A media bio has to give media what they want to hear
They are looking for expert.
Producers are responsible - so they want expert, media trained.

Prepare bio to convince producer I am perfect expert.

What should be in a media bio?
1. One paragraph to 3 - definitely 1 page
2. load with powerful info right away so they don't have to read a lot
3. credentials academic achievements affiliations(PhD, etc)
4. Associations I belong to - affiliations
5. Author, what publications, articles. Papers. Studies
6. Source the papers so the media can find them - Media will do it's own research, Google search look up the places I am published.
7. Be totally honest
8. Achivement awards
9. Media appearances,
10. Better to say appear on nationally syndicated shows not identify exactly so not competition.
11. Can put in where located, home and practice.

What doesn't belong?
1. Personal story or where I was born. The personal story may work occasionally but usually not. They don't need information they don't need to know
2. Perhaps last line is personal info, married children where I live,
3. Not personal family history, not personal triumphs and tragedies.

Need to be able to tweak bio to customize for each specific show.

Have someone else read my media bio and get objective feedback. Most likely will take 3-4 different re-writes to get it good better best

Like O'Reilly Factor is looking for something very specific so tweak my bio for them specifically.

May not read like traditional paragraph, can be credential, credential, credential, make it easy for them. If I have so many credentials list them in 2 or more paragraphs

Should have media bio and extended bio

Change Media bio anytime anything relevant happens or I am highlighting a different quality. Lead with that experience about something specific.

When sending out email - use in subject line something news relevant. Make the content short to the point. Include immediate contact info, like web site, phone

Broadcast emails are not the only way to get booked. Also follow up with calls

Bacons.com - order media directory (may be $200)
can also get on-line version cost about 2K
800-972-9252

Producers are given assignments, they may go to booker.

Contact the show, follow up with media kit, and follow up with email. Do your research before sending media kit, otherwise costly.

Number 1 mistake is to not know what the show is about and if I fit.

What goes into media kit

1. Bio
   
2. media style press release
   
3. video or audio tape of me
   
4. recent press, especially major press
   
5. Not too thick, they may just automatically toss it.
   
6. Photo

If less credentials, like PhD then enhance other things, like community achievements

Can email media kits- should have a photo Media kits on a web site are great.

Leaving a voice mail - almost like leaving a bio. Purpose is to intrigue and engage within 10 to 15 seconds
Phone number first - say it slow. Say it again at the end. Say it slow again.
Don't leave the same voice mail twice.
Fax over press release.
Speak to receptionist.
Ready with segment style info specific for what they are looking for.

How often to call back if I get no response? Negative feedback is great learning tool. Get help creating segment style and also how to present myself in 30 seconds or less
Listen to their message and follow any instructions