The Virtual Revolution: How the Pandemic Transformed the Satellite Media Tour

The COVID-19 pandemic undoubtedly affected businesses across the board. We went from conference rooms to our living rooms and had to get acquainted with working with our teams remotely on a full-time basis. In March, the traditional studio set-up for Satellite Media Tours came to a grinding halt, and we embarked upon what may be the future of broadcast – the virtual revolution.

Enter the Virtual Media Tour! Seasoned spokespeople and the average mom alike are now equals on the same playing field, conducting interviews from the comfort of their living rooms or home offices. Clients, producers, and talent now communicate virtually while live interviews are being broadcast across the U.S. How does the virtual revolution change your view on leveraging broadcast media for your brand?

Here’s what we’ve learned over the past several months at MultiVu:

• Flexibility is Key: While we conducted a multitude of tours for charitable organizations at the height of the coronavirus pandemic, we also assisted many clients in the consumer space that had pivoted their business models to help those in need. Automakers dedicated their production line to making PPE, and major manufacturers of household cleaning supplies turned their factories into full-time production units of hand sanitizer for frontline workers. Like others, we learned how to fill the spaces in which we were most needed!
• News You Can Use Is Essential: World events and the news cycle change rapidly, and messaging for audiences should always reflect the times. An audiences’ need for topical, useful news has not wavered. Now, we are seeing a great response to stories about re-entering life safely. Features on continuing regular check-ups with general practitioners, keeping on top of other health conditions that need treatment, what back-to-school looks like, and the resurgence of the road trip are the type of stories audiences are craving.
• Production Value Still Matters: Every talent and every spokesperson is a star! Whether the origination is a studio or the talent’s home, having a visually appealing and professional aesthetic is still at the top of our list. All Virtual Media Tours (VMTs) include a tech-check Zoom call with a MultiVu producer and technical director. Here we check the lighting and audio and find the optimal shot that will deliver the best interviews possible.
• While things change, WE are constant. The world – along with our daily news cycle – will continue to shift. While it may feel overwhelming to keep up, our team is on the pulse of our ever-changing media environment and is ready to deliver a seamless and successful media tour experience.

For more on Virtual Media Tours and how MultiVu media specialists can collaborate with you in crafting your message, visit www.multivu.com.

ABOUT THE EXPERT: Melissa Cruz

Melissa joined MultiVu’s Media Relations team as Media Strategist in February 2020. Her years of experience in both Media Relations and Production have seasoned her to be a creative, calm, and quick problem-solver under pressure. Throughout her career, she has produced and managed events featuring David Byrne, Alec Baldwin, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Pat Benatar, Leslie Odom, and more. Melissa has produced, pitched, and managed television segments for such talent as President Jimmy Carter, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Michael McDonald, and many others, ranging from entertainment to politics to non-profit clients. In addition, she has contributed to projects with City Parks SummerStage Concert Series, Jim Henson Productions, and The Village Voice, including Choice Eats, Brooklyn Pour, and The OBIE Awards. Melissa is thrilled to have set roots with the extraordinary team at MultiVu!