Creating Powerful Radio

One thing that I learned from reading this chapter is that when searching for a talent you have to be real patient. For example when I was at work on Saturday I was asked by store security to help apprehend a shoplifter. They often can be sensitive, ego-driven, and insecure. After reading this chapter I feel that it is the most valuable so far because show prep is the foundation of a successful show and without it you will come off as being unorganized and unprofessional. Real life stories are also a good resource for information. Another idea is using stories that you have heard from family members or friends. When listeners listen to talk they want to hear about news not only in their area, but from around the world. When a station is looking for an on air-talent they usually look for someone who is an articulate listener, has a strong opinion on topics, have a sense of humor, and who read a lot. I remember a part in the book where they talk about how a particular talent had mediocre ratings in one city, but when he moved to another city, is ratings sky rocketed. For example, the Doug Banks and De De McGuire show has a simulated grandmother call-in and give her opinion on the latest news going on in the world. This can be a problem because, a lot of listeners like it when a journalist is occasionally wrong, because it shows that they are human and they feel like they can relate better. This story would make a perfect topic for a show if I was running low on things to talk about. One of the main points about Talk Radio is that it is anonymous. Giving personal examples from your life is also a good tool in having a successful show. One thing that a news talk personality has to remember is that opinion is preferred in the news, just fact.