Behind the Scenes with Jimmy Kimmel & Audience (Classifieds Lady)

TL;DR

A humorous discussion about classified ads and newspaper experiences in Tampa.

Transcript

what do you do there in Tampa I work for the newspaper right now which one the St Petersburg times or The Tampa Tribune St Pete now Tampa Bay Times oh now the Tampa Bay times I know all the local newspapers in almost every town in America thank you anybody want to quiz me on any of them where are you from Orange County okay the Orange County regist... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥶 Managing the classified section of a newspaper involves navigating the complexities of an older clientele, often unfamiliar with digital submissions.
• 🥺 Miscommunication in ads, such as incorrect addresses, can lead to significant customer dissatisfaction and humorous situations leading to frustrated callers.
• 👣 The demand for traditional print classifieds persists, particularly for local events like garage sales, demonstrating the ongoing relevance of print media.
• 🫠 Innovations in ad presentation, such as upselling with graphics and styling, highlight a creative approach to increasing engagement with classified ads.
• 👣 The conversation reflects a blend of nostalgia for print newspapers while acknowledging the humor in the frequent oddities of everyday interactions.
• 📰 Younger generations may not be familiar with traditional newspapers, yet the speaker's extensive knowledge about local papers shows the deep-rooted history of these publications.
• 👋 The function of a classifieds section remains vital for local commerce, creating a platform for community members to buy and sell goods.

Questions & Answers

Q: What challenges does the speaker face when managing the classified section of the Tampa Bay Times?

The speaker faces various challenges, notably dealing with inaccuracies in ads such as misprinted addresses. This can lead to frustrated individuals showing up at the wrong locations for advertised garage sales and blaming the newspaper. Additionally, managing a clientele that largely consists of older individuals who may struggle with technology adds to the complexity of the job.

Q: How does the speaker view the subscription and usage of classified ads in the print newspaper today?

The speaker notes that ad placements are still populated largely by elderly individuals who prefer print over digital formats. They mention garage sales as a prevalent type of ad, indicating that, despite declining readership, there is a steady interest in traditional classified ads for specific needs like selling personal items.

Q: What are the costs associated with placing a classified ad at the Tampa Bay Times?

The speaker indicates that the cost for placing an ad varies based on the type of advertisement. For garage sales, the price is around $33, while other types, like simple listings, might be free. The inclusion of features like borders or bold print can further enhance the ad for an additional cost, illustrating various pricing models for ad placement.

Q: Can clients customize the way their ads appear in the Tampa Bay Times?

Yes, clients can customize their ads by choosing different graphic options available to enhance visibility. The speaker mentions using phrases like "hot deal" or "don't miss out" as part of the upselling strategy. They can also suggest tailored graphics to match the theme of the client's advertisement, making it more appealing to readers.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker works at the Tampa Bay Times concentrating on the classified section, revealing surprising details about their clientele and ad placements, especially concerning elderly individuals.

• The conversation humorously highlights the quirks associated with classified ads, such as misprinted addresses causing confusion during garage sales and clients calling for help with advertisements.

• Anecdotes show the creative strategies employed to enhance ad visibility, including upselling features like bold prints and borders, as well as unique graphic options.