Dont Pay for Radio Interviews

It used to be that all you had to do was pitch a great idea with a clever hook, and you'd be booked as a guest on a half-hour radio show.

These days, however, hang onto your wallet. A new breed of radio host is insisting that guests fork over a few hundred dollars--sometimes more--for the "privilege" of being on their show. Some guests, desperate for exposure for a new book or project, willingly pay the money. Then they're disappointed when they get little feedback from listeners, or the show leads to no product sales.

There's nothing wrong with the concept of paying money for air time. But there's a name for it. It's called advertising. Joe Sabah, author of the book How to Get on Radio Talk Shows All Across America says that if you want a legitimate interview, no money should change hands.

"With more than 740 radio shows all over the country willing to book guests for free, there's absolutely no reason why anybody should have to pay," Sabah said.

A different twist on the same theme involves a radio station approaching someone and offering them their own weekly show on a particular topic, then telling them they must charge guests to appear. That means that if a host comes across someone who they think would be a great guest, they can't book them if the guest can't afford to pay.

Why, suddenly, are some radio interviews no longer free?

The radio industry has been going through sweeping changes in the last several years, with many stations being bought or sold for hefty amounts, and that means they're trying to entice people like you into paying the freight.

Joann McCall has an interesting perspective on the problem. As president of McCall Public Relations in Portand, Oregon, she specializes in generating publicity for authors. She also has been a radio host, interviewer and newscaster for 18 years and hosts a radio show with her partner, Debb Janes, called "Janes McCall & Co.," on KKSN radio in Portland.

McCall says the practice of charging guests has become acceptable-even though it isn't right.

"Having someone approach you to pay for an interview is like buying a radio infomercial," she said.

McCall advises that guests don't pay. Instead, when you hear a sales pitch, simply reply, "Pay for an interview? I don't need to. Thanks anyway."

"Don't be bullied by these people," she said.

Joan Stewart, a.k.a. The Publicity Hound, shows you how to use the media to establish your credibility, enhance your reputation, sell more products and services, promote a favorite cause or issue, and position yourself as an employer of choice. She publishes "The Publicity Hound's Tips of the Week," a free ezine on how to generate thousands of dollars in free publicity. Subscribe at http://www.PublicityHound.com and receive by email the free checklist "89 Reasons to Send a News Release."

---

What People Believe Can Bring You Success

Just think about it.If I come to believe that you... Read More

Media Relations: Ending the Press Release Crutch

When most people think of media relations, they think of... Read More

Do You See PRs Real Value?

As a business, non-profit or association manager, do you see... Read More

Publicity Tips from the Pros

If you want to know the best way to approach... Read More

Why PR Can be Effective Medicine

When properly applied by business, non-profit and association managers, public... Read More

Is This the PR You Thought You Were Getting?

You know, where you do something positive about the behaviors... Read More

Business Community Relations 101 - Getting the Most Out of Your Chamber of Commerce Membership

Since the major part of a small business typically comes... Read More

In PR, You Pay When You Stray

Don't let yourself be diverted by communications tactics playtime. You... Read More

Media Contact Lists and How to Build a Fantastic One

I got the latest issue of Internet Works in the... Read More

Its CNN! They Want To Talk To You!

Being invited to appear on radio and television used to... Read More

PR? Why?

Well, for starters, because good public relations can alter individual... Read More

Smashing the Myth of the Press Release

A musician spends years honing his craft. He writes world-class... Read More

Do-It-Yourself Public Relations

"Advertising is what you pay for. Publicity is what you... Read More

How To Write A Killer Press Release

One of the primary tools still used by PR professionals... Read More

Advertising Is Dead. Long Live PR

Although I still believe there is a place for advertising... Read More

Monarch Health Sciences starts shipping long awaited Monavie and Monavie Active

The Acai Berry is starting to gain world wide recognition... Read More

How To Get Radio-Active PR For Your Non-Profit Cause-Part One

"We are in the communications business, the business of conveying... Read More

Do You Have Issues?

Every organization has issues that could affect its operation. The... Read More

Hey, Mr/Ms Manager!

Does it really make sense to bet your PR budget... Read More

Andrew Bogut - His Big Media Blunder And What You Can Learn From It

Andrew Bogut, the Australian basketballer is now officially in the... Read More

So Whats Wrong With Strategic?

Some folks see the word "strategic" as a needlessly tiresome... Read More

The Right Hook

Have you fantasized about spreading word of your business on... Read More

Submitting A Press Release Can Benefit Your Business

A Press Release is a captive story that can be... Read More

PR: Behavior Modification Specialist

While awaiting economic recovery, business needs to attract the attention... Read More

Public Relations ? Defining Your Organization from the Inside Out

What do your customers say about your company?Would you let... Read More

A Great Way to Do PR

As a business, non-profit or association manager trying to get... Read More

Ramp Up Your Newsletter to Build a Strong Business

To survive in business, you've got to focus your attention... Read More

Rise of the Creative Class

The fast changing dynamics of the world economy is forcing... Read More

Sending Samples With Your Press Release-- should you or shouldnt you? Heres a guide?

When you should send samples with your press release:1) When... Read More

Publicity: Marketing-Minded Financial Planners, Never Say These Words to a Reporter

Everyone has something that drives them up a wall. You... Read More

PR: The Thrill of a Good Idea

The notion that a business, non-profit or association manager can... Read More

Effective Public Relations: Why Did Bec And Lleyton Do It At 3:15AM?

If you are in Australia at the moment, it is... Read More

Much Ado About A Lot!

I say public relations can be a matter of survival... Read More