The Incredible Shrinking Press Tour

by

As a long-time entertainment journalist with decades of covering the Television Critics Association (TCA) press tours under my belt, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia for the way things used to be. The press tours of yesteryear felt like a genuine exchange between industry insiders and the media, an opportunity for both sides to engage in open dialogue about the latest offerings from networks and streaming services.

During Jimmy O. Yang’s performance on stage for just over 20 minutes, an unidentified journalist posed a question about his past mistakes as he made the transition from being an economics major at UC San Diego to becoming a stand-up comedian and actor. Yang was there to promote his new Hulu series, based on Charles Yu’s “Interior Chinatown,” but the discussion veered off topic with around 100 members of the Television Critics Association in attendance.

“Why have we ended up here in this Pasadena hotel ballroom last week when we could have done better for our parents instead?” he questioned.

At first, Yang playfully answered a seemingly lighthearted question. However, many individuals involved in the Television Critics Association (TCA) press tour, including actors, producers, executives, publicists, and journalists, may relate to Yang’s profound observation. Attending this event, which has existed since the 1970s and involves press conference-style junkets, can sometimes feel bizarre. Companies invest substantial resources – hundreds of thousands of dollars, or even millions for off-site parties – to participate in a single day, filling panel seats with talent from new and returning shows and offering lavish spreads for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. When things click, it’s a win-win situation: Reporters engage in meaningful discussions with creatives, resulting in coverage that increases viewership for the companies. However, these interactions can also go awry, with non sequiturs, silence, or embarrassing mistakes.

One explanation for the declining involvement of the entertainment industry in press tours is the growing frustration with outdated press conference formats. This issue has been exacerbated by Hollywood’s financial belt-tightening and the shift towards virtual events during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, significant budget cuts across the media landscape have left a noticeable impact on these events. The most recent press tour concluded on July 17, shortened to just eight days from its previous lengthy duration. Major streamers like Netflix, Apple, and Amazon chose not to attend, and no programming executives appeared for questioning by the press.

As a gamer, I can’t help but question the reason behind continuing this intense grind every time I submit myself to it. Each time we finish a TCA (Tournament or Critics’ Association), I find myself pondering if I truly want to go through the process once more.

In the past, attending the press tour was seen as non-negotiable, with the TCA setting the rules and broadcasting companies obligated to comply. This could mean halting production on a series mid-week and traveling to Pasadena’s Langham Huntington or The Beverly Hilton, despite the financial cost. Each day was packed with panels and pre-arranged interviews, culminating in a party or dinner.

In the past, executive sessions were a common feature during press tours, where TV executives would meet privately with members of the Television Critics Association (TCA). However, this practice has disappeared in recent outings. Many notable media figures, including those who are no longer with us such as Roger Ailes and Les Moonves, have attended TCA to address their networks’ issues. Oprah Winfrey is an example of a media mogul who graced the TCA stage to discuss her struggling OWN network during its early days.

Some executives, including Paula Kerger of PBS and John Landgraf of FX Networks, continue to attend the TCA meetings despite taking a summer break. In February, they presented at this event, with Landgraf’s sessions becoming increasingly educational and enlightening, featuring industry updates and captivating visuals. The term “Peak TV” emerged from these press tours. However, many executives have since decided to withdraw from the TCA, as one handler explained, “Never again.” They believe that enduring a questioning session with over 150 reporters is unprecedented in any industry besides the presidency.

“Jacqueline Cutler, the current TCA president, aims to bring every network and streamer into the discussion. We welcome all to join us and strive to make it beneficial for both parties. I’ve scheduled talks with those who weren’t present this time, and some have expressed interest in rejoining.”

For some people participating in the TCA stage, the value of it has been debated for quite some time. There are numerous instances where TCA panels have become heated. At times, it can be entertaining, such as when Donald Trump disagreed with the audience during his 2015 appearance, five months before announcing his presidential campaign. His show, “The Celebrity Apprentice,” didn’t even make the top 50 that season. Other instances result in a disappointing display and raise concerns about the organization, like when an anonymous reporter criticized Lena Dunham during a 2014 panel for HBO’s “Girls” for her frequent nudity on the show. Dunham remained composed, but producer Judd Apatow defended her and asked the reporter if his girlfriend enjoyed him.

Some talented individuals have labeled the press tour as off-limits due to experiences with problematic panels similar to these. These encounters are particularly memorable for publicists, and the TCA (Television Critics Association) tours have become a challenge in the digital age. Originally designed for local and syndicated journalists to gather substantial content for a thriving media landscape, the tours now mostly result in Twitter buzz and short-lived clickbait stories. Companies continue to attend to handle tasks like electronic media rotations, international press, marketing campaigns, and photo shoots with their talent all in one place.

As a gamer, I’ve learned that leveling up isn’t just about mastering the game itself, but also adapting to new challenges and changes. However, when it comes to sitcom stars and their press tours, ancillary activities won’t be enough to keep us relevant in the future. I’ve talked to a few insiders, both current and past participants, who weren’t ready to completely rule out future tours. But none of them at networks, platforms, or studios seemed confident in the current format.

“It’s antiquated system,” says one. “It needs to evolve. Into what? I’m not sure.”

Read More

2024-07-19 20:55