A different kind of question...

[toggle]

Hello!

I have kind of an interesting question I'd like to get some feedback on. It relates to the issue of Public Affairs. I think many people (esp. in commercial radio) think of Public Affairs as the type of programming that happens early on a weekend morning. I was promoted to the position of Public Affairs Director for my cluster of radio stations here in Nashville. It's a part time gig. I've got years of traditional radio under my belt. I love what I'm doing. I love getting to interview people about everything from health to sports to the environment. I've learned a lot about how to shape the segment of an interview and it's just fun to learn new things.

I was given the challenge to produce something that you might hear on Fresh Air or All Things Considered. Fully produced with music beds, imaging, and a tight format clock. I've also had the pleasure of meeting some of the most interesting people along the way.

I guess my question is this...is there potential to develop programming like this on a regional or national level? I've come to realize I'd love to do some freelance work or even one day work for an NPR type station. Right now I'm a college music teacher by day and this is more of a side passion. I love politics, news, and current events and feel that as a host I can bring a savvy and preparedness to each style of interviewing. Can the image of "Public Affairs" get beyond just local issues at 5am on a Sunday morning? Can its image improve beyond that of "boring"?

Like so many I've kept all my interviews and think I'm on my way to developing a nice portfolio. I'm wondering who are the people I need to connect with to hear my work and perhaps pick up some additional opportunities on a larger scale.

I appreciate your insights here. I'm fairly new to these boards and hope this was the proper place to ask such a question.

Take care!
Dan in Nashville.

 

[radiotower40]

Toggle, I do not have an answer to your question unfortunately, but I noticed it had been her for over a month. Perhaps if you
tried posting your topic on the syndication or programming boards on the radio pros section of the board you might just get
the answer you are looking for. I hope that helps.

 

[Julius Leonard Marx]

Toggle,

Calling if "public affairs" is the kiss of death. It says "boring." It says "eat your vegetables."

Don't - repeat - don't call what you are doing public affairs.

Public affairs is programming done to let some public sector type (government or non-profit organization) on the radio to grind his axe? It's for the benefit of the subject, not necessarily the listener. It's "what exactly is the United Way?" and "do you have a number people can call if they want to help?" kinds of questions. Yawn! Zzzzz.

Can you do interviews that will be interesting to the listener? If you think so, take your portfolio and go talk to some program directors in your area (public radio and smaller, community-oriented commercial stations). If you are willing to work for free to start, there are stations in most markets willing to give time to someone who can put on a decent show. As an example, a guy in my area had a computer and computer repair store. He approached a suburban station. Part of the deal he got at first was he had to do some board op'ing but he got a slot for a call-in show where he answered questions for people with computer problems. The show became popular and he's looking at syndication.

On commercial stations, if you are willing to buy time yourself (and then sell spots in your show to your own advertisers) PDs will welcome you and you might even make some money on the deal.

I'd also suggest you develop a positioning for your show (other than public affairs or interview). Is there a theme to your show? There are lot of shows about politics. What's different about your show? How would you describe the kinds of interviews or the kinds of people in a simple phrase? Politics or all things to all people is just too unfocused. The PD needs a concept he can promote and the listener can grasp). You have to think of your show as a product you want to sell.

 

[Tony Esposito]

Toggle,

Calling if "public affairs" is the kiss of death. It says "boring." It says "eat your vegetables."

Don't - repeat - don't call what you are doing public affairs.

Public affairs is programming done to let some public sector type (government or non-profit organization) on the radio to grind his axe? It's for the benefit of the subject, not necessarily the listener. It's "what exactly is the United Way?" and "do you have a number people can call if they want to help?" kinds of questions. Yawn! Zzzzz.

Can you do interviews that will be interesting to the listener? If you think so, take your portfolio and go talk to some program directors in your area (public radio and smaller, community-oriented commercial stations). If you are willing to work for free to start, there are stations in most markets willing to give time to someone who can put on a decent show. As an example, a guy in my area had a computer and computer repair store. He approached a suburban station. Part of the deal he got at first was he had to do some board op'ing but he got a slot for a call-in show where he answered questions for people with computer problems. The show became popular and he's looking at syndication.

On commercial stations, if you are willing to buy time yourself (and then sell spots in your show to your own advertisers) PDs will welcome you and you might even make some money on the deal.

I'd also suggest you develop a positioning for your show (other than public affairs or interview). Is there a theme to your show? There are lot of shows about politics. What's different about your show? How would you describe the kinds of interviews or the kinds of people in a simple phrase? Politics or all things to all people is just too unfocused. The PD needs a concept he can promote and the listener can grasp). You have to think of your show as a product you want to sell.

Solid advice.

 

[jp1520]

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