How to Pitch to National TV Shows
Learn How to Make an Effective Pitch to TV Producers
One of my clients, Mustafa Ammar, asked me to provide feedback on a pitch letter he was going to send to national morning TV show producers. I edited his letter and cut a lot of words, but the letter was still too long, filled with $10 words and long complicated sentences. It wasn’t bad, but too long.
The Long Pitch Letter
Dear Good Morning America Producer,
I hope this message finds you well.
The rapid advancements in AI and technology are causing seismic shifts in various industries, rendering many traditional jobs obsolete. This unprecedented challenge calls for a re-evaluation of career opportunities and a deeper understanding of how to stay relevant in a changing landscape.
In this context, I'd like to share my own journey, which could provide an example for people facing these transformations. I began my career in pharmacy, driven by a genuine passion for helping people with their health. However, I soon recognized that pharmacy was not for me.
This realization led me to explore another passion, a career in diplomacy where I could represent my culture on a global stage. Yet, the impact I yearned to make in Malawi, China, and the United Nations led me to transition into banking. So, I began working at The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank focusing on bringing vital investments to developing countries.
Throughout this journey, I discovered yet another calling as an author and coach. I understood that my diverse experiences could serve as a guiding light for others facing career transformations. Today, I am dedicated to helping professionals find their true passions and reignite their careers.
My story illustrates the importance of embracing change and seeking new skills in a world dominated by AI and other technological advancements. My experiences can provide valuable insights for your viewers as they navigate the challenges posed by these technological shifts.
I would love to share my insights and offer hope to those facing career transitions in an era where adaptability is the key to success. I will be in New York from September 28 th to October 3 rd , and I can come to your studio for an in-person interview.
I look forward to the opportunity to inspire and empower your audience.
Warm regards,
My Shorter TV Pitch (less than 50 words)
A.I. sucks. Technology changes so fast.
What are people to do in such a turbulent job market?
I can show people how to adapt to fast change — in 5 minutes or less!
I am the poster child for career shapeshifters.
Can we talk? Please call me at xxx-xxx-xxxx.
Analysis of the Short Pitch
State the Problem
Feature a hot topic: A.I. Take a stand: A.I. sucks! Complete the thought: Technology changes so fast. How many of you can state a problem in seven words or less?
Ask a Question
What are people to do in such a turbulent job market? This question completes the statement of the problem and gets the producer thinking more about the problem.
Answer the Challenge
I can show people how to adapt to fast change — in 5 minutes or less!
Most TV interviews last 5 minutes or less. So make a promise to solve a problem in 5 minutes or less.
Now, you can’t really solve most problems in 5 minutes, but you can make a start. Take a step. If you can describe a step that is easy to take and begins people on the path, you can make the claim that you can help people in 5 minutes or less.
Summarize Your Qualifications
I am the poster child for career shapeshifters.
This statement provides the author’s credentials for talking about the subject. Short and sweet with a great soundbite: career shapeshifter.
Ask for the Interview
Can we talk? Please call me at xxx-xxx-xxxx.
Ask for something. And make it easy for them to reach you. The phone number you give them should be a cellphone number that makes you available 24/7 to the producers.
Add a Signature
Here is his signature line: Mustafa Ammar, author, Time to More On
In today’s world, with his name, Mustafa has an automatic diversity check — something that media always love. Not another old white man (like me), but a clearly diverse man. Plus an author.
Other Pitching Tips
With the above short pitch, the author has several things to prepare before the producers contact him:
Prepare 3 sound bites that are easy to remember, draw a picture, and get the attention of viewers.
Prepare a visual aid. Remember that this is TV. A visual storytelling tool is always a plus.
Prepare to speak no more than 5 minutes. Keep your answers short and vivid. Give the interviewer a chance to ask you more questions. And, before the interview, be sure to provide the interviewer with a list of suggested questions that will capture the interest of the show’s audience.
