WHAT DO SATELLITE MEDIA TOURS COST? – BREAKING DOWN SMT NUMBERS

You’re probably wondering: How much do satellite media tours cost? It’s a fair question, given that an SMT is seldom a small undertaking. Keep in mind: In today’s media landscape, getting your message out to a wide audience can be challenging. Understanding how much that satellite media tours cost can be an important part of any budget breakdown.

In any event, an effective strategy that companies and organizations often utilize is the satellite media tour (SMT). An SMT allows a spokesperson to be interviewed by multiple TV and radio outlets across the country (or even internationally) from a single location via satellite feed. But enough of the basics – how much does an SMT service cost?

The price tag for an SMT can vary considerably based on several factors. At the lower end, a basic regional SMT covering a handful of media markets might cost in the $10,000 to $15,000 range. This would likely involve tapping into an existing video feed rather than having a dedicated studio and satellite truck. For a national tour hitting all the major markets, companies can expect to pay anywhere from $25,000 to $50,000.

The high-end SMTs tend to be the most effective, but understandably come at a premium price. An elite nationwide tour with a high-production value broadcast feed, top-tier talent/spokesperson, and comprehensive media outreach and booking could easily run $75,000 to $100,000 or more. Many public relations firms offer different package levels to try to fit different budgets.

In addition to the base cost of booking studio time, satellite upload, and media bookings, there are often additional expenses to factor in. This can include travel costs for the spokesperson, hair/makeup services, professional video editing, custom audio/video elements, live webcasting for online viewers, and more. Hosting the SMT at an appealing location like a landmark or special event can add further premiums.

While cost is always a consideration, companies must weigh the potential return on investment of executing a successful satellite media tour. The ability toCreate messaging consistency and maximize audience reach often makes it worthwhile. Having an experienced PR team handle all the logistics is key to ensuring a smooth and impactful SMT.