America, where anyone can (pay to) be on TV

[vettecat]

My mom got a call from someone saying they were calling "select small businesses," offering to feature our store on Keeping America Strong. It seemed intriguing; basically, a TV team led by William Shatner does a 1/2-hour segment on your store/business which will be broadcast on national TV, and then you get a bunch of videos of your segment to distribute to potential clients. They'd even waive the usual "celebrity fee." Sounds great, doesn't it? Well, it might, if we could afford the $15,000 production cost... After my mom picked her jaw up off the floor, she thanked them for the opportunity and politely declined. I'd think that anyone who could afford that kind of money probably doesn't need the publicity, but I guess there must be some that do. Certainly gives you a new perspective on infomercials, though...

Comments

[kiddr.livejournal.com]

HOLY SMOKES! I was reading your post to my mom and she even pointed out it could have been a total hpax.

[vettecat.livejournal.com]

Your mom's awake too? You'll all sleep after the wedding, eh? :-) I did wonder about that, but the info on the website is consistent with what the guy said on the phone, and I found references on a couple of company sites to having been on the show... so it seems like it's probably real. I guess you never really know, though.

[kiddr.livejournal.com]

Sleep?? what's that ? Finally finished working today. Dont know why I bothered going in. Spring Break for the county where I was working and 3 out of 8 kids showed and none bothered to call and cancel in advance.

[vettecat.livejournal.com]

That's annoying! I hope you were able to get some paperwork done, at least.

[madfilkentist]

In other words, they were asking her to buy an ad. $15K doesn't sound bad at all for that kind of advertising exposure, but it's an odd way to sell ads.

[vettecat.livejournal.com]

I suppose it's not a bad price for the product as such, but since it was originally pitched as "we want to feature your small business on our program," the price tag came as a bit of a shock.

[catalana.livejournal.com]

Wow, what a set-up!

[vettecat.livejournal.com]

I wonder how many people go for it... but I guess even if 1 person out of 50 does it, they're still doing pretty well.

[mabfan.livejournal.com]

Hey, I'm trained on the Brookline Access Television digital camera? Want to make your own show about the store for BAT? It'll cost you $20 for the tape. :-)

[vettecat.livejournal.com]

That's a great price! If I decide I want to be on television, I'll let you know. :-)