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Broadcast News Segment: Preparation Checklist

The night before my first broadcast news segment booking I woke up a minimum of 10 times during the night (the segment was at 6:30 a.m.). What if I overslept? What if my client doesn't show up? What if someone (me) got lost driving to the news station? What if my client wasn't prepared? There are countless what ifs that come to mind while preparing yourself and your client for any media interview, and even more when the interview is going to be broadcast live on television. In an effort to sleep through the night, I have created a mental timeline/checklist that I run through every time I book a news segment. Good luck and good night.

Timeline:

When Interview is Scheduled
Send high-level overview email to client, including:
Date
Time
Location
Interview Subject

One Week Before Interview (depending upon how far out the segment is booked)
Send detailed overview to client, including:
Date
Time
Location
Your cell phone number
Phone number for the station
Directions
Brief summary of format of interview
Speaking points for interview
What to wear, what not to wear (colors, etc)
Start compiling B-roll to accompany the segment

Three to Five Days Before Interview
Send overview to producer, including:
Spokesperson's Name
Title
Company Name
Company Website
Company Contact Number
Additional information for the blue screen (Tips, Key Messages for interview)
List of products, if any, that client is bringing
Any relevant press materials
Your cell phone number



Day Before Interview
Confirm interview with Client
Get client's cell phone number
Print out directions for yourself to broadcast station
Dry run of interview (role play with client, acting as interviewer)

Day of Interview
Accompany client to interview in order to:
Answer any questions or requests from the producer
Explain the B-roll that could accompany the story
Prep client by going through talking points if necessary
Show your client dedication to their accountMeet the producer face-to-face; it helps to build a stronger relationship

- Stacey at Domino
stacey@domino-pr.com

posted by The Ardell Group @ 2:09 PM