I have a great programming idea for either Sirius or XM. What is the best way sell it so that I benefit?

Question

I have a great programming idea for either Sirius or XM. What is the best way sell it so that I benefit?

Answer 1

We have a joke in radio that everything's been done and we just steal programming and promotions from others. That joke lost steam with XM & Sirius. So, congrats if you've really got a new idea.

If it's a promotion or contest you would approach this differently than if it's a format (full-time programming for a station).

If it's for XM or Sirius satellite, do the following and then send to  them instead of what's mentioned below for an individual station:

Gary Parsons

XM Satellite Radio

866-962-2557

Mel Karmazin

Sirius Satellite Radio

c/o  Hillary Schupf

SIRIUS

212-901-6739

[e-mail]

For terrestrial:

First you should write the idea up in proposal form, seal it up in an envelope and mail it to yourself by certified mail. This a cheap but effect way to copyright the idea and protect yourself. Then start the process to officially protect yourself. This is about a two-year process through the US Patent and Copyright office - easily found on the net.

Once you're protected with the certified mail process, you can present your proposal to individual stations in your area that you feel would be apropriate for the idea.

If it's a promotion or contest, I'd take it the Program Director. If a full-time format, find a station that's not doing well in the ratings and present to the General Manager. I've posted a URL below that will help you find stations in your area and show their ratings (if they are in about the Top-100 markets).

Then start calling and see, if with a brief outline of your idea, you can score an appointment with the appropriate person at the right station.

Do up a Power Point presentation, have a written proposal as back up with details, dress appropriately for the appointment - and good luck!

You might also (in the directory section of the below URL) find a consultant in the format specialty that would be apropriate for your idea. You can also check the directory for Group Owners and find the corporate marketing or program manager and try to get through to them either by phone, email or snail mail.

Well, by now I've spent lots of time on this answer and you're probably saying, "Sheesh!" I know it's complicated. If you feel inclined, you're welcome to email me through Yahoo (just check my profile) and I can give you an idea if your idea is truly unique and if it has potential. You should wait until you've sent that letter - just in case I'm a crook ;<)

- a guy named duh