TV talk shows have long been a sought-after platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their expertise, gain exposure, and connect with a broader audience. However, misconceptions about the nature of these shows can lead to unrealistic expectations and missed public relations opportunities. Understanding the realities behind certain myths can help entrepreneurs navigate the talk show landscape more effectively and harness the true potential of this influential broadcast media to promote their business, brand, or book. According to Marianne Schwab, a former national TV Talk Show Producer, there are five myths about TV talk shows and she debunks them so entrepreneurs can better understand the truth behind these mistaken beliefs as they pursue getting talk show interviews. Myth #1: No one watches TV (or talk shows) anymore. In today’s digital age, it’s easy to assume that TV talk shows have lost their relevance, given the declining viewership of traditional television. However, this assumption couldn’t be further from the truth. According to Marianne, “I’ve actually had people ask me if people even watch TV anymore and it’s true that fewer people may tune in to watch talk shows on a conventional TV screen, but their popularity has simply adapted to the digital landscape. People now consume talk show content on iPhones, iPads, Smart devices, laptops, and other gadgets, transforming the viewing experience into a more personalized and on-the-go affair.” In fact, “Nearly half of all adults now watch video (including talk show segments) via a connected TV device daily, a significant increase from 29 per cent five years ago, and 6 per cent a decade ago,” said Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst for Leichtman Research Group. “While Smart TVs are a key component of the connected TV category, the vast majority of connected TV users stream via multiple types of devices.” Myth #2: TV Talk Shows are different in 2023 than they were when they started in the 1950’s. Many entrepreneurs may believe that TV talk shows have undergone significant changes in their format over the years, especially with the advent of new media platforms and digital content, however, the reality is that the basic format and structure of TV talk show segments and interviews have remained relatively consistent. They typically begin with a host introduction of a guest, followed by a Q&A session, and often conclude with a call to action, such as promoting a book, product, or upcoming movie or music project.

1. Five Biggest Myths
About TV Talk Show
Interviews
Debunked by
Marianne Schwab,
Former Network
Talk Show Producer

2. TV talk shows have long been a sought-after platform for entrepreneurs to
showcase their expertise, gain exposure, and connect with a broader audience.
However, misconceptions about the nature of these shows can lead to
unrealistic expectations and missed public relations opportunities.
Understanding the realities behind certain myths can help entrepreneurs
navigate the talk show landscape more effectively and harness the true
potential of this influential broadcast media to promote their business, brand,
or book.
According to Marianne Schwab, a former national TV Talk Show Producer, there
are five myths about TV talk shows and she debunks them so entrepreneurs can
better understand the truth behind these mistaken beliefs as they pursue
getting talk show interviews.

3. Myth #1: No one watches TV (or talk
shows) anymore. In today’s digital age,
it’s easy to assume that TV talk shows
have lost their relevance, given the
declining viewership of traditional
television. However, this assumption
couldn’t be further from the truth.
According to Marianne, “I’ve actually
had people ask me if people even
watch TV anymore and it’s true that
fewer people may tune in to watch talk
shows on a conventional TV screen, but
their popularity has simply adapted to
the digital landscape. People now
consume talk show content on iPhones,
iPads, Smart devices, laptops, and
other gadgets, transforming the

4. In fact, “Nearly half of all adults now watch video
(including talk show segments) via a connected TV
device daily, a significant increase from 29 per cent five
years ago, and 6 per cent a decade ago,” said Bruce
Leichtman, president and principal analyst for
Leichtman Research Group. “While Smart TVs are a key
component of the connected TV category, the vast
majority of connected TV users stream via multiple
types of devices.”
Myth #2: TV Talk Shows are different in 2023 than they
were when they started in the 1950’s. Many
entrepreneurs may believe that TV talk shows have
undergone significant changes in their format over the
years, especially with the advent of new media
platforms and digital content, however, the reality is
that the basic format and structure of TV talk show
segments and interviews have remained relatively
consistent. They typically begin with a host introduction
of a guest, followed by a Q&A session, and often

5. Myth #3: Marketing and public relations
are the same thing. Entrepreneurs often
make the mistake of assuming that
marketing and public relations serve the
same purpose, especially when it comes
to talk show appearances. However, it’s
crucial to understand the fundamental
differences between these two to ensure
that interviews don’t turn into overtly
promotional infomercials. “Advertising is
saying you’re good. As long as it’s
truthful, you can say anything you want,
however, public relations is getting
someone else to say you’re good and
that’s where you can really build trust
with your potential clients and
customers,” Marianne shares. “By
recognizing the distinction between
marketing and public relations,
entrepreneurs can leverage their talk
show appearances to cultivate meaningful

6. misconception that hiring a PR agency guarantees them talk show interviews and that publicity comes
without any cost. “PR agencies play a crucial role in managing a company’s overall public image and media
relations, but they are not necessarily specialists in securing talk show interviews. That requires a more
specialized approach and that’s why agencies have hired my company for over 25 years to get their
clients broadcast public relations results with interviews on radio and TV,” Marianne says. “Also, it’s
crucial to recognize that PR is not free. Whether you hire a publicist or handle the publicity efforts
yourself, there are costs involved. What really breaks my heart is when I see entrepreneurs invest $15K
to $30K in a PR agency and they don’t even get one talk show interview when I know that I get my clients
multiple guaranteed talk show interviews to build their brand and credibility.”

7. Myth #5: The first interview will be on a national talk show. One of the most common misconceptions
among entrepreneurs is the belief that their first talk show interview will be on a nationally syndicated
or network program. National talk shows typically feature high-profile guests, celebrities, or industry
experts with established reputations or significant accomplishments. Marianne says, “While it’s not
impossible for entrepreneurs to secure a national talk show appearance early on, it’s quite rare and
important to recognize that the path to national exposure often begins at the local level. Local TV talk
shows provide an excellent platform for entrepreneurs to gain valuable experience, refine their
messaging, and build credibility within their community. These shows often focus on highlighting local
talent, businesses, and unique stories, making them more accessible for entrepreneurs who are just

8. In conclusion, debunking
these five biggest TV talk
show myths is crucial for
entrepreneurs seeking to
leverage this powerful
platform so they can
approach talk show
appearances with realistic
expectations and maximize
their opportunities for
success.

9. Marianne Schwab has worked as a producer in
New York and Los Angeles and is currently the
Executive Producer of CMP Media Cafe. She is
dedicated to helping experts, book authors,
and high level entrepreneurs land TV Talk
Show interviews in today’s complicated media
environment so they can promote their
business, product, or brand in a way that
makes anyone who sees their interview fall in
love with them, their message, and their
mission. She shares public relations tips on
Instagram and has created an online training
that shares her insider secrets to promoting a
business on TV talk shows with details for the
types of experts producers love to book as
guests.