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Got an offer to appear on TV today but might be a scam. Any TV experts here?

by D_M_S
15 replies
My business is quickly gaining traction and our press release is making headway.

I got an interesting call today. It's from a major network that I'm sure you've all heard of and its for a prime spot (the morning show). They want to do a piece on my industry and thought we would be a good fit. I checked out the show, the production company and even the booking agent I spoke with and I know they're all legitimate. However, they mentioned a "scheduling fee" that is well into the 4-figures. It's not all the money in the world, and most likely less than the cost of a commercial.

I know I've heard about other types of placements before, like authors on the news . . . who just also happened to have a new book out, etc. But does that type of thing happen often? Is it reasonable to pay a fee like this? The fee also includes the right to use the network logo (again, a major network) and a digital copy of the piece that we can market in any way we want.

Scam or common practice?
#experts #offer #scam #today
  • Profile picture of the author AshleyBolivar
    Why not just call the network directly and ask them if they require such a fee?
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    • Profile picture of the author D_M_S
      Originally Posted by AshleyBolivar View Post

      Why not just call the network directly and ask them if they require such a fee?
      Because networks don't really work that way, at least not any more. Production companies supply all the content now and each one is its own entity.
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  • Profile picture of the author kindsvater
    Initially, I would be wary. Was it a $5900 fee? You'll find a number of warnings on various websites about recent scams requesting scheduling fee payments to be on TV shows.

    What caught my eye was someone saying these companies troll press release sites, and you mentioned having a press release.

    I've been on a number of TV and radio shows, including CNBC this week, and have never had to pay a penny.

    But if you think the immediate media exposure and then subsequent ability to promote that exposure is worth more than the "fee", it should be an easy decision to make.

    There is presumably going to be a contract if money is involved. You may want to make sure this will be a positive piece on you and your industry, that you will have the opportunity to promote your product, that the show is guaranteed to air on a certain time, place, stations, etc.
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    • Profile picture of the author D_M_S
      Originally Posted by kindsvater View Post

      Initially, I would be wary. Was it a $5900 fee? You'll find a number of warnings on various websites about recent scams requesting scheduling fee payments to be on TV shows.

      What caught my eye was someone saying these companies troll press release sites, and you mentioned having a press release.
      Wow, you nailed the fee right on the dot!

      So, it sounds like this might be some sort of scam as I had feared. I always Google people's numbers before calling them and I verified that this guy works for the network and the show. But I guess it's just not meant to be then. Thanks for the info.
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  • Profile picture of the author Pete Egeler
    Producers of the various shows STILL book guests. And, if they want you, they do NOT require a "fee".

    Pete

    PS: Knowledge comes from 30+ years in the broadcasting industry!
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  • Profile picture of the author MichaelHiles
    NPR Radio did a piece on this a while back. It's a questionable marketing company that creates these pieces... IIRC, they use Hugh Downs or someone very noteworthy. They promise getting airtime but it plays like at 2am in some tiny market. They didn't have a favorable review about it and the interview with the big name guy was all hacked up and used out of context.

    Found the story... dunno if this is the company... Vision Media

    http://www.npr.org/templates/story/s...ryId=126056182
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    • Profile picture of the author edd666666
      I am a talk show host coach and I can tell you this is a scam, run from it. Thanks, Ed
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      • Profile picture of the author mammothsnowman
        As a members of the media I can tell you your being scammed. Have them call me, I will take care of the problem fast. I would love to catch a scamer and put that on ABC news
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        • Profile picture of the author OnlineMarketingSys
          Originally Posted by mammothsnowman View Post

          As a members of the media I can tell you your being scammed. Have them call me, I will take care of the problem fast. I would love to catch a scamer and put that on ABC news
          Yeah I agree 100%. There are all types of companies from "fake" record producers who want hundreds or thousands of dollars to help promote you. To modeling agencies, who promise to have you walking down the runway, for $500 studio fee here and a $500 modeling lesson there.

          That isn't to say there are not reputable PR agency's out there that can definately assist you in getting booked on TV and the radio. But generally they aren't going to solicit you directly. And they will have no problem providing references and a full contract with costs clearly written out and what you are getting.
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  • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
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    Look ... to the best of my knowledge a legitimate TV show does not charge people that they want to interview.

    I once won a $5,000 Prize for a JibJab contest and CNN wanted me to appear with JibJab on a piece about JibJab. They were going to pay my hotel and flight to California. It woulnd't cost me a dime. I didn't want to go and be on CNN, so I declined, but that is the way a network does it if they want you.
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  • Profile picture of the author Amy Carczak
    Scam ...this is a rip off that should be avoided!
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  • Profile picture of the author MilesT
    HAHA! I owned a company a couple of years back that just grew like nuts. Then out of the blue I get a call from this same place wanting to do a story about it... for about $12,000!!!! I was like...WHAT?!?!?!? NOOOOOOOOO.

    Basically (this is key) they want you to pay for an infomercial. It's a "story" but its all positive. They wont call it an infomercial, but that's what it is. I GRILLED them on this on our final phone call and they could not get around this one.

    Anyway, if you need a paid commercial for your company , yeah do it. :rolleyes:
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  • Profile picture of the author mclauchlan
    TV producers do not have a show if they cannot persuade people to take part in it. Often they pay guests to participate

    The general persuasion is getting a slot on prime time TV.

    Production companies and producers don't charge people to participate.

    John
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  • Profile picture of the author E. Brian Rose
    There is a lot of wrong information on this thread.

    I have worked in television almost all of my life. I can tell you that network produced shows do not charge their guests, however, there are a number of private production companies that buy the air time from various networks and charge for their guests to be on the show.

    I have no way of knowing if this particular offer was a scam or legit, but this is a fairly common practice. Basically, you are paying for advertising disguised as a TV show, which can be a very powerful means of promotion. Unlike regular guest spots, a paid guest spot is all about pitching your product or service.

    My advice is to ask to see past episodes and then make sure that the people that you are talking to are actually the people that are producing the show. Then confirm with the stations that they claim to air the show on that the show is actually aired there.
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  • Profile picture of the author Bruce NewMedia
    There are a bunch of these media companies in Boca Raton FL all basically pitching the same deal. Its advertising, falsely represented, not a legitimate TV program. The celebrities they use to front these things are usually sort of worn-out names who need the work.
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