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Job Description
A Promotion Assistant working in a television station is responsible for helping the promotion coordinator implement special projects and promotions that enhance the station's image and make it more visible.
The Promotion Assistant has varied duties depending on the size and organization of the station where he or she is working. Part of the responsibility of the individual centers on “grunt work.” At smaller stations, where there is not a large staff, the assistant may carry out many of the functions of a secretary, including typing, answering the phones, or writing letters and memos. He or she may also check details of the various promotions and special events on which the coordinator is working.
Even though the station for which the Promotion Assistant works will help publicize a promotion, other media are needed to help spread the word. The assistant usually has a good business relationship with most of the media in the area. One of the main functions of the Promotion Assistant is to call editors, newspeople, etc. to discuss promotions, programming, and special events put on by the station. As the Promotion Assistant gains more experience he or she may help the coordinator with writing responsibilities. The individual might begin by writing press releases or announcements about new programming, television specials, station personalities, promotions, and events in which the station is participating.
The assistant may also be responsible for writing the little blurbs often seen in newspapers and TV guides about upcoming programs. Most, if not all, writing is usually checked by the coordinator at this point in the individual's career. The Promotion Assistant may also learn to write copy for newspaper ads that advertise television programs the station is airing or events in which the station is taking part.
While the individual is not responsible for developing promotions and special projects, he or she assists in their implementation. The assistant may be asked to take the ideas of the promotion coordinator and put them on paper or may be asked to come up with ideas about implementation. To do this, the Promotion Assistant might be involved in research on former station promotions and special events as well as those of competing stations. The assistant may be responsible for checking federal rules and regulations for contests and sweepstakes, preparing rules for participants, locating sources of contest prizes, and keeping station personnel aware of internal promotions.
Required experience
Depending on his or her experience, the Promotion Assistant may act as the station liaison when the station is sponsoring events for community organizations, such as marathons, sports events, or other entertainment, and fundraising telethons. The individual should be on hand at the event to assist the promotion coordinator in making sure that all programs go smoothly.
At times the Promotion Assistant may work with station personalities, accompanying them to personal appearances and other events. The individual is often responsible for checking the details, times, etc. of these personal appearances. The Promotion Assistant may also accompany station personalities to interviews for stories with magazines and newspapers the promotion coordinator has arranged. If the station is relatively small, the Promotion Assistant could also function as the public relations or community relations assistant. In these cases, he or she could also be expected to help coordinate press functions and work with community groups.
The Promotion Assistant works fairly normal hours. He or she may have to work late occasionally or work on a weekend if a special project is taking place. The Promotion Assistant is responsible to the promotion coordinator of the station.
Salaries and other earnings
Salaries for Promotion Assistants vary greatly based on the size and market of the television station for which the assistants work. Compensation also depends on the experience and responsibilities of the individual. Smaller stations often offer annual earnings so low that they are slightly above minimum wage. Most individuals feel, however, that a low beginning salary is worth the experience value of the position. Earnings for those working in smaller markets or on local cable stations can range from US Dollars 18,000 to US Dollars 21,000 annually. Income for those working in larger markets can range from US Dollars 19,000 to US Dollars 35,000 plus.