Radio Publicity
The radio is an excellent source of publicity for an organization, event, issue or business. Millions of people drive to and from work and school each day, spending long amounts of time in their cars. And during that time, many of them are listening to the radio.
Being a guest on a radio program or radio talk show can help an organization in a number of ways. It can promote an event or charity fundraiser, help a company to gain name recognition, and promote products or services.
In order to be featured as a guest on a radio program, there are a number of things to keep in mind:
- Research your market. Just as there are different magazines or newspapers, there are also different radio programs. For that reason, it's important to target a station that has an audience that would be interested in or features a program that would apply to the organization. For example, a country music station probably wouldn't interview a rapper trying to promote his new album. Don't waste time sending press releases or calling local stations that would not be interested in your services or announcements.
- Know who to send information to or target. Talk to the producers or station manager who would be able to tell whether or not they can feature an organization or representative on a show. Make sure information and press releases are being sent to the right people.
- Make sure mailing lists and contact information remains updated, as changes in radio stations occur frequently. Mail is rarely forwarded if mailed to a station manager or individual who worked at the station previously.
- The radio stations should know who the spokesperson for an organization or event is and should have their contact information. It is easier for them to contact an individual rather than a variety of different sources.
- Make sure you know the station's guidelines with regards to length and style for public service announcements. This goes for press releases as well. Don't send unsolicited press releases without first finding out whether or not the station accepts them unless queried first. In addition, never send photographs with a press release. A radio station has no use for photos.
- Don't try and promote services and organizations when there is nothing newsworthy to report. Make sure there is a human interest in your product or service before hand.
The Interview
If a spokesperson or executive lands an interview with a radio station, keep the following things in mind in order to have a successful interview.
-Be a good guest. Be on time (usually at least 15 minutes early) and know the material presents and answering the host's questions with the audience in mind. If possible, try and find out what topics will be discussed beforehand, and practice. As radio is a timed entity, make sure answers are brief, and stop when the host stops you. Answers should be short, but they should also provide the needed information.
-Thank the host for having you as a guest. This should be done in person as well as afterwards, via a note or email.
A radio station can provide a great deal of favorably publicity for an event, issue, or organization. By keeping the above guidelines in mind and by being a gracious talk show guest, radio interviews will be successful.
For more information about public relations and related topics, visit the following websites:
http://101publicrelations.com
www.publicrelationsideas.com
