Here’s how to bring the scrapbooking show that beginner and experienced scrapbookers are excited about to your town. But first, a little about how Public television and “how-to” programming work.

Public television programs are fed via satellite; each local station has the option of airing the program at the time of the satellite feed or holding it for later broadcast. If they have not yet made plans to air the show, you may need to convince them of the value of the program to your customers and their viewers. Here are three options to help bring “Scrapbook Memories” to your area.

Let the program manager know that as a viewer of public television and a local scrapbooking retailer you’d like to see “Scrapbook Memories” added to the programming schedule. Mention that you and your customers have heard about the show and are excited about the opportunity to see it on their PBS station.

Option 2: You can email your request. Go to the PBS website at www.pbs.org and on the left column enter your zip code. Then select the station you watch. Next, click on the station call letters in the top left corner next to the PBS logo. Then select “contact” and you’ll be given the “how to reach us” page.

Option 3: Start a write in campaign. Here’s a sample letter.

Dear Program Manager:

We represent (fill in your store name), a local scrapbook retailer. Many of your viewers and our customers have expressed an interest in the program, “Scrapbook Memories”. This program is offered on a free copy basis to all Public Television stations. Many of our customers already watch other “how-to” programs and feel this would be a valuable addition.

The program is produced by KS, Inc. and fed royalty free by NETA, the National Educational Telecommunications Association. The current series is fed on (fill in date and time from the chart listed below).

Thank you for your consideration. We know our customers will enjoy watching “Scrapbook Memories”.

Sincerely,
(fill in your name, address and store number)

Potential viewers

If you have any questions or would like further information please contact KS, Inc., at 800.348.3909 or
email, ksinc@apk.net.

Underwriting Possibilities

Another benefit of bringing “Scrapbook Memories” to your town is the valuable underwriting opportunity it can bring to your store. As you make plans for your annual advertising budget explore the possibilities of local underwriting by contacting your local PBS station.

Each station has its own policy regarding underwriting, what you receive and its cost. In most cases you receive a 15 to 20 second spot before and/or after the show. The station will help you in preparing this spot to meet PBS guidelines. This presentation is usually included in the underwriting fee. This form of television advertising is very economical. In some markets it is as little as $500 per 13 week series, to a high of about $10,000 in some larger markets. Unlike cable systems, public broadcasting is found in every market and local insertions or underwriting is always available if they decide to air the program.

The important points to make to the station when requesting to underwrite are:

1. My customers are viewers of your station and would benefit from “Scrapbook Memories”.

2. Provide the feed information (available from the producer)

3. Emphasize the instructional nature of “Scrapbook Memories” and not its commercial value to your store.

4. Mention the program is produced by KS, Inc., the producer of these programs:

• America Sews
• Hands On Crafts for Kids
• Scrapbook Memories
• Needle Arts Studio with Shay Pendray
• Sew Young, Sew Fun
• Quilting with Shar

To find out more about KS, Inc. “how-to” programming visit our website at www.ksonline.tv