Honestly…|an honest take on the world of PR and other things by Cindy Ronzoni

Network honchos and heads of publicity departments sometimes wonder why their press conferences are not better attended. If this happens to be a pattern you are experiencing over and over, then my advice to you is to ask yourself one simple question.  Is your content newsworthy? This same principal also applies to every press announcement as well.  If you are not getting the pick up you think you should…maybe you need to re-examine its content.

I recently saw this fact illustrated at last week’s cable portion of the Television Critics Association (TCA) Winter Press Tour. But first I have to make this disclaimer -  this tour is not the best gauge of news due to the fact that the critics are at the same hotel and  pretty much have to report on all events of the tour. Even conferences with little or no value still receive worthwhile support.  But, for the networks who really brought news and stars – the room was packed. Content definitely is king.

I was greatly discouraged by last fall’s TV schedule so much so that I didn’t Tivo one new show. But, now after seeing some of the fare coming up I am encouraged once again as a loyal TV fan. There were two networks at the TCA that received the widest media attendance.  Those were A&E and HBO. For those two sessions, the room was filled with the top TV media in the US and Canada and there was standing room only. They touted their “A” game for sure – they brought it.

One of the Heroes on The Tour

A&E’s turnout was due to its new crime drama starring Patrick Swayze called “The Beast.” We are were hoping to see Patrick in person because everyone is pulling for him during his difficult time with cancer. But, just as the press conference was going to start, they broke the news that he checked himself into the hospital that morning. This conference produced news and dealt with the situation spot-on perfectly. They had a statement from Patrick and the producers shared with us how hard he worked on the series and all cited that is some of his best work. It was an incredible session and no one felt one bit slighted. I think we all became fans of the show after that heartfelt session. A+ all the way around for how they handled a very difficult situation.

And then there was HBO.  They brought out their talent. Kevin Bacon. Jessica Lange. Drew Barrymore. Bill Paxton. Ted Haggard to name a few.  They came despite what other commitments they may have had. And the media responded with incredible support.

As the dozens of shows passed before us, there was one that moved us like no other. It’s a documentary airing Feb. 21 on HBO called “Taking Chance.”

TV at its Best - "Taking Chance" on HBO

Kevin Bacon stars in this HBO Films presentation, based on the first-person narrative of Lt. Col Michael R. Strobl. Strobl was the military escort assigned to accompany the body of 19-year-old Lance Corporal Chance Phelps who was killed fighting in Iraq. I think why it was so different from the other product that we saw because it  was “real” and “true” and “relevant” to our daily lives, but yet something we seldom ever seen.  I mean did you know that each fallen soldier has an escort?  I had no idea, but that is a wonderful honor that the armed services provides.  Some reporters told me that they had an early screener of the documentary and they said it was incredible.  But, be ready when you watch it to have some kleenex around. Great job HBO.

There were some other key moments from smaller niche networks. National Geographic Channel’s Explorer series is presenting a look “Inside Guantanamo.” In presenting this program, they had a proper mix of executives and military personnel present to bring us up to date on the political situation and they also explained to us why they would allow cameras in at all. It was a lively session with heated discussion and it was too bad that Nat Geo had the last slot of the day when we were all running on fumes.

And ironically, it was the last session of the tour that brought interesting news too – Current. They introduced us to their Gen-Y “Vanguard” reporters who are breaking amazing stories – sometimes two years in advance of “60 Minutes.” These gritty reporters bring you right into the heart of issues in the world and put themselves in danger.  It was great stuff. So check them out.

Also, Sundance Channel is helping us learn how to be more eco-friendly with “The Lazy Environmentalist” and “Eco Trip:The Real Cost of Living.”  And We TV wants to teach us how to become healthier – all good things.

I have to say what resonated with me were shows that cared about our world, society and those that give back or make us better people.  For some, they may learn from E!’s “Clean House,” but for me it is the show’s I mentioned above. All of them will help me become a better person and keep me informed.  But, I guess there’s still some place for TLC’s “Nascar Wives” or Travel’s “Sexiest Beaches,” but not in my household.

Thank goodness we all have choice. There’s some great TV on the horizon! So stay tuned.