Radio
There are several different ways that you might get your message on the air. One is an “actuality,” or brief pre-recorded statement or interview that is played during the station's news segment. Radio stations often play the same news segment throughout the day so actualities can get coverage for your story and generate interest in your issue.
Radio talk shows are another venue, and have become popular forums for voicing public opinion and communicating a point of view. Calling in to a show that is covering an issue important to your organization is one way to gain access to these shows, another is to actually be a guest. When on the air, be confident and positive, keep it simple and make sure you have notes in front of you.
Radio Interview Helpful Hints
Whether you are recording, interviewing live, or participating in a talk show as a panelist your goal is to be polished and deliver a colorful sound bite. The tips below will help you get on the air and sound great!
- Pursue the Stations: If you know of an upcoming event, alert the radio station ahead of time with a news advisory and be sure to follow-up with a phone call. Be aware, however, that radio news directors often do not have time to attend news conferences or public hearings. You will improve your odds of getting coverage if you call the station's news director, explain your organization and event, and offer a phone interview.
- Call Early: Call the stations early in the morning. Avoid calling them on the hour or half-hour since they are often doing live news shows then.
- Be Prepared to Interview: The newsperson may want you to elaborate on the story before s/he expresses interest or will want to put you on tape immediately. Be prepared for either. Have three key points ready before you make the call.
- Stay focused: The station will usually edit the interview so keep your answers brief and to the point, and state the most relevant and important facts first.
- Don't Fake It: If you don't know the answer to a question, just say you don't know. Offer to call back if appropriate.
- Sound Interesting: Your voice should never sound monotone. Stress the interesting and important facts and figures.
- Reiterate Message: Since your interview may be edited, reiterate and repeat your basic message as often as possible. This will increase the chances that it gets into the final version and is not edited out.
- Pitch Small Stations First: Offer your interview to smaller, less important stations first. This will warm you up for the larger stations and help you predict the types of questions you may be asked.
- Correct Mistakes: If at any point the interviewer says something that is inaccurate, feel free to politely interrupt and correct the mistake
