A back to school satellite media tour (SMT) is a coordinated public relations campaign that allows brands to reach a wide national audience through local TV and radio news segments. It typically features an expert spokesperson—generally a lifestyle journalist, parenting expert, or influencer—who in back to school satellite media tours shares top products, tips, and trends to help families prepare for the new school year. These segments are pre-booked with multiple media outlets and filmed in a single location, then broadcast to various markets across the country.
The point of a top back to school satellite media tour is to drive brand awareness and product visibility at a time when parents, students, and educators are actively making purchasing decisions. The format is trusted and engaging, offering informative, upbeat content that viewers rely on for guidance. Brands benefit from third-party endorsement, while audiences receive useful advice.
50 Types of Products Commonly Featured in Back-to-School SMTs:
Backpacks
Lunchboxes
School supplies
Notebooks & planners
Pens & pencils
Tablets & laptops
Printers
Educational software
Kids’ vitamins
Healthy snacks
Water bottles
Athletic shoes
School uniforms
Fall clothing
Light jackets
Blue-light glasses
Alarm clocks
Desks & study chairs
Dorm room decor
Tech accessories
Headphones
Internet security tools
Meal prep kits
Microwaves
Air purifiers
Hand sanitizers
Face masks
School safety tools
Binders & folders
Graphing calculators
Whiteboards
Storage containers
Energy drinks (teen-friendly)
Flash drives
Smartwatches
Budgeting apps
Book subscriptions
Language learning apps
Online tutoring services
School fundraising platforms
Insurance for devices
Back-to-school fashion
Deodorants & grooming products
Back-to-college gift cards
Transportation apps
Fitness trackers
Meal planning apps
Allergy-friendly foods
Writing apps
Family scheduling tools
A well-executed back to school satellite media tour positions brands in front of millions, precisely when shoppers are looking for trusted solutions.