TV MEDIA TOURS & SMT COMPANIES: SATELLITE MEDIA TOUR SPOKESPERSON HOST

A TV media tour (sometimes known as an SMT, or satellite media tour) is a strategic communications tool that allows companies, organizations, or individuals to reach a wide audience through live or pre-recorded interviews with multiple broadcast stations across different markets. The point of a TV media tour is to share a message, promote a product or service, or generate publicity through national or regional media exposure. Programs are commonly used for press releases, product launches, special events, or brand campaigns. We explain how sessions work and why programs are so effective.

The Process of a TV Media Tour

1. Planning and Strategy
   The first step in any program is careful planning. That involves deciding on the spokesperson (often an executive, expert, or celebrity) and the key message that needs to be communicated. The best TV media tours typically involve several interviews scheduled back-to-back over the course of a day or several days. Companies or PR firms will work with coordinators to select the markets, media outlets, and specific stations that align with their target audience. The spokesperson’s availability and comfort with TV media tour interviews are crucial for success.

2. Scheduling and Coordination
   Once the planning phase is complete, the producer coordinates with stations to schedule interviews. The stations could be local affiliates of national networks (such as NBC, ABC, CBS, or FOX) or regional channels. The big advantage of a TV media tour company’s efforts is that a spokesperson can reach multiple  stations in different cities or regions without having to travel. The spokesperson can remain at a central location while the media tour is executed.

3. Broadcast Technology
   Also note that TV media tours can be conducted using different types of technology. The most common methods are satellite media tours (SMTs) or digital video conferences. In traditional SMTs, the spokesperson appears live from a satellite uplink facility and is broadcast via satellite to various media outlets. In more recent years, digital platforms have become more common, allowing interviews to be conducted through high-definition video calls. Virtual tools like Zoom, Skype, or custom media platforms allow the spokesperson to connect with journalists and hosts remotely from anywhere in the world.

4. Interview Execution
   On the day of the TV media tour, the spokesperson participates in a series of short interviews with  hosts or journalists. The interviews are typically 3-5 minutes long and cover topics such as the spokesperson’s expertise, the company’s latest product or service, or upcoming events. Each interview is tailored to the specific audience of the station, but the topline message remains consistent.

5. Follow-Up and Results
   After the TV media tour, the SMT company tracks the broadcasted interviews and provides performance metrics, such as audience reach and viewership data. The information helps the client gauge the effectiveness of the campaign and its return on investment.

Benefits of TV Media Tours

• Broad Reach: A program allows a company to reach a diverse audience across multiple regions without the need for extensive travel or individual pitching to media outlets.
• Cost-Efficiency: Co-ops are a cost-effective way to maximize exposure, especially for national or international campaigns, as they eliminate the logistical costs of traveling to each station.
• Instant Credibility: Appearing on TV shows or news broadcasts enhances a company’s credibility and public perception. Interviews with reputable stations help position a spokesperson as an industry expert.

Putting It Together

TV media tours are an effective way for companies to gain national or regional media coverage, promote key messages, and increase brand visibility. Through leveraging modern broadcasting technology, businesses can reach audiences across different regions without the need for excessive travel. The combination of strategic planning, seamless coordination, and broadcast technology makes programs an essential tool for companies looking to make a big impact in a short amount of time.