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Radio Station Checklist
Stuff you need to know and do
before you go on the air!
by Alyice Edrich
All materials copyrighted
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Ad Disclaimer
Radio interviews are a great way for small businesses to get much needed exposure because there’s no traveling involved. Most radio show
interviews can be done over the phone. Just call in when you’re scheduled to speak and no one will be the wiser!
How long your interview lasts will depend on the type of radio show you’re “appearing” on. Talk radio interviews are usually longer than
music radio stations. In fact, most music radio interviews last anywhere from five to twenty minutes and are squeezed in during songs
and radio commercials while talk radio interviews usually last anywhere from sixty to ninety minutes in length.
When doing your research for a radio show to be interviewed on, make sure you take the time to do your homework. Check out the radio
station’s website, listen to the host you’re interested in getting interviewed by, get familiar with his/her interview style, and listen
for what works and what doesn’t. Getting a better understanding of the radio show can help you determine if your interview will be the
right fit, thus helping you in pitching your interview to the station’s producers.
Things to keep an eye out for are:
- What type of radio show is it?
- Who is the audience?
- What types of interviews has the show done in the past? Which ones were most successful and which ones were flops? Why or why not?
- How long do the interviews usually last?
Things you need to do when you get the call to be interviewed:
- Jot down the logistics of the call, such as: the date and time of the call, who you spoke with to confirm the interview, and what
you discussed during the phone conversation.
- Ask specifics, such as:
- What is the date and time of the interview?
- What is the contact information for the show: email, web address, phone and fax number, street address, and radio station name and
frequency.
- Will they call you or will you call them?
- What is the name of the host or hosts?
- Does the show allow you to mention your product or business by name during the interview? Are you allowed to say your website
address or business contact information over the air?
- Will it be a question and answer segment or will you be giving some sort of speech?
- Will the radio station take callers and if so, how many and how in-depth can you go with your answers?
- Can you provide prizes for radio callers during or prior to the interview?
- Is there anything you can do to help promote the interview?
- Will you receive a recorded copy of the show and may you use excerpts for other promotions?
Things you need to send to your contact person (usually the show’s producer) at the radio station:
- A follow-up letter confirming the date and time of the show. Also confirm the phone number you’re to call and a back up number in
case you can’t get through.
- Sample questions the host can ask you during the interview.
- Any background information you think will be relevant to the show.
- Any prizes you promised for on air contests.
- A publicity kit which should include information about your product or service, endorsements, a headshot (so they know what you
look like, sometimes having a face to the name helps make the interview feel more in-person), contact information, and any relevant
promotional materials.
Things you need to do during your interview:
- Make comments that reference back to your product or service.
- Answer questions in detail, but don’t give away the store. Get the listeners so hyped up, they’ll want to go out and buy your
product or service.
- Keep a list of important topics or words handy so you can reference it when answering the host’s questions. Your list should help
jog your memory should you get stage fright as well as help you lead the interviewer into asking questions that help sell your product
or service, without actually selling it.
Things you need to do after the show:
- Immediately ask for a letter of recommendation from the radio host.
- Send a thank you letter to your contact person at the radio station.
- Send a thank you letter to the host.
- Share your experience with colleagues so they may contact the station for an interview, and in turn share their contact information
with you.
The best thing you can do before your interview is practice being interviewed by colleagues. The best thing you can do during the
interview is relax, listen, and have a good time. Remember, you’re there to promote your product or service, but you’re also there to
educate and entertain—don’t be afraid to have a little fun.
About The Author:
Alyice Edrich is a mixed media artist, freelance writer, and aspiring photographer. She enjoys creating things that bring joy
to others. Visit our her blog, Coming Home, to check out her latest art. Or
stop by her resume site, AlyiceEdrich.net to learn how you can hire her for your
next project.
* This article is available for your publication, for a F-E-E.
This article may NOT be reprinted without monetary compensation and written permission from the author.
For reprint rights or comments/questions about this article, please contact the author.
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