Call talkback radio

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DJ 'Bomber' Bradbury and musician Steve Abel beaming Climate Rescue Radio Heatwave FM live streaming across the internet at a secret location in Northland. Sunday November 5, 2006.

Radio phone-ins are an excellent way to get your viewpoint aired. Here's some tips.

• If possible listen to a previous edition of the programme to get an idea of the format, the presenters approach, etc.
• Most radio stations prefer a caller using a land line and not a mobile phone. Land lines usually provide a clearer sound.
• When you ring in, you will first speak to a researcher who will want to know what you plan to say and then will either put you on hold until there is a slot or call you back.
• Before making your call, jot down what you would like to get across. Once you are on air use your notes to jog your memory but you will sound stilted if you read from a prepared script. Spoken English and written English are different and reading from a written statement can sound 'wooden'. Don't expect to be on the radio for very long as the station will probably have many callers.
• Consider the audience for a radio programme. A mid-morning radio phone-in might be heard by parents at home with small children or those not out at work during the day, but it could be missed by the local business community. Although your call will be heard by a mass audience, you should address the presenter or guests as if you were speaking with them in a normal conversational setting.
• The guidelines for letter writing, in terms of 'framing' your comments, are also applicable for questions in a phone-in. If you have a personal story and you are particularly affected then you're more likely to get on.
• A phone-in may simply involve a presenter, possibly with a guest or it may be a studio discussion. Studio discussions usually involve a panel of people who disagree with each other. Your question will be 'fed' to them.
• If you get into a discussion with the presenter or a guest then remember the person you are trying to convince is the listener, not the person you are in discussion with. If you feel the presenter is being provocative don't rise to the bait; it's not personal, that's their job, to create 'good radio'. Take a moment and step back, think about the different ways you could reply and what would sound best for the listener.
• Keep it friendly. Antagonistic ranting could easily put people off. If you're polite even in the face of opposition or a guest who's being abusive, then you will come off better for not having risen to that bait.