Rates for small market TV

Tom Pagnotti · Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2008, 19:03 (GMT) Post subject: Rates for small market TV

I've been contacted by a TV station in a small market (Between Neilsen #200 and 210).

I don't think they want daily topical stuff - just promos, id's and such.

Any idea on what a monthly retainer in this size market should be worth?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Tom

Melba Sibrel · Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2008, 14:58 (GMT) Post subject:

You might find out what their volume is estimated to be, figure how many hours of work that is for you each month and set your monthly retainer at a rate based on an hourly you can live with. You could then set your terms at $-00 for up to X hours of your time.

Lee Gordon · Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2008, 19:22 (GMT) Post subject:

Tom -- Believe it or not, the AFTRA rate for what you describe is relatively meager and something a station in that size market ought to be able to afford. The day rate is just $55 per call in. So if you anticipate doing all your voice work in, say, three sessions a week, you might start with $165 and make whatever adjustment you think is appropriate.

Carl Hedgepeth · Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2008, 22:55 (GMT) Post subject:

Try the FCC. I believe they track those numbers and since the FCC is funded by us tax payers, that info has to be public domain. Very likely on their website, I just didn't hunt for it. If anyone finds it upload it so we'll all know.....

Also, you might try the Chamber of Commerce or Better Biz for that market. Those folks are nuts about keeping weird stats on business.

Finally, if nothing else, if you can find some other stations with the same market share, call and ask the station manager. Who knows, it might turn out to be the best cold call you've ever made... Very Happy

Allen Brown · Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008, 16:16 (GMT) Post subject:

Carl Hedgepeth · Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008, 16:33 (GMT) Post subject:

Allen,

I didn't mean to imply that the FCC would track to that detail. I suggested it as a place to start.

I'm starting a cold call campaign this week hoping to drum up more VO work. I'm lousy at cold calls but hey, it's acting too right?

Good luck

Tom Pagnotti · Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008, 19:56 (GMT) Post subject:

Thanks for the input all...

I looked at the price for one of my client stations in the mid hundreds (I think they're Neilsen #134) and worked from there. I signed the station last week at a pretty decent rate considering the market size (upper 200's).

Allen Brown · Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008, 21:51 (GMT) Post subject:

Good goin', Tom.

Very Happy

Sid Whatley · Posted: Tue Feb 26, 2008, 00:58 (GMT) Post subject:

I did this back in the mid 90's for a local radio station and they gave me a retainer of $800mo. Not a lot but it was steady. The best part of it was the variety of scripts/products. Plus I was able to do quality check about 5times an hour at home, in the car, on tv....etc. That made it all worth it.