Hello: I am interested in buying airtime on selected cable networks.
Time slot desired (late night- 3 hours each day- Thursday, Fri and
Sat): 12AM to 3AM Eastern Standard Time.
Purpose: to broadcast a home-shopping, QVC type show.
Cable operators considered: Direct TV, Dish Network, Paxson etc
(suggestions welcome).
What would be the best method of negotiating prices for the airtime? I
understand that the cable operators offer quite a discount from their
published rate cards. How would I be able to get a sense of their
absolute bottom line price? Should I negotiate directly or via a media
broker? How would the media broker be compensated? How can I be sure
that the media broker does not make a side deal with the cable co.
whereby he gets a larger cut (commision) from them then is transparent
to me? Where can I find a list of reputable media brokers who deal
with cable TV operators? Also, what is the minimum number of days that
the cable TV operator be willing to contract for and what is usually
the upfront payment required. Would they be willing for us to test
their channels for a few days? Where can I find resources to study
this in great detail? Finally, a listing of the cable TV operators and
the contact information (for the person in charge of selling their
airtime) would be appreciated.
Thanks