10.01.25 By Bridgenext PR Team
It’s the question we get most often when talking to brands and agencies.
And the answer is – Yes.
It’s easy to see why. In a media environment dominated by clicks, algorithms, and endless digital noise, TV can feel like yesterday’s playbook. But here’s the surprising truth: the relevance of satellite media tours (SMTs) hasn’t faded – it’s been redefined.
In fact, SMTs are experiencing a renaissance. While there’s no denying the power of the click-through, being on TV remains one of the most valuable channels for growing brand trust, awareness, and recall. And when paired with today’s hybrid media strategies, SMTs become a powerhouse for awareness, credibility, and amplification.
Here are the top 6 reasons SMTs are still (very much) a thing:
Every day, millions of Americans tune in to morning news shows, local lifestyle segments, and talk programs – not just for information, but for a sense of connection. There is no comparison to TV’s reach. And its ability to connect millions of people simultaneously, foster culture, and provide a reliable, broad platform for brands, ensures its continued importance in the modern media landscape.
Whether it’s a new product launch reaching coast-to-coast on a single morning or a health campaign spotlighted on regional affiliates, the scale is unmatched. It’s not just about impressions; it’s about creating a collective conversation.
In the age of misinformation, consumers fact-check influencers, question reviews, and swipe past sponsored posts without a second thought. Yet, television is still considered a trustworthy and credible source of news and entertainment. A TV presence can lend legitimacy and authority to a brand, fostering trust among consumers.
Think of it as the difference between an ad telling you something and a news anchor asking thoughtful questions of your spokesperson. One feels transactional, the other feels authoritative. In an era where brand trust is fragile, that distinction matters.
TV leaves a lasting impression. From national breaking news and iconic campaigns like Just Do It to the most talked about season finales, the medium allows brands to tell compelling, emotional stories that build deeper connections with viewers, going beyond just name recognition to convey a brand’s narrative.
It brings stories to life with tone, expression, and context that static ads simply can’t replicate. When a spokesperson demonstrates a product on camera, tells a personal story, or shares expertise in real time, the audience feels it.
A common misconception is that investing in PR Services that focuses on TV takes away from digital. Broadcast and digital efforts shouldn’t be seen as competitors. By working in conjunction with digital and other platforms, TV can significantly boost the overall effectiveness and ROI of an integrated marketing campaign.
A clip from a live SMT can be repurposed into social snippets, embedded into blog posts, boosted through paid campaigns, or used in email outreach. The result is a media ecosystem where every channel strengthens the other.
Media tours are not one size fits all – today’s Radio Media Tours (RMTs) include multi-platform outreach, content distribution and audience targeting on radio and streaming platforms. Fun fact: radio is America’s number 1 medium, providing reach, listener diversity and 24/7 access. Add in streaming and podcast extensions, and suddenly your story isn’t just on the morning show, it’s in the car, at the gym, and on-demand in someone’s pocket. That kind of ubiquity is hard to get anywhere else.
The value of being on TV in an editorial format is undeniable. Television is still considered one of the most trusted media platforms. For consumers, it signals legitimacy: if they’re on TV, they must matter.
When it comes to building a brand’s long-term reputation, local media provides an essential ROI and authenticity that cannot be matched. Media tours allow brands to tap into local markets in a meaningful way, engaging a dedicated audience, while also reaching millions of consumers with an actionable call-to-action. It feels personal, immediate, and real.
Curious about the deeper value of SMTs? We’ve explored more in our blog 3 Reasons Satellite Media Tours (SMTs) Make a Knockout PR Campaign
TV may no longer be the only screen competing for attention, but it remains a crucial medium for brand awareness, credibility and connection.
SMTs should be a key component to any holistic media campaign. By leveraging this once “traditional” channel, brands can enhance their credibility, engage with active audiences, and take the first step in driving marketing performance goals through the enduring power of broadcast.
And this is where Bridgenext’s Communications team comes in. With over 30 years of broadcast media expertise, we combine strategy, storytelling, and execution to produce more than 100 SMTs every year for brands across industries. Our team helps leaders cut through the clutter, turn a single media moment into a multi-platform campaign, and create stories that resonate far beyond airtime. Whether launching products, educating the public via PSAs, or establishing thought leadership, media tours provide a platform to make a lasting impression.
Ready to embark on your next media adventure? Bridgenext offers expert storytelling, strategic solutions, and data-driven insights to create powerful brand narratives and achieve your business goals. Here are some of the recent media tours we have worked on. Contact us today to get started.
