If you own a press...

December 2, 2009 6:29 PM

Assuming "Cable Access" and the host works for $3000 a month, how much would it cost to produce a daily pundit blather show? (O' Reilly, Olbermann, Maddow, Matthews, Beck)

Assuming airtime is free, what are the costs of writers, editors, camerapersons, producers, directors, motion graphics experts, ad sales staff and several others I'm too ignorant to mention... Anybody know how to estimate production costs for a mass-media opinion show?

posted by Moistener to Media & Arts (3 answers total)

You might find this of interest.

Sounds like it can start off on a shoestring.
posted by Gerard Sorme at 6:36 PM on December 2, 2009 [1 favorite]

Sample TV Show Budgets and other documents, for various show types.
posted by rokusan at 6:37 PM on December 2, 2009

You can't show ads on public access TV usually, as the entire point is to produce and air non-commercial community TV. Depending on the station, you may be allowed commercial sponsorships (PBS style) and you might be able to show PSAs for non-profits, but anything involving an "ad sales staff" is most probably going to be a no-go.

It's hard to estimate because the scale can vary so much. "Writers" could be anything from one guy working for free to an entire room of professionals. Are you looking to do this dirt cheap or are you looking for O'Reilly/Olbermann/Maddow level quality?
posted by zachlipton at 10:21 PM on December 2, 2009