Producing a Talk Show

[seanmoore]

Are there any producers reading this? I am interested in hearing the specific details involved in producing a call-in radio talk show. For instance, what are the most important aspects of sreening a call? Specifically, how does a producer help the host with content? What level of expertise do you need to function as a board-op? What about audio editing? If you are a producer, board-op, call screener...do you like your job? Why or why not?

This might be a better post for the production thread, but talk radio happens to be the most interesting radio to me. Since all we talk about in the production thread is mic preamps and blinking lights, I thought this particular post would fit better in the News/Talk thread.

Talk program directors: how important is a good producer? What specific, must-have qualities do you look for in a producer, call screener, or board op? (Besides the ability to get paid next to nothing!)

Thanks!

 

[NewsNow]

A true producer helps guide the show, directs the screener and board op, pre-interviews potential guests, and does a show breakdown after every broadcast with the host. In some smaller markets (and some big, I did this in a top 30 market) the producer also runs the board AND screens the calls. That's a bit of a tall order.

If you run the board, and prepare audio for the show, and screen calls, the title more appropriate is Technical Producer. If you have a say in the direction of the show, then you are a producer. One position is not better than the other. I've been passed over for producer gigs because my technical producer gig was much more valuable to the station.

A talk show board op has to be more on the ball than a board op running canned programming. You need to maintain good eye contact and rapport with the host. If your station also does local news and traffic, you have to be able to handle that. It sounds uncomplicated, but it can get complicated real fast. And you always need to know when to hit the dump button.

The best rule for a calls screener is to put on the youngest, cogent voices you can get. With talk radio, this will get you a group of callers about 30 to 50 years old. You'll have the same 100 or so callers through the month, you'll get to know them and know where to put them in the show.

The importance of a producer depends on a few factors, the biggest of which is the host. The most recent show I produced was with a former CNN guy who could no more run the board or even punch up callers than a chipmunk. So, it was important enough that it was a union position. When a tech producer is needed, it's extremely important that they are punctual and skilled.