith Vieira and Rachael Ray

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When I first started in PR, no matter who the client, they wanted to be on Oprah. And many wished for the most-anticipated show of the year, the reveal of Oprah’s favorite things. 

Frankly, it’s a bit easier for us PR folks that there no longer is the “holy grail” that was Oprah. (By the way, until I googled a moment ago, I had no idea that there was still a “favorite things” list. Credit to you if you have the patience to click through a whopping 72 items, but I do like these colorful pens.)  

But for those of us with clients who still crave network or daytime talk shows, I recently heard from some of the bookers from The Meredith Vieira Show and The Rachael Ray Show. Here are some key takeaways to determine if your business, story or client is a good fit: 

Are you a celebrity? 

Unfortunately for most of us without access to celebrities, an A-list celebrity name within an email subject line is still going to catch the bookers’ attention the most. The week bookers were sharing their thoughts at a New York City PR event, Kim Catrall had been in town talking about menopause, an interesting juxtaposition with her history with “Sex and the City.” So, realistically understand that your chances to make a show are a lot smaller without a celebrity connection. I’m not at all saying don’t try, but instead, be realistic and then smart about your approach. 

Remember the guest you’re offering needs to be TV friendly

Bookers suggested that for non-celebrities, pitches should contain proof that a guest will succeed in an interview format. Link to prior television interviews and include a photo. Don’t make a booker Google to find these things on their own. (Social media play is also important for these shows. If your guest has a significant Twitter following, talk follower numbers.) 

Know what doesn’t work

The Meredith Vieira Show doesn’t want an ISIS pitch, nor does it want studies or surveys. And the folks at Rachael Ray have heard all they care to about how cucumbers are a beauty treatment for the eyes; you won’t be covering new ground there. The more important point is to watch each show for the kinds of segments that work for them. (No, this is not new advice, but maybe it will inspire fellow PR practitioners to set their DVRs for a few days.) One week in October, for example, I saw Meredith reunite a family with their military dad/husband and also learned that Meredith’s dad is a veteran. That’s a meaningful insight for The Olde Glory Coffee Company, a client of ours that donates 50 cents per pound of coffee sold to veterans and wounded warrior organizations.)  

What are your secrets to pitching network talk shows with success? Please share below. In the meantime, it’s a great time of year to DVR Rachael Ray just to catch holiday ideas – from decorations from HGTV’s “Property Brothers” to cocktails – for personal use. Enjoy!

Stacey Brucia

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