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Interview:
Greg Tingle, Director of Media Man Australia, by Evan
Ginzburg -
WBAI Radio - 25th February 2004
Tell us how a self-professed
"blue collar" guy began one of the top media
sites in the world?
Well,
firstly Evan, thanks for the great opportunity of
being interviewed by you. Your operation is respected
around the world, even here "down under".
Back
in 1996 when The Sydney Water Board was undergoing
restructuring, they were offering generous voluntary
redundancy packages to just about everyone. At the
same time, my wife (ex), kept telling me that I was
a "good talker", and should try to use this
and my brain (as opposed to my muscles), to my advantage.
I
applied as a sales rep for Optus Vision, the new force
in Australian Pay TV at the time. After almost quitting
having been thrown into FOXTEL territory at Strathfield,
I started to kick some serious ass in Pay TV sales
in Australia, including grabbing the title, "Salesperson
of the Month". A few years later Optus underwent
restructuring, and I jumped ship to their competitor
and Australia's #1 Telco, Telstra Corporation.
Again,
I blitzed the sales records in the corporate arena.
I worked for Telstra for almost 2 years, and got sick
of waiting for the right employment promotion, so
I moved on. In this time I started writing articles
for technology journals like Austraia.Internet.com
and giving "journos' scoops on the technology
business.
In
2000 I joined ID Media (web development and web casting
company), and became the front-line man for sales
and marketing. Our best client was Radio 2UE. My flagship
was WaveCam - a webcasting portal with web cams around
the top beaches of Australia. In September of this
year I called 2UE broadcasting legend, John Laws,
to give him the inside scoop of the interesting going
ons at the Olympic Village at Homebush, where I was
assisting in the role of volunteer in the technology
section. I was doing everything from fixing fax machines
to building websites for the athletes. Laws gave me
approx 6 minutes of golden air time on Sydney's #1
talk back radio program. I didn't think much of it
at the time, but then I thought to myself, what would
happen if I did make a concerted effort in the media
"space"? I decided that I wanted to build
a website of my own, and Paul O'Neill, a good mate,
got me started with www.gregtingle.tv.
In
early 2001, I started "hanging around" the
local community TV station, Channel 31. After a few
weeks the producer, Joy Hruby must have realised I
was serious about this media stuff, and allowed me
to assist with camera work, and a week later I did
a live TV interview! Joy must have thought I had potential,
as I was invited back, and soon became a regular!
I still help them out today, particularly on the big
shows, like the Australia Day special, where we filmed
at Darling Harbour.
June
2002 saw me enrol in News Media & Journalism cert
III at Petersham TAFE. Within 2 months of starting
the course I cracked the front-page of The Southern
Courier, with "Jump On Board", which was
about the community group I was part of, achieving
a skatepark build project at my local beach, Maroubra.
Then "everybody" wanted in. My Internet
presence started to skyrocket. John Laws allowed me
to mention my website address on national radio (at
no charge), as it was about to go live. My 2nd Law's
call was even picked up on by "The Australia"
(media section) and ABC "Media Watch". The
"pitch" was that former Telstra and Optus
sales guru, "preferred" Telstra. When you
have the certificates to back up the claim, it's powerful
stuff. 2UE's Mike Carlton and Larry Endure also gave
me radio time, to discuss projects of mine, that the
audience could find out more about on the web. Leichhardt's
"Rats In The Ranks", about council corruption,
is a classic. My writings about the crime spree in
Maroubra also got a great deal of attention! Radio
2UE, 2GB and ABC Radio National grabbed the ball and
ran with it.
For
the remainder of the year I kept interviewing newsworthy
people and later built my company website www.mediaman.com.au
and showcased the interviews in text and multimedia,
along with articles, photos and the like. As part
of the strategy, I drove traffic from my first attempt
at a website; www.gregtingle.tv , into the Media Man
company website. I believe a professional website
is important for anyone or at least any company, in
the media business. Derryn Hinch told me, "you
can't escape me", meaning that if your doing
TV, radio, print and web that your in everyone's face.
The one and only "Media Dissector", Danny
Schechter gave me a 40 minute interview that achieved
enormous exposure and was a real credibility grabber.
Max Markson, director of Markson Sparks! has been
great, as has Harry M. Miller and Michael and Kevin
Jacobsen. All of these men gave me interviews and
time, when they didn't have to. It's put money and
exposure back in their pockets, yet again!
Once
in a while someone really opens their heart to you.
Brett Clements of "Wonder World", "Animal
Planet" and "Hit TV" fame is one such
person. I plugged the "Hit TV" website big
time on ABC and Talk 1116 Radio. It's a small industry,
and I have made some wonderful relationships in it,
and many of my clients and guests have become really
good mates. Broadcasting legends, Doug Mulray and
Phillip Adams both gave me awesome, "cutting
edge" interviews that some other media companies
would have likely censored the heck out of, but I
ran them, raw! ABC TV icon, Andrew Denton was most
encouraging when I met him at his studio, and his
office later thanked me for my coverage of them on
the Internet. David Steinhoff and his team have also
been most helpful, and always have a camera handy
when I need one! Again, collaboration is paramount.
Last
August, my coverage of the California election helped
bring my business to the next level on an international
scale. Abner Zurd, Ric Drasin, Steve Spernak and Daniel
Weintraub made themselves available for interviews,
beyond the call of duty, and gave me some mega Internet
exposure. I think my positive articles on Arnold Schwarzenegger
and "The New Breed" of politicians worked
like a charm.
Most
successful media and promotions figures are using
all mediums of media to their advantage, and that
of their clients.
Collaboration
with other top line media figures and websites is
also part of "the secret". Some of the key
companies / websites that have assisted me include:
http://www.mediachannel.org
http://www.hinch.net
http://www.2ue.com
http://www.nova969.com.au
http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/tvradio
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/media
http://www.abc.net.au
http://www.alliance.org.au
http://www.bostonphoenix.com/medialog
http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/insider
http://www.newmediamusings.com
http://www.caglecartoons.com
http://www.poynter.org
http://www.hittv.tv
http://www.if.com.au
http://www.acn.net.au
http://www.easternsuburbsbec.com.au
http://www.debbiekruger.com
http://www.bandt.com.au
http://www.mediaflash.com.au
http://www.maroubrachamber.com
http://www.jakethesnakeroberts.tv
http://www.ricdrasin.com
http://www.abnerz.com
http://www.thearnoldfans.com
http://www.wrestling.net.au
http://www.awfwrestling.com.au
http://www.merelyplayers.com.au
http://www.1wrestlinglegends.com
http://www.google.com
http://www.wrestlingthenandnow.com
Lately,
Gary Young (film maker "Cosy Cool" and "Wheels
On Fire") and Mick Butz (owner of "The World's
Largest Steer) have been most helpful, and I'm developing
websites for them. Promoting good (and unique) "stuff"
is important.
Evan,
I could go on all day with the list of people and
companies that have helped me, however, these are
the main ones.
Wow,
look at the size of the answer. It's quite a story,
and I intend to write the book one day, when I have
enough time to do it justice.
You have an eclectic mix of
interviews and press releases from virtually all forms
of the entertainment and other industries. Tell us
the purpose of your site?
There
are a number of purposes for the site. Exposure, promotion
and having a place to showcase my work, and my clients,
is the main purpose. As the saying goes, "the
man who owns the press, runs the press". We might
not own our own TV station or newspaper, but we are
getting there. These days, TV stations, newspapers
and radio stations often ring me up for comment, so
that should tell you a story mate! My clients and
I like to be noticed. The website makes sure we are
public 24 hours a day. 130,000 plus site visitors
per month can't be wrong. In my business, exposure
is money in the bank.
You're a big wrestling fan and
there is wrestling content on your site. What is your
background in wrestling?
I've
been a fan of it since my late father, "Tricky
Ricky" Tingle introduced me to the old WCW and
WWF in early 1970 something. We used to go to the
Sydney clubs to see our mate, "The Balmain Tiger",
George Barnes, get bumped around the ring like you
wouldn't believe. I wouldn't be surprised if Shawn
Michaels or Mick Foley saw some of Barnes's old wrestling
tapes. We watched it religiously on TV, even into
the wee hours of the morning. In 1995 I went to a
few pro wrestling training workouts. After a few workouts,
I quit. The training is a real killer, and I was in
top shape. It's easier to report on the business than
to do it!
Is having wrestling content
a "stigma" for a legitimate site- do other
people in the entertainment industry snub their noses
at wrestling?
In
the last few years pro wrestling has gained a lot
of respect in Australia, and particularly in entertainment
circles. Many "footy" starts and socialities
and fame seekers get involved with the wrestling,
as they appreciate its art and entertainment form,
and they want a piece of the action. I don't blame
them. Look, there will always be people who don't
"get it", but I believe that the majority
of the adult Australian population understands professional
wrestling for what it is. As for the folks who snub
their noses at sports entertainment - there's no help
for them. They need to get with the program!
Discuss the power of the Internet. I noticed on your
site that it truly has international representation
from Israeli events to the US to Australia where you're
based and most everywhere in between...
We
have a worldwide audience. I could never afford to
pay all the other media outlets and platforms for
that kind of exposure, but the Internet gives it to
me. It's also important to remember that your audience
is more than just "Aussies" and "Yanks".
Asia and Europe are "hotbeds" for the new
millennium in the media business. We can't be everything
to everyone, but we try. If you have an Internet connection,
you can find my clients and I…it's that simple
- well, almost!
Who were some of your favourite
interviews subjects that you've spoken with for the
site?
Doug
Mulray (for humor and goodwill)
Phillip Adams (controversial and intelligence)
Brett Clements (for being on the same wavelength regarding
talent, and offering me a gig)
Danny Schechter (for 40 minutes, integrity and name
value)
Max Markson (for motivation, sincerity and friendship,
that will soon lead to big money)
Harry M. Miller (for 10 minutes that he probably didn't
have, and for advising me to focus on positives)
Lee Tien (for opening my eyes to the advantages and
disadvantages of technology)
Robbie Swan (witty, hard hitting and open about censorship
issues)
Steve Rackman (for his insight into Australian pro
wrestling)
Killer Kowalski (for a look into the glory days of
wrestling)
Ric Drasin (for outlining the importance of having
a few projects on the go)
Abner Zurd (for keeping media and politics fun)
Billy Munro (for his creative inspiration and tales
from the road)
Jeff Fenech (a boxing living legend with heart and
generosity)
Yvette Moore
Now, I just need to do an official interview with
you, on-the-air, and we are set up!
It seems that for a site that
started just one year ago, there's been incredible
growth. How has that come about?
It's
part technical, part know how, and of course, vision.
As they say, "I had a dream". Meta tags
are important, as are search engines and linking,
but you need to use other forms of media to advertise
you website, as we have done. Blanket coverage and
finding your audience are very important.
I
notice that many wrestling promoters and others have
trouble filling their seats. What's the secret of
good PR/publicity?
Give
the audience what they want, and make sure they find
out about your product. Get on TV, get airtime on
radio, get a piece in the newspaper, posters up on
the walls, and get mentioned on Media Man Australia!
Make lots of friends and contacts in the media, and
the battle is just about won.
Tell us about your role on Reality
TV in Australia?
In
the course of my business, I interview a lot of media
and entertainment figures, including many in the Reality
TV business. In September of last year I became of
a new Reality TV program entitled Hit! Via the YouthGas
newsgroup that I subscribe to.
After
considerable negotiation I secured an interview with
H'it! TV creator, Brett Clements, who our readers
would know better from "Just For The Record",
"Simon Townsend's Wonder World" and "The
Aquanauts" (Animal Planet).
It
turned out that Brett was impressed by my interview
technique, and my enthusiasm for the industry. We
also shared similar ideas on the Reality TV industry.
Before you can say "Hit", Brett said, "I
know what I can do you with, you can be a judge"!
I later interviewed his business partner, Kate Neale,
and I I've also done much of their online and radio
station PR and promotional work. Talk radio has also
shown interest in Reality TV! ABC Radio in Perth and
Talk 1116 needed an authority on the Reality TV business,
and they called for comment, and not by coincidence,
they heard all about Hit, and the other Reality TV
programs.
I
should mention, just a few weeks ago a deal was struck
to see Hi't! be delivered to the massed. Hit! has
been licensed to Ambient Concept and will be produced
by Michael Boughen, formally Executive Producer of
"Southern Star". Brett and I are really
excited that the hard work and preparation has paid
off.
Reality
TV is also all over the Internet. Take the challenge
to do a search for "Reality TV Australia"
in Google, and Media Man Australia is right up there,
as you would expect.
I'm
currently working on a number of TV and film projects,
including representing Australian film director, Gary
Young. These also have a Reality TV edge to them (but
doesn't everything these days!) By the way, Gary has
a TV station for sale in New Zealand if you know anyone
interested. Ric Drasin and Lorraine "Abner Zurd"
Fontanes in California also have me assisting on some
work relating to pro wrestling, vampires and politics!
More information on this can be found in the interviews,
multimedia and articles sections of our company website.
What are your goals for
www.mediaman.com.au
1.
To earn the income that I deserve
2. To become fully profitable
3. To be on mainstream TV more often (bring on H'it!
And FOX.
4. To get more time at the beach
5. To buy a property 300kms from Sydney (where its
more relaxing)
6. To secure more sponsors for The World's Largest
Steer and AWF Pro Wrestling (I'm working on Virgin,
Vodafone, QANTAS, Coke, Sony, Elders and The Variety
Association, that Paul Hogan helped establish, just
to name a few
7. To be published in other newspapers more often
8. To find a buyer for movies "Cosy Cool",
"Wheels On Fire", "Demon Seed"
and "The California Kid"
9. To continue to have a hell of a lot of fun
10. To do a working holiday overseas including reporting
on our friends in New York and California
Evan, thanks for this wonderful opportunity. It is
greatly appreciated. See you in New York!
Links:
Media
Man Australia
WBAI
FM
Wrestling
Then & Now
Media
Man Australia: Wrestling Then & Now showcase
Johnny
Valiant official website
Nikolai
Volkoff official website
Nicole
Bass official website
Pro
Wrestling Hall of Fame
Long
Island Press
Greg
Tingle being interviewed
2nd
July 2003
25th
October 2003
Greg
Tingle bio
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