OH TV Show Plans Production for National Syndication
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
“Ohio TV Host’s Journey to Becoming a National Hit”
Youngstown, OH -They just never give up. That seems to be the best way to explain how, soon to be, National TV Talk Show Host Debórah Benton and husband, LaMarr, have persevered through adversity,economic hardship, and even unbearable sacrifice in order to execute a vision and live out a dream.Simply stated, that dream is to launch “The Debórah Show,” into National Syndication.Through a series of meetings early last year, the couple began to realize just how close they were to that dream becoming a reality, and they’ve been in overdrive to make it happen ever since. For the past seven years, the Bentons have been producing “The Debórah Show, a weekly half-hour television show.In that time they’ve proven that Host Debórah Benton does, indeed, possess the “IT” factor.“The Debórah Show” attracts celebrities for interviews and performances, it has developed a loyal and ever increasing audience (locally, nationally and internationally) and the show has generated the Neilson Ratings to prove it. This duo [Bentons] has demonstrated that they know what it takes to consistently inform, entertain, and keep viewers tuning in for more of their Brand of programming each week - on TV as well as over the Internet. What they learned in those previously mentioned meetings early last year [2011], was that their accomplishment was now worth something on a national scale.But in order to collect, they needed to make some Studio upgrades, Technical adjustments, and Programming improvements. With some basic ‘tweaking’“The Debórah Show,” which previously had never produced income, could very realistically generate millions.The changes that needed to be made were not terribly difficult, and the only thing really needed to make the changes was “MONEY;” nearly $100,000 to be precise. Evaluating their people resources, the Bentons knew their family and friends were working-class individuals and people of modest means; “No rich uncles,” Debórah quips.After many unsuccessful attempts to attract wealthy investors, a friend suggested Debórah try Kickstarter.com; an internet platform designed to help individuals with creative projects raise the funds needed to complete their projects.But the many long hours of online marketing, also proved to be unsuccessful for Debórah. Interesting turn of events: Meanwhile, a Cleveland area Artist Manager, Lee Hampton, had been reaching out to Executive Producer-Host, Debórah, in an effort to have his artist featured on “The Debórah Show.”Out of embarrassment for the continual delay in booking his artist, Debórah finally explained what was going on; she told Lee Hampton that she wasn’t scheduling any shows because all her efforts were focused on raising money.Hampton became increasingly curious about the show’s business affairs, and for some reason, Debórah felt compelled to answer his barrage of questions.As it turns out, Hampton was also an investor, and that conversation resulted in Hampton making an investment and becoming a Business Partner in LinMar Strategies For Entertainment, LLC (which owns and produces The Debórah Show).Within three weeks’ time of speaking with Lee Hampton, a significant portion of what the Bentons needed to set their plans in motion was made available. Meanwhile, all was not lost from the Internet marketing efforts, either.Debórah continued to post even the slightest amount of progress online and soon friends, relatives, and even total strangers began sending in donations; $5, 10, 15, 25, 50+ denominations and a few gave as much as much as a couple hundred.Though most people learned about the fund-raising goal through social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube, Debórah said many desirous of supporting expressed distrust for e-commerce; those individuals send her a check or money order in the mail. “I’ve even had a few occasions where people stopped me in the grocery store and placed their donation in my hand. People recognize our commitment to doing something positive and they want to be a part.” Speaking of ‘Doing something positive’…. That leads to another series of pivotal moments. Since The Debórah Show instituted a house band in late 2005, securing a qualified Music Conductor remained a major challenge – that is until Fall of 2011. Debórah remembered being introduced online to a gentleman out of New York, but who was originally from Cleveland, OH;Dunn Pearson, Jr., aka/ Black Beethoven.Dunn Pearson is an Award-Winning Music Producer-Conductor-Arranger who has produced for The O’Jays, Jody Watley, D’Angelo, and literally scores of other major names in the Music and Film Industries. But Dunn is probably most noted for his work with Mtume as Music Conductors for Executive Producer Dick Wolf on the hit Network TV Show, New York Under Cover.Debórah states, “I reached out to Dunn, he listened to my vision, did some research which included a site-visit, and he made his decision to be my Music Conductor. Dunn identifies with what we’re doing and he’s always wanted to give something back to his community; so the timing couldn’t have been better.” Pearson commented, “I was talking with Mtume [award-winning music conductor/producer] about Debórah’s TV show, and we were both remarking on how she is experiencing some of the same challenges we experienced during the development stages of New York Undercover.She’s on the right track and I think she is in good company,” he added.” According to Debórah Benton, Dunn Pearson, Jr. proved to be a much greater asset than Debórah had initially even bargained for. As it turns out, he is not only skilled in his trade, but he is also very well connected in the entertainment industry and has already made some significant connections for Debórah; in so doing, garnering exciting potential guests and business relations.Some Artists Pearson plans to bring to the show include Walter Williams of the The O’Jays, Melba Moore, and Dunn’s colleague and friend, Mtume.But another critical puzzle piece that had eluded Debórah for years was a Talent Coordinator-Producer; someone who could help schedule guests regularly (particularly celebrities) on the show.This void was filled when Dunn introduced Debórah to Toni Mason, Talent Coordinator who worked with clients such as Aretha Franklin, Bill Cosby, Regis Philbin, Johnny Mathis, Tony Bennett, Michael Buble, Anita Baker and others during her twenty-five years with the William Morris Agency. “Toni and I clicked right away. We’re both out-going and we love bringing out the best in people.”The women spent days poring over ideas and concepts to determine what would be the highest use of Toni’s talent.Toni Mason remarked, “Once we determined what my entire scope of responsibilities would be, all the other details began to sort of fall in place.” The move into National Syndication is yet a work in progress, so in that regard, The Debórah Show saga continues…But for now, as of Wednesday January 4, 2012, here’s the most recent progress report: ♦The Benton’s are still trying to raise funds; they still need nearly $70,000.00 to complete the entire project. ♦The studio renovation is nearly complete. (as seen in the porgress photographs) ♦The Taping of the new pilot for National Syndication is scheduled for Tuesday, January 10th at 11:00 AM in the newly designed studio (LinMar Strategies For ♦Entertainment, 16 Wick Avenue, 4th Floor of PNC Bank Bldg., downtown Youngstown, OH 44503) ♦The show will feature Executive Producer-Host, Debórah Benton, Dunn Pearson, Jr. with The Debórah Show Band, interview with internationally acclaimed Casting Director, Nancy Mosser, and Music performances from Grammy-Nominated artist, Maimouna Youssef. ♦The show also includes a live audience; the public is invited to attend the taping (12 years and older). Tickets are Free. ♦To reserve a seat log onto: www.thedeborahshow.com/gettickets.html.Or call: 330-746-1109 ♦MEDIA PASSES will be available for all media with proper credentials. Please contact LinMar Strategies office for Press Interviews and Photo Op’s. ♦For more information about “The Debórah Show,” email: info@thedeborahshow.com or call: 330-746-1109
Big Guns R & B "The Whispers" Support Debor'ah for Oprah Reality TV Contest
LinMar Strategies For EntertainmentFor Immediate ReleaseEmail:marketing@linmarstrategies.comPhone: 330-746-1109 June 24, 2010
Big Guns Move in to Support Local Host for Oprah’s Reality TV Competition
Youngstown, OH---“When you’re in a fight, though in this case a friendly one, that’s when true friends can make all the difference,” said Debórah Benton; Producer–Host of “The Debórah Show” (Formerly called The Valley Gold Show with Debórah Benton).What began with an email alert has led to an all-out full scale Public Relations/Promotional assault by Debórah, Family, Friends, and Celebrities. In mid may, Debórah read an email inviting people to audition for Oprah Winfrey’s Reality TV Show to choose the Next Big TV Talk Show Host.Within a couple of days Debórah had prepared a video and completed the online profile to qualify as a contestant. She felt this opportunity was designed for her, stating, “One of the questions asked in the Profile questionnaire was ‘Why should you win this competition?’ My answer was, ‘Because I have prepared for this.’” Debórah began broadcasting her TV Talk Show in 2005; a studio set, audience seating for over 100 people, 3 cameras, microphones, lights, teleprompter, etc., but only one local Advertiser and no Sponsors.Within a few short months, she graduated to include a Production Crew, House Band, and live Studio Audience; but still no Sponsors. In come the Big Guns - Award-winning Classic R & B Recording Artists from California, “The Whispers.” They developed a close personal relationship with Debórah and made several appearances on her show. Wowing audiences with hits like “Rock Steady,” “The Beat Goes On,” and “Hold On;” these International stars helped Debórah’s fan base soar to global proportions. The Whispers also promoted Debórah’s DVD along with their other merchandise as they toured throughout the United States and abroad. It soon became very evident that there was a true ‘Mutual Admiration Society’ developing between Debórah Benton and The Whispers. So, it seemed completely natural for The Whispers to step in to assist when they learned that Debórah had auditioned for Oprah Winfrey’s TV Show competition. Initially, Debórah’s support team consisted of family and friends:Debórah‘s brother, Jerry Gordon, was spending endless hours voting online and soliciting his Social Network and CB buddies to vote for his ‘Baby Sister.’ Debórah‘s sister, Lorraine Gordon (a school teacher), enlisted a group of middle-school students to vote as often as they could.Debórah, husband LaMarr and daughter Lindsay, committed whatever time they could to voting and spreading the word for others to do the same; but the numbers just weren’t mounting up fast enough – until that fateful phone conversation with, of course, “The Whispers.” While conversing about recent activities, Debórah happened to mention Oprah’s competition. She gave a sigh of despair as she reported to The Whispers how low her votes were, compared to many other contestants.That’s when The Whispers Marketing Director, George Aubrey, immediately came up with a plan and The Whispers sprang into action. George suggested to Scotty and the others that they produce a promotional video encouraging their fans to log onto Oprah’s site and vote for Debórah Benton.“We will do anything Debórah needs us to do,” was leader, Wallace ‘Scotty’ Scott’s immediate response to the idea. “If anybody deserves it, she [Debórah] does.”The entire group concurred and a production schedule was set. Keyboardist, Dwayne Sweet, of The Whispers Orchestra (T.W.O.) volunteered to shoot and edit the video, but Orchestra members made it clear that Debórah was their friend as well, and they, too, would support her with a promotional video from The Whispers Orchestra. “When we [T.W.O.] released our new CD, Debórah did not hesitate to invite us to be guests on her TV Show,“ said Sweet. More to the point, T.W.O.’s Music Director, Grady Wilkins quipped, “Anything for Debórah.” “Being in a small town where TV Talk Shows are not the norm, any level of success can be unimaginably difficult, so having The Whispers and T.W.O. step in to support me has meant a lot,” reflected Debórah. That’s like, “Watch Out Oprah Contestants, we’re bringing in the Big Guns now!”” Debórah still has a long way to go to outrun her opponents; but says she is making strides, and still with no sponsors, she feels that every week she remains on the air; her audiences and she are the big winners.
“The Debórah Show” Current Broadcast Schedule & Online Access to Audition, Promotions, and Videos:
Local TV Talk-Variety Show Signs Syndication Deal to Europe
Youngstown, OH - Los Angeles (USA); Cologne (Germany)–It was January 2005 that “The Valley Gold Show with Debor’ah Benton,”which features interviews and performances with Celebrities and Award-winning Artists and Entertainers, aired its inaugural weekly broadcast on WKBN –TV 27 (CBS) on a Monday night at 1:37 AM.Now, nearly four years later, Executive Producer, Debor’ah Benton just signed a five-year contract with Global Broadcasting Company, Inc. to syndicate “The Valley Gold Show with Debor’ah Benton”across Europe on the Global Broadcasting cable channel America Unleashed which will be carried on the Kabelkiosk platform.
The GlobalBroadcasting Company, Inc. and Eutelsat visAvision GmbH have announced the launch of a bouquet of seven thematic television channels via Eutelsat’s KabelKiosk platform. These channels are featuring content by independent producers from the USA. The package offer includes America Unleashed, Total Hip Hop Television, News and Finance, Indie Pix and Classics, Faith Lifestyle, Indie Sports Games and Comedy and Travel Home and Garden. The launch of the first channels is intended in the beginning of 2009 on the new EUROBIRD™ 9A satellite at Eutelsat’s newest orbital position 9 degrees East.
The Eutelsat KabelKiosk is Europe’s leading independent channel and service platform for broadband network operators in Western Europe offering more than 100 digital German and international TV channels in eleven languages. The KabelKiosk serves 250 cable and IPTV affiliates with about 2.6 million households in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxemburg and Denmark. The launch on the KabelKiosk platform strengthens the position of The Global Broadcasting Company, Inc. and the channel’s growing distribution throughout Western Europe.
“I had to work frantically to get the first four shows to the network by deadline. A few days later, the network called and asked for ten more shows ASAP, and somehow, instead of being overwhelmed, I find that exhilarating!” Debor’ah cajoled. Her excitement is largely due to the fact that her show, which initially began in her living room, will now be seen by millions on the continent of Europe, improving her stock as an Executive Producer and Host, and attracting more internationally known entertainers to guest on the show.Ms. Benton said she envisions hundreds of people flocking to Youngstown weekly, to be part of the studio audience and meet their favorite celebrities on her show.She sees that Youngstown is turning a corner and she intends for “The Valley Gold Show with Debor’ah Benton” to become known as a global asset from her community. In keeping with that goal, Benton says she has been developing some strategic partnerships which include former music industry executive, Tarone Claybrook, Executive Director of HeartReach Ministries, Inc., local and regional Sales Executives for securing advertisers and sponsors for her show’s Ohio-PA broadcasts, and via her seat as a Founding Member of the National Rhythm & Blues Music Society, which is giving her access to a growing list of professional Artists and Entertainers for future shows. Here in the states, “The Valley Gold Show with Debor’ah Benton” can be seen every Saturday on WYFX-FOX TV 17/62 at 12:00 Noon.Within her nearly new studio which is located in downtown Youngstown, OH, the show sports its own professional House Band and is taped before a ‘live’ studio audience of up to two hundred people. Featured guests are most often nationally and internationally known Celebrities and Entertainers. What’s next on the agenda for Debor’ah Benton is completing those requested ten shows and shipping them off to the network in the next few days, as well as preparing for celebrity guest appearances on up-coming Valley Gold Show tapings in her downtown studio. For more information about “The Valley Gold Show with Debor’ah Benton” Call:330-746-1109 Email: info@ValleyGoldShow.com Visit: www.ValleyGoldShow.com
LinMar Strategies Announces New Face of Old School Entertainenment
For Immediate Release:
LINMAR STRATEGIES ANNOUNCES THE NEW FACE OF OLD SCHOOL ENTERTAINMENT
"The Valley Gold Show with Debor'ah Benton"
August 2008 – Youngstown, OH – LinMar Strategies for Entertainment an Ohio-based television production company, has just announced the new format featuring more ‘Old School’ Celebrity Entertainers on its flagship program, "The Valley Gold Show with Debor'ah Benton.” In so doing, the company plans to capitalize on what has been attracting nationally-known Entertainers to this small town, and strengthen their brand in the process. If you ask Americans who is the face for Jell-O Pudding, most will say ‘Bill Cosby; ’or the face for home decor, you’ll hear ‘Martha Stewart’.If you ask people residing in Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania, who is the face showcasing ‘Old School’ R & B Artists and Entertainers, you’re likely to hear a resounding, Debor’ah Benton [of Valley Gold Show] When first introduced over three years ago, the initial concept for “The Valley Gold Show with Debor’ah Benton” was that of a family-friendly talk format featuring local personalities. However, as word about the show spread, the variety of guests began to include internationally known celebrities from all genres of art and entertainment; from classically trained musicians and dancers, to legendary athletes, network TV, Film, and Broadway Stars.The show became highly viewed, but the greatest audience responses always seemed to follow the exclusive interviews and performances segments featuring ‘Old School’ celebrities.The Whispers, The Chi-Lites, Ohio Players, Temptations, and others appeared on the show; laying the foundation for what was becoming The Valley Gold Show brand.Many pioneering artists of R&B never had a platform to share their stories with the masses; that is, not until The Valley Gold Show with Debor’ah Benton.With so many stories yet to be told, producers recently have decided to feature a ‘Roots of R&B’ segment each month. Host, Debor’ah Benton has a long, rich history in the soul music genre that has played such an important role in our nation, and specifically within her television broadcast community which currently includes Mahoning, Trumbull, Lawrence, Mercer, and Shenango Counties. In a written statement Debor’ah explains, “As an African American girl, growing up in the Valley, I was aware of the volatile climate all around me. The fight for civil rights, integration vs. segregation, Black Panthers, the KKK, Black Power, White Flight, and so many of the growing pains and challenges confronting our nation.Yet in the midst of the chaos and turmoil, there was Motown, The Philly Sound, Stax, and more.It was in this infectious wave of soulful expression that I, and millions of other Americans, found years of refuge in our treasured 89 cent black vinyl discs made available in the local Soul Music stores.” And so began Debor’ah’s great affinity for Rhythm & Blues music, and her deep respect for the Artists and Entertainers who made it all happen. Debor’ah spent several years performing and she also studied to become a producer. However, her greatest satisfaction comes from presenting stories of inspiration to the world, “with a healthy dose of entertainment,” she is careful to add. With heightened emphasis in the vision for “The Valley Gold Show with Debor’ah Benton,” the producers have partnered with The National R & B Music Society, to book entertainers for their fall line-up where they expect to feature a host of a rich list of Entertainers, including from the ‘Old School’ era.Some of those names include Ted Mills of Blue Magic, GQ, The Persuaders, The Manhattans, The Marcels, Evelyn ‘Champagne’ King, Little Anthony & The Imperials, and many more. For more information, to schedule an appearance, or for audience tickets, contact Publicity Representative Sadie Jackson,Phone: 330-746-1109 / Email:marketing@linmarstrategies.com .
