Joan Stewart, author of the Publicity Hound newsletter, writes:
My thanks to Jim Hunt, immediate past president of the National League of Cities, for passing along this great tip on Saturday, when I spoke to the Pittsburgh chapter of the National Speakers Association.
Jim, who speaks and consults for cities all across the U.S., says many local public access channels are begging people in their communities to submit decent-quality videos that can be broadcast for free.
“Most local officials will tell you they’re astounded at how many people watch these channels,” Jim says. “If they don’t have a lot of content, they’ll replay your program sometimes 20 times. So people who might be surfing through the channels late at night might stop and see your program for maybe 5 seconds, get a good taste for what it’s about, then keep watching.”
In the old days, Publicity Hounds who wanted to be on the public access channel would have to go to the studio at their local cable TV company, pay a small fee to rent camera equipment, bring their own camera person with them, and record the show.
Today, however, most cable companies will accept videos that you can create in your own basement, living room or office. And you don’t even need fancy equipment. Some digital cameras, for instance, can produce decent-quality video that you can edit on your computer. It’s that easy.
Jim says an auditor he knows created a video on identity theft, and the local cable company featured it several times. A local high school created programs on drug prevention.
I know many of you can come up with ideas on how to use the public access channel, also known as the PEG channel (public education and government) in lots of ways.
A dog trainer could demonstrate how to train a dog. A lawn firm could feature a panel of attorneys talking about a controversial legal issue in the news. A hair stylist can demonstrate how to cut hair. Professional speakers can promote their expertise by speaking on their particular topic. An author can create a fun program that ties into a recent book. And on and on.
Visit your local cable company’s website, or call them for more information.
Reprinted from “The Publicity Hound’s Tips of the Week,” an ezine featuring tips, tricks and tools for generating free publicity. Subscribe here and receive by email the handy list “89 Reasons to Send a News Release.”
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Hi Barbra,
I would never have considered making a public access video thinking it would be difficult or expensive.
Thanks for a Great Idea!
Glad to hear that you are inspired to give it a try Michelle!