What Music Radio Can Learn From Talk Radio

You’re missing out if you haven’t listened to the News/Talk or Sports station in a while. You’ll hear on-air personalities discussing today’s 3-5 biggest topics with several different passionate points of view. And when their show is over, the next show does the same thing, but with their own unique perspective. Rinse. Wash. Repeat.

LIFE IS SHOW PREP

Some of the very best on-air breaks come from your own life. How you feel as a parent sending your five-year-old off to kindergarten. How you felt as a five-year-old being sent to kindergarten. Presenting your true, authentic self makes your breaks unique and not easily duplicated. If you’re a great storyteller, you’ll also be memorable and make deep connections as well.

NOT ENOUGH TODAY

One of the keys to attracting someone’s active attention is starting at a place their mind is already at. Today. Your funny story about the grocery checkout line from over the weekend has its place, but if you’re not constantly trying to meet the listener at their life (dreams, worries, fears, joys), you’ll miss many opportunities to bridge the gap between your microphone and their radio.

HERE’S THE TAKEAWAY

Today’s common topics intertwine the thoughts of strangers (I just made that up btw). Here are 3 questions to help you find topics that listeners are already thinking about:

What’s on the listener’s mind TODAY?
How are they feeling TODAY?
Can you tie-in a local angle?

Implementing the answers to these three questions can give you instant connections with listeners …just like what happens on News/Talk & Sports radio every single day.

After spending 25+ years working at some really great radio stations, Todd launched a coaching and consulting business, Beyond615.com, on March 15, 2021. There he strives to help others build confidence so that they can connect on a deeper level. He also serves as the Contemporary Christian Format Editor at AllAccess.com. He and his family live in the (615) area code, aka the heart of the CCM industry.