Robbie

Thought I should employ the power of the on-line communities to help out with some timely advice.

At 3.00pm (central) I am taping for a Teen Talk show who want to do a spot about the safety of teen tanning—really they are coming for news on the Mystic, but I’m aware of their underlying motive.

Knowing how these shows work, I know I will have only 2 or 3 opportunities to give a “sound byte”. My standing policy is to answer ANY question with my already prepared “sound bytes”.

I am open for any suggestions as to what these should be and how they would sound, given the 15-25 seconds I might have for each.

My current progression is:
1. Is tanning good/healthy/ smart? Answer YES! The bio-postive effects of UV light, from any source are well documented and include…
2. Should teens tan? Answer YES! The earlier the better. Sound skin practices are developed early.
3. Is Mystic a safe alternative? Answer NO! It is a cosmetic supplement to a tan.

I’m looking for some smart one-liners that fit this progression. I know time is short. I was only given the call an hour ago and can’t get it reset for later. (They wanted to do it with my employee on the spot who fortunately got them to reschedule for this afternoon.)

Thanks in advance,
Robbie

Robbie

Just negotiated a reprieve.

Managed to get the associate producer on the phone and ask what was with the rush. She explained that the show wasn’t airing until September!

I explained the possible depth of this subject and was able to rescheduled the taping to July 16th at 11:00 am.

Also found out that the host would like to tan in the mystic—do a before and after on the show.

Teen Talk is a new show airing on WB, Channel 39 and the Tube, Channel 55 in 37 markets. It is a 30-minute format hosted by teens on teen issues. There are 5 to 6 segments in each show. Mine will probably be 2 to 3 minutes. The focus is definitely pitched at teens staying out of the sun and the alternatives available for skin color.

Seems that sunless tanning booths are enjoying a positive PR campaign without spending a cent. What can we learn from this?

It also seems that TEEN tanning is high on the radar of the anti-tanners, both legislatively and culturally.

These are two emerging trends than can and should be harnessed in our favor.

As I now have a couple of weeks to prepare for this interview, I look forward to the ‘spin’ the Industry can produce on integrating these two themes into a positive theme for our future.

Thanks to all those who so speedily responded,
Robbie

tangirl

Robbie - Are they just wanting to cover the Mystic or are they willing to discuss other issues?

Don Smith

Robbie:

Pat and I are in Denver visiting our family and so I didn't see your original request until after the due date.

Since you got an extensition, I will provide some information for you when I get back to Tucson and have access to my files.

Don

Don Smith

Robbie:

Pat and I are in Denver visiting our family and so I didn't see your original request until after the due date.

Since you got an extensition, I will provide some information for you when I get back to Tucson and have access to my files.

Don

Don Smith

Robbie:

Pat and I are in Denver visiting our family and so I didn't see your original request until after the due date.

Since you got an extensition, I will provide some information for you when I get back to Tucson and have access to my files.

Don

Don Smith

Robbie:

Pat and I are in Denver visiting our family and so I didn't see your original request until after the due date.

Since you got an extensition, I will provide some information for you when I get back to Tucson and have access to my files.

Don

Don Smith

Robbie:

Pat and I are in Denver visiting our family and so I didn't see your original request until after the due date.

Since you got an extensition, I will provide some information for you when I get back to Tucson and have access to my files.

Don

Robbie

Don,

Seems the age thing is creeping up with you. You keep repeating yourself. Actually you've always said the same thing, just in many differing forms.(I couldn't resist)

While you're in Denver go and see what the future of tanning salons will look like. Visit Darque Tan. I'd be interested in your appraisal.

Robbie

Tamar

Here's my shot at it, feel free to edit as needed:

"As with many things in life, it is good to have choices. A sunless/spray-on tan is an option worthy of consideration for the small segment of the population that have difficulty achieving a tan, or for those facing time constraints before an upcoming event. However, the smartest way for an individual to avoid erythema/sunburn and to (enjoy certain physiological benefits) is to develop a good base tan at a professional/Smart Tan certified salon. Professional/certified tanning salons promote tanning in moderation, avoiding repeated overexposure blah, blah, blah..."

Robbie, this statement is factual and to the point, took less than 30 seconds to speak it after I typed it so you have room to add more. More importantly, to serve your/our agenda, it could lead to more questions about tanning, opening the door to educating the public (um, and the media). But it also does not slam the Mystic that this show is obviously trying to promote. I'm sure the section in parenthesis is questionable, not sure how much of this you can actually say, might run it by a legal professional. This is a great opportunity for you/us, the indoor tanning industry. Hope this helps a little and thanks for seeing the value of the opportunity.