HUNTSVILLE – An American television show that profiles tourism destinations has turned its sights on Huntsville.
Today in America, hosted by former NFL quarterback Terry Bradshaw, approached the Town of Huntsville with a marketing opportunity earlier this year.
Huntsville Mayor Claude Doughty said the show’s producers offered to do a five-minute profile on the town in exchange for $30,000.
The profile would be broadcast across the United States and Canada once, then re-aired several times to a target audience of the town’s choosing.
While Doughty said he was drawn to the idea, the price tag was a little steep.
“It’s a lot of PR, and it’s a good format for us, but it’s not cheap,” said Doughty.
“So, I contacted the folks at Deerhurst (Resort) and they agreed to go halves with us,” he said.
The town has also picked up a $3,000 grant from Muskoka Futures, which makes the town’s contribution about $12,000 for shared airtime through a profile on Huntsville and Deerhurst.
The town will get to script its profile and will receive a copy of the segment to use for marketing purposes afterward.
Council approved the initiative at its meeting in May.
Production is expected to start this month with an air date expected for September.