It’s Battle of the Promo Music – Guitar Giveaway!
Music choices can transform the emotional tone and impact of a promo. We gave a local station promo four completely different musical treatments. Take a listen, leave a comment telling us which music option you prefer – and you’re instantly entered to win this amazing guitar!
Special thanks to David Stotts and Patrick Tonkinson at WTKR News 3 for providing the promo.
The Paul Reed Smith SE Special Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar in Lake Blue is a visual stunner, and a rockin’ music machine! This semi-hollowbody guitar has a maple neck, a 22-fret rosewood fingerboard, and quilted maple top. Combine that with twin humbuckers and a third Narrowfield pickup, this is one of the most versatile rigs out there, allowing a player to shift from hard rock to smooth jazz effortlessly. Plus, we’ve included a sturdy gig bag!
In addition, we’ve created a “Master Your News Music – Best Practices” one-sheet so you can get even more out of your sonic branding. Download here »
We know you want this guitar! So listen to the spots, drop your vote in the comments, and you’ll be automatically eligible to win this breathtaking beauty!
Which music hits the right note?
Promo Music A
Promo Music B
Promo Music C
Promo Music D
Good luck!
Drawing to be held online: Friday, October 9, 2026, at 3 p.m. CT / 4 p.m. ET.
Click here for complete rules and regulations »
WWJ-TV/WKBD-TV Detroit
I liked Promo Music A the best. It flowed nicely throughout all the different transitions and kept a nice balance of the importance of the subject while keeping my attention with the moving beat.
WSAZ
Promo A captured my attention and gave it a serious tone. Promo B gave it a more emotional feel to the spot. My personal choice would be A!
Stephen Arnold Music
Thanks for your thoughts, Jake…we appreciate it!
WDRB
B fits the best. A is second best, it is somber and draws empathy. D is the third best, but seems too up-tempo for the subject, but the bass is great. There is too much going on in C, it fights with the audio.
Stephen Arnold Music
Great insight, Don. Thanks! (PS..we need your full name and station to be entered)
WEWS - E.W. Scripps
I’ll go with “A.” That track is steady and doesn’t overpower all the SOTS and characters/story. Just conveys the right feel to me for the situation at hand. (“B” gave me a feeling of hopelessness, “C” was a little too intense, and “D” was my second choice.)
Stephen Arnold Music
Hey Dan! Leave it to a musician to have a detailed explanation…thanks! Good to see you here, my friend.
WDSC-TV Daytona State College
Promo A definitely worked to capture my attention and focus on the dialogue.
Stephen Arnold Music
Hey Robert…thanks for your comment!
WTVA
It really is amazing how EACH bed changes the story. Heartfelt…developing story…urgency…
But if I must pick one – I gotta go with B.
Great job on the edit WTKR – and as always – great job on the bed SAM!!
Stephen Arnold Music
Hey Josh…thanks for the kind words. Good luck in the drawing!
B! 🙂
Stephen Arnold Music
Thanks for your vote, Jenise!
KVIA-TV El Paso ABC Affiliate
Promo Music B is my vote! Totally fits the narration and the severity of the story itself!
Stephen Arnold Music
Hey John, good insight. Hope you win the guitar!
Gray
I think B is great as it sounds and feels very emotional for the devastating story being shown. A nice transition to D would be good for the one-year-later part!
Stephen Arnold Music
Hunter, thanks for watching and entering!
KTVK 3TV & KPHO CBS 5
I like option B I think it sets the right tone and emotion for the story.
Stephen Arnold Music
Hey Todd, thanks for your comment and good luck in the drawing!
WILX TV 10 & WSYM FOX 47
Promo B does it for me! I love the drama & mood it sets for the piece.
Stephen Arnold Music
Hey Jennifer…great comment! Thanks!
Lockwood Broadcast Group
I would go C because of the appropriate level of intensity, with B being a close second because the piano keys hit just right. D has a great build-up to it.
Stephen Arnold Music
Hey Joey…good insights there…thanks!
WWSB - ABC7 Sarasota
I beleive Promo C is more prominent and impactful, but B is more dramatic if that is the feeling you are going for. But I choose C.
Stephen Arnold Music
Joshua…thanks for your reply!
WRCB-TV Local 3 - Sarkes Tarzian, Inc.
I think version B really hits the mark. With the ebbs and flows of the music seeming to hit at just the right time with the VO. Subtle, respectful, with emotion and care.
Stephen Arnold Music
Hey John, thanks for your thoughts!
KWQC
I think B set the appropriate mood for the spot.
Stephen Arnold Music
Brianna…thanks for watching the spots and entering our giveaway!
WJBF-TV
I’d use B for the first 23 seconds, and D for rest of the promo.
WTVM
-B
KSTP-TV, LLC
Dave! I also have to go with the masses and choose B, it drives compassion without overdirecting the story. The music stays in the background while helping to drive the storyline forward.
Stephen Arnold Music
Hey Katie…hope you’re doing well! Great comment, too!
KAKE
Option B is the winner for me. It keeps a somber and respectable tone throughout.
Stephen Arnold Music
Hey Aaron, good thought. Good luck in the drawing!
WMDT/Marquee Broadcasting Inc
I prefer B. The music has the right tone for the seriousness of the segment.
Stephen Arnold Music
Thanks, Stephanie…you have a lot of company choosing B!
CBS Colorado
Music B has the emotional impact this story/promo needs, and the turn midway through fits the tone extremely well.
I prefer B. It’s settles into the background and doesn’t step on the message.
Stephen Arnold Music
Hey, CJ, your opinion seems to be in the majority! Thanks for entering…
KOLN/KSNB/KNOP TV
Love B! It draws attention to the promo, but is soft enough to show the station cares about those affected.
My pick is Promo Music B. The somber, emotional tone fits the promo story the best.
Stephen Arnold Music
Good instinct, Nathanael. Let’s hope you win the guitar!
My pick is Promo Music A. I liked the drive and energy it brings to the spot — it keeps the pace moving and adds just the right amount of urgency without overwhelming the story. All four are great cuts, but A is the one I’d run with.
Stephen Arnold Music
Thanks for your comment, Caedon. God luck!
I liked option B best — the somber, emotional tone fits the story best.
Stephen Arnold Music
Thanks for the good thought, Jamie!
Nexstar - WRIC
Music A fits best. I know for all of them, the video wasn’t edited with the music, but Music A would have work perfectly with the flow, drama, and the right amount of intensity.
Music B is a solid cut. I love the emotion that it brings so the viewer connects to the video. However, at times, it’s a bit too slow for the video.
Music C is very newsy. It’s not wrong. It fits of course… I just prefer few something that sparks more emotion.
Music D is good. Probably my second favorite. It’s not perfect, but I like that it’s not traditional.
Stephen Arnold Music
Thanks for your thoughtful, reply, Ben!
Nexstar
It depends on the purpose of the promo. I’d pick Music D for a nostalgic look back, while I’d go with Music A if I’m promoting my station’s weather and news coverage.
WTVM
I think start with B then go to D for the One Year Later segment.
Stephen Arnold Music
Good idea, Houston. And good luck in the drawing!
I’d have to go with B, the others are too upbeat for this type of story.
I vote for Promo Music A — the energetic rock treatment fits the promo best. It keeps the pace moving along and adds urgency without getting in the way of the story.
KELOLAND Media Group
I like B. It has more emotion. A sad yet yet encouraging build.
Stephen Arnold Music
Hey, Jody, shoutout to you in KELOLAND! Good luck…
KIMT
D is the one..different with a sense of urgency then mellows out over the time.
Stephen Arnold Music
Good thinkin’, Jerome. Thanks for your comment!
WINK-TV
I think I like A the best with those electronic bass hits.
Stephen Arnold Music
Thanks for your insight, Scott!
WTVO
Promo music B sets the tone for this story.
WAVY-TV, WAVY+, Nexstar Media Group
I think I would start with ‘A’ telling the story from a year ago… and at the shift to 1 Year Later… transition to ‘B’ to reflect the tone of dealing with the aftermath…
Stephen Arnold Music
Hey Stephanie, thanks for your comment. Good luck!
Lilly Broadcasting, L.L.C.
Promo Music B gives you a strong emotional connection.
Stephen Arnold Music
Appreciate your thoughts, Bruce!
WWNY
I prefer promo option B.
Stephen Arnold Music
Thanks, Culley…good luck!
WMBB
I’d open with B to get the somber drama feel, then cut in to C to bring some energy back and keep the spot from dragging or feeling too sluggish
Stephen Arnold Music
That’s an interesting twist, Ryan. Thanks!
NEXSTAR
Music B. It’s reflective since the story goes back to a time in past. I also feel the minimalism and spaces between the dialog help build a subtle momentum.
Gray TV / KPTV
Definitely B. This is no longer about a tornado – it’s about lives destroyed, families looking for answers and a community that needs hope. B is the only cut that fits that. The rest feel wallpapered (and biz news, droning, all same level, etc) Doesn’t help tell the story. Just one person’s opinion … and thanks for letting us play!
Stephen Arnold Music
Hey Terri…thanks for watching and listening! Great comment…
KOTA Territory
I think Promo Music B is the best fit for this piece.
Stephen Arnold Music
Thanks for your vote, Wes!
I vote for Promo Music B
KVLY
Hands down B. Evokes emotion and helps underscore the visuals by setting a somber tone.
Stephen Arnold Music
Good thoughts, Ike. Good luck in the drawing!
NPG of Missouri
I believe Promo Music B best suits the tone & timing of the piece.
Perhaps Promo Music C & D could work with a hopefully more uplifting, “Two Years Later” cut.
Stephen Arnold Music
That’s a great idea, Mark!
KWWL & KIMT
Should use the first :27 seconds of B and then at the :28 mark of C, to finish the story.
The beginning of B (first :27), best fits the intense scene and story of destructive Tornado, then
Starting at the :28 seconds of C is best for the personal story of survivors overcoming and building back their neighborhoods etc… IMO.
Stephen Arnold Music
Aaron…we should have you edit this…great insight!
Nexstar Media group/NDC
Music B felt right for the topic and tone.
WKYT/WYMT - Gray Media
I like A and B the best, and if pressed, choose A.
NPG
I think B is the best music bed for the subject matter of a Tornado. It helps people connect with the emotional distress of having your world rocked by a natural disaster. The music adds to the power of the interviews and draws you in to their stories. This is in fact what makes TV so effective in the first place.
Stephen Arnold Music
You’re right….it’s all about emotional connection, Dirk.
B definitely fits the subject the most considering it has a more serious tone.
KCWY-TV
My nosy neighbor’s first name starts with A, so not A. My basement just flooded and left me with a $2500 bill, so not B. I went for horseback riding lessons, but all they had left was a camel, so not C. I guess that leaves D, for dinner, because I ‘m so hungry I could eat a horse… oops, a camel.
Stephen Arnold Music
Haha…made me spit up my soup! Good luck in the drawing, Jeremy!
KXAN
It’s between B & D for me. More authentic emotion… “A” seems to be the safe news choice, but I will go with B even though it would work best with a video edit to time it better to the music.
Nice!
Stephen Arnold Music
These days, safe is not usually the best choice! Thanks, Erik!
KBTX - Gray Media
I like Music B.The more emotional tone matches the subject matter better.
KOTA
Music A
Stephen Arnold Music
Thanks, Grant. Good luck!
KOTA/KEVN - Gray Media
I liked A and C the best! If I had to choose… I would go with A for this particular story. Seemed to compliment it naturally. 🙂
Stephen Arnold Music
Hey, Joshua…thanks for your comment!
WOLO
I like tracks A and D, but I think track D fits this promo the best. The music hits and impacts from track D line up really well with the video cuts and the text insertions in the promo.
KWTX / Gray Media Group
I like the emotion of B, but think C was probably the strongest overall. Some of the music transition hit really brought home the transitions in the story telling.
KTIV
I like B the best. Better tone and emotion than the rest.
WVNS TV
Have to go with the drama – C, (B was good for a more somber take – but the uplifting resolve was too much about halfway in).
KTVX
Got to go with A. Think B was a strong contender too.
KDVR
Music C
KODE/KSNF
Having experienced two major tornadoes where I live, I have to say that Promo B shows the emotional weight a situation like this carries. The music selection serves as a reminder that the damage isn’t just over and done with, but that it takes time to move on and heal from it. It evokes a feeling of hope that reminds you that things will be okay even if they aren’t right now. Fantastic job!
Stephen Arnold Music
Mason, thank you for your input! Good luck
WRIC, Nexstar Media
I like Music D – it catches the seriousness of the situation and, I believe, the compassion the station was trying to convey.
KCTV 5
Promo Music C hits the right note.
KSNF/KODE-TV
I have to say they are all very good – this is what we have come to expect from Stephen Arnold, emotional, focused branded music. I really like Promo Music B – but the last party of the promo music bed lost me…..
My choice is Promo Music C – after living thru the historic EF5 Tornado that ripped thru my city of Joplin, MO I can appreciate the feelings, empathy and commentary.
Again, great job as always and thank you for sharing and inspiring us in creative departments all over the world! You help us tell our stories that matter!
Stephen Arnold Music
Thank you, Thomas, for your kind words! best of luck!
Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. - Dallas Creative HUB
B & D!
WRIC-Nexstar
Going with C – the dramatic swings fit with the scary roller coaster these folks experienced
Nexstar Media Group
Music B – captured the emotional impact
Music C – captured the sense of urgency
Stephen Arnold Music
Thanks, Alex! A combination of both tracks can be a stronger way to achieve the emotional tone and impact of a promo. Good luck!
WVVA
B reminds me of all of the COVID promo from 2020. A fit well.
WTOC Gray Television
What a great demonstration of how music impacts your video! I vote for A.
Stephen Arnold Music
Thanks Andy, good luck!
Nexstar Media Group
I like Music D the best. The tone seems more appropriate and it feels like there are more gaps of silence, or close to it which seems like it fits the piece more.
Stephen Arnold Music
Thanks, Chris!
Dakota News Now
Promo Music D for me. It has a decent pacing and still keeps it grounded given the subject. It has a balance of not being too somber or too “Newsy” and still enhances what we’re seeing on screen without getting in the way of it.
Stephen Arnold Music
Appreciate it, Sean!
WYFF
D is the music choice for me.
Stephen Arnold Music
Thanks, Benjie!
Nexstar
I liked A the best of the 4 cuts. It had movement to it, but it still kept a feeling of uneasiness. B felt too emotional, C was a little too dramatic for me. D would be my second choice… Nice emotion to it, but still allowing the video and bites to be the focus.
WNYT
Promo Music B is most compelling and fitting to this story.
KTEN-TV
I like version A. It doesn;t interfere wih the story.
KAAL-TV
Music B gets my vote. Made it feel more emotional and less hard news.
WGEM
I like the drive of C.
WVVA - Gray
B is my choice, but all the cuts sound good.
Nexstar
Music B for me….well done !!!
I liked C.
WOWK
I would select C, but do like the dramatic feel at the start of B
KAAL-TV
I like A the best. The music is there but it’s in the background just enough to be heard. Good tempo and Great mixing too. Stephen Arnold Music rocks. Keep up the Great work!!!
WREG-TV
D strikes a nice balance betweeen movement and tone, but B is my vote. Nice job, Dave and Patrick!
WAVE - Gray TV
Music B hands down. The piano leaves that emotional hole right off the top. Love it. Then D, C, and A.
Nexstar Media Inc. WFXR-WWCW
Really like A, B & C. Keep them coming!
Vaughan Media, LLC (operated by Nexstar)
I feel promo C music fit the pice the best.
KCAU-TV
I really liked the deep, slow moving elements in B. It made it more dramatic and pulled on the heartstrings of feeling horrible for those who went through this catastrophic event.
Nexstar (WQRF)
It’s Promo Music C for me, please.
KELO
ALL GOOD BUT GOT THE MOST EMOTIONAL RESPONSE FROM B
KFVS and WSIL TV
Music D number one and Music B number 2
WALA - Gray
Going to say C as it changes up a bit at points within spot such as ‘one year later’ vs same pace throughout
Nexstar (WQRF)
Great minds…
Stephen Arnold Music
Thanks, Tad! And Shawn! 🙂
WIS 10
I vote B!
Stephen Arnold Music
Appreciate it, Charles!
WJW
I’m torn between A and B but I’m gonna go with B. I like the science vibes of A but Iike the emotional tone of B better.
Stephen Arnold Music
Thanks, Jeremy!
Promo Music B is what I’d go with. The piece feels more mini-doc than promo (in a good way) and B feels right.
Stephen Arnold Music
Thanks, Kellen! Good luck!
KWTX-TV
My favorite was B, as I like sad music to go with destruction footage. I also really liked the pacing change in C, that the 2nd half music felt hopeful. It illustrated the 1 year later shift very nicely.
Stephen Arnold Music
Appreciate it, Shay!
KTAB News & TV
Definitely “Music B”! It helps evoke a sense of gravitas that the subject matter demands. The volume level does overpower that voices/narrative a bit in certain spots, but that track is the best fit IMO.
Stephen Arnold Music
Thanks, Christopher!
Gray Media
I prefer option A.
Stephen Arnold Music
Thanks for weighing in, Alfio!
WJW-TV
Promo Music C fits the subject matter the best. All four promos have the music track up too high for my ears.
PHL 17 - Philadelphia
All great cuts but I’d say that B and C bring out the most emotion of the spot.
Stephen Arnold Music
Appreciate it, George!
WJW-TV
Promo Music C fits the subject matter the best. All four promos has the music track up too high for my ears.
KTTC-TV
A for sure. Keeps it serious and keeps me drawn into the story. Makes me confident in why I should care a year later.
A is my choice. Keeps the pace moving along, making me wonder what’s next.
Stephen Arnold Music
Thank you, Aaron!
Promo Music A
Stephen Arnold Music
Thanks, Caleb!
Love the sounds from Promo Music B. Creates lots of possibilities.
Stephen Arnold Music
Appreciate it, Steve!
WDBJ
Cut D
Stephen Arnold Music
Thanks, William!