By Tom Brennan
Using your local radio talk show to support Israel. How talk radio works.
Talk radio has grown as a phenomenon in the past several years. There are radio stations whose entire format is thematic talk. There are hosts with large national and international followings and local shows where a combination of international, national and local issues is discussed with open phone lines. These talk shows make for an excellent platform on which to discuss and defend Israel when the issues the media are promoting attract public attention. There are number things to remember to use this medium effectively, here are some of them.
First and foremost, and most hosts will readily admit to this, the first criteria and necessity of talk radio is to sell advertising. No matter how appealing, popular, dedicated or socially relevant the host or topics discussed are, the station has to pay the bills. When a host runs afoul of local political or other forces pressure can be brought to bear on advertisers to withdraw their support. This is unfair and unjust but it does happen. Hosts regularly shift subject matter on daily broadcasts so as to retain regular listeners and invite others. Sponsors are very concerned that the largest audience possible is listening or they will take their business elsewhere.
There are some very well informed, businesslike and polite hosts and there are those who are not. The audience will be a common denominator on which shows are worth the investment of time and getting a message for support for Israel out the best way. “Shock jocks”, offensive, ranting or conspiracy-prone hosts are best to avoid entirely, no matter what they say. They are only looking for bait. The usual procedure for some is to say something controversial and “stir the pot”. It’s a back and forth game intended to generate calls, not answers.
Local talk shows are an excellent medium to use and they are always seeking people to interview on-air. If you are having an event to support Israel this is an excellent way to do it. Here are some things to consider. Call in shows have screeners, they determine what the caller is likely to say, and how they will say it. The FCC and other national media governmental bodies and ministries in other countries that govern broadcast communications have standards of what is acceptable over the airwaves and stations adhere to these as a matter of compliance. Israel arouses passions and firm opinions so being ready to defend your event or position on Israel in face of hostility and prejudice with written facts and statistics is a wise step. You will also need to have public speaking experience or aptitude for this to go well.
Talk radio in the USA is predominately conservative and this can be beneficial to gaining a sympathetic ear. Another benefit is that most programs have websites and podcasts for recent and past programs and they are available on the internet. This means that an international audience is available as well and that your interview or call can be used as a link on your social media page. A nationally syndicated program and well-known host can be a major benefactor when working to support Israel. Often their websites have links and other beneficial information you can use. Local talk shows can be more difficult and it is important to gauge the host’s attitude, manner, personal view and manner of delivery. This is where a good match is necessary to be the most effective. One way or another, talk radio deserves serious consideration as a means of supporting Israel.
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