Busting the Myths: What CNN Guest Bookers Really Look For

What does it really take to get booked as a TV news guest — and once you’re booked, how do you show up with confidence and credibility on camera?In this episode of Unknown to Known, TV news veteran Jamie Maglietta sits down with Wendy Guarisco and Emilia Gledhill of Guarisco Group to pull back the curtain on how television bookings actually work.Together, they break down common myths about being on TV, explain what producers look for when booking guests, and share practical guidance on wardrobe, talking points, confidence, and media relationships. If you’ve ever wondered how to move from wanting press to being bookable, this episode delivers clarity.In this conversation, you’ll learn:How TV producers and media matchmakers pair guests with showsWhat makes a pitch stand out — and what gets ignoredHow to prepare for a strong on-camera interviewWhy appearance, wardrobe, and makeup matter (yes, even for men)When to pitch yourself vs. working with a professionalWhy social media now plays a critical role in TV bookingsWhy most TV news guests aren’t paid — and why that still mattersThis episode is essential listening for experts, founders, authors, and professionals who want to show up on television with confidence — and be invited back.🎧 Watch on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform.00:01 – Intro00:09 – Meet Emilia Gledhill00:13 – Meet Wendy Guarisco07:00 – How media matchmakers pair guests with TV shows08:15 – Pitching the press & building media relationships09:05 – How to nail an on-camera interview11:28 – Should guests “look the part”?13:00 – How to look your best on television17:30 – Yes, men should wear makeup18:00 – Confidence and client preparation18:30 – Pitching yourself vs. hiring a professional19:50 – Why social media boosts your chances of getting booked20:30 – Thought leadership and visibility23:50 – Why TV guests are usually unpaid24:00 – How to become a contributor27:30 – Final advice for aspiring TV guests🔗 Learn more about Guarisco Group: https://guariscogroup.com/Unknown to Known is hosted by Jamie Maglietta — a veteran TV news producer with over 20 years of experience helping anchors, reporters, and experts deliver with impact. Today, she helps leaders, authors, and entrepreneurs show up with clarity, credibility, and confidence across YouTube, podcasts, and social media.Website & Visibility Program:Visibility Program: https://www.oncamready.com/Resources + Links:(ON CAM) Ready: Checklist: https://www.oncamready.com/waitlist Substack:The Scroll Newsletter: https://oncamready.substack.comRiverside (Affiliate):Record your content with Riverside:  https://riverside.sjv.io/09VWrEDiscount Code: OCR15Brand Builders Group (Affiliate): https://ro474.infusionsoft.app/app/form/web-form-submitted121VidIQ (Affiliate): https://vidiq.com/oncamreadyYouTube Channels:Main Channel (ON CAM Ready Media): https://www.youtube.com/@oncamreadyPodcast Links:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unknown-to-known-presented-by-on-cam-ready/id1707162005Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/5yEIQWeK7aLHtPSBBbSPcz?si=61b241d434f84578Think Like a Producer:  https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5w84zVVaquAcIDaes41NoMHDjtllgkCW