Newsletter archive
Top tips for radio
The CIPR's Fifth Estate group welcomed Steve Leavesley of Radio Lynx and Ben Jones, presenter on Absolute Radio, to provide some insight into the world of radio. Members learnt some top tips for conducting the most effective radio campaigns which we've shared with you below:
- Record 'down the line' interviews in the morning. You'll have the most chance of getting coverage across more shows.
- Listen to your target stations for cue points which you could link your campaign to. Or ask a work experience person to do this to help you develop a database.
- Ask for your call to action (donation, signing up to a campaign) to be displayed on the radio player feed as it streams through the internet.
- Who should you approach? For commercial stations, approach the producer for breakfast shows, and presenters for all other shows. For all BBC stations, approach the producer.
- Statistics are effective on radio so use them where you can. Strong regional stats will help you gain cut through in the regions too.
- Case studies in the regions are also great to add a human interest element to your story.
- Advertise in your press release that broadcast quality soundbites are available. You can record these via your smartphone using a free app, AudioBoo.
- If the story isn't right for one show, ask the producer if they know anyone else it could work for – everyone likes to be flattered and asked for their contacts!
- radiotoday.co.uk provides all the detail you need to know on radio stations – check it out.
- Aim to start a conversation – your story needs to stay with the listener and help the show create content through phone ins etc. The more debatable your story, the more likely it is to be covered.
