Talk shows are media programs wherein people share discussions about topics and issues. Publicity agents may be used to get scheduled interviews (bookings) on talk shows. A program manager coordinates the talk show program schedule. Talk shows are usually composed of a host who moderates the show and participants such as guests or people who call in and share. Talk shows may be aired on television, radio or the Internet (podcasts).

Publicity Agent (PR Agent) - A publicity agent is a person or company who represents the promotional activities of another person or company, which may include booking talk shows or interviews. Publicity agents have lists of talk shows with which they often have established relationships, and provide a level of credibility for a person who wishes to secure a booking. An example of a publicity agent that specializes in getting talk show bookings is Special Guests (www.specialguests.com).

Program Manager - A program manager is a person who is responsible for identifying and managing the selection of media programs for a talk show or media channel. Program managers seek speakers for programs, such as TV or radio talk shows, and may also review show proposals. Program managers tend to be very busy people and they can be hard to reach and work with.

Talk Show Host - A talk show host is a person who performs interviews with guests. The talk show host asks questions and coordinates calls, emails or other forms of communication between listeners and guests.

Talk Show Guest - A talk show guest is a person who provides information about a topic and responds to questions from the host and from the listening or viewing audience.

Question List - While talk show hosts may have a fair understanding of the industry that their show covers, their knowledge of the specific topics or issues related to their guest may not be known. It is recommended to provide the talk show with a suggested list of questions for the interview process. The talk show host may or may not use the provided questions.

Radio Talk Shows - While a radio talk show may be initially performed live, radio talk show interviews are likely to be stored and rebroadcasted for several hours or days after the interviews.

Podcasts - Podcasts are the provision of media to multiple recipients who have registered with or belong to a podcast service.

This figure shows how a white paper can be promoted on a talk show. The process may start with the use of a publicity agent who identifies talk shows that match the desired topic. The publicity agent contacts the program manager, proposes the talk show topic and, if acceptable, the program manager confirms a booking date and time for the talk show interview. The guest may prepare a question list which is provided to the publicity agent and the program manager. Shortly before the talk show interview, the guest calls in to the studio to setup the audio and/or video connections. The talk show interview is performed and recorded by the studio. The recorded talk show interview may be broadcasted again several times during the same day. It also may be made available on the broadcaster’s web site for months or longer.