Let’s Talk on the Radio

Talk show in the radio is a common medium for people to listen and to debate about certain discussions and arguments on varieties  of issues in the globe. Among the most popular topics for radio talk shows are politics, religion, culture, entertainment and show business, economy, sports, social issues, and environment.

This radio format is usually hosted by a single person but sometimes today there are a co-host or guests in the program, especially if the topic to be discussed is a very hot issue or very interesting one. The show could either be: free-format, wherein the host talks on air about the issue at hand; discussion format, wherein distinguished guests are invited; or interview type, wherein the host interviews a particular resource person for the topic to tackle. There are also times that listeners’ participations are needed where live conversation of the host and the listener who calls-in can be broadcasted in the air.

Ever since Barry Gray introduced the listener call-in in 1945, the popularity of Talk radio never ceased to leave the airwaves. This gained him the title “The hot mama of Talk Radio” during that era. However, the very first talk radio broadcast was really credited to Aimee Semple McPherson, who purchased her own radio station and began broadcasting in 1920’s.

Since then, radio talk show is everywhere. Every state has its own radio station airing radio talk shows, may it be AM or FM broadcasting. It does not matter as long as there is a juicy topic or issue or sometimes, gossips to talk about. As long as there are commercial breaks in every segment of the show, as every producer knows that commercials and listener ratings are the one that feeds the shows, then the show must always go on.

There have been a lot of variations in today’s radio talk shows. These are now categorized as conservative talk, hot talk, sport talk, and progressive talk. The latest and the most popular now is the internet-based talk radio show.

Conservative talk mainly covers the issues on political, religious, and ethical beliefs. Topics that are taboo and too conservative to talk about are being aired in free time in the United States as its popularity began in late 1990’s. The audiences of these talk shows are mostly adult males in middle-ages that are conservatives. A 2004 survey shows that 17% of the public are listening to this kind of programming. It also shows that 41% are Republican and 28% are Democrats. Moreover, 45% described themselves as conservatives while 18% as liberals.

Hot talk, on the other hand, is sometimes called the FM talk or the shock talk that targets male audiences whose ages range from 18 to 49. Common subject for this is about pop culture and current issues on culture. The Arts are mostly aired in the FM station rather than in the AM.

As the name speaks for itself, sports talk is a radio talk show that discusses about the buzz in the sporting arena. Host may invite guests, sportscasters, players, coaches, or fans to talk about the latest event in the NBA, PGA Tour, in the World Cup and World Series, and above all, the Olympics. The discussion may range from a simple interview or interaction between players inside the box and a listening fan. Mostly, the target audience for these are the sport enthusiast people, be it a man or a woman.

Progressive talk is a radio talk show format that is based on the expression of progressive or liberal opinions of the host as well as the listeners. This program is implemented in the US since 2004. Some familiar shows are the Stephanie Miller Show and the Air America Radio which is both aired in the AM radio.

Lastly, the advancement of technology brought to life the internet-based radio talk show. It is sometimes called as web casting. This is because it is just an audio broadcasting service transmitted through the internet. This is now effectively used by broadcasters because it is cost effective and its audience coverage is very wide.

The listening audiences of any radio talk show have all the control of their judgment. Whatever they hear from the radio, it is their sole responsibility, whether or not to believe in it.

When you are in a Live Radio Program

Radio was invented through the use of electricity and magnet. It was commonly called as the electric and magnetism theory.  There were several scientists working on the radio project. That is why radio was successfully created and progressed up to these days. Throughout the years radio was used in different purposes. It was commonly used as a tool for communication and entertainment. Not many years later radio programs began. It composed of a news program and an entertainment program like playing music on air. At these time radio talks also started. It is done by one or more character discussing a certain topic live on the radio. It may be a debate or simply just a normal conversation.

Did you already try to speak on air? You may find it easier than live on stage. This is because you cannot see the people you are talking to. Were you nervous at the time you were talking on air? Most individual who is a beginner will surely be nervous because they were not yet used to it. Talking on air really requires a lot of thinking, and you need to be confident at the same time… It is a skill that needs to be developed. It would be a shame on your part if you are talking on air and giving false information. If you keep on giving wrong details your listener will not trust you anymore some of them would even degrade you. Always remember that you have to know what you are talking about. Never pretend that you know a certain topic. Some may not be nervous when talking on air because they don’t see the people listening to them. It is just like talking to no one. You just don’t know how many people are listening to you. Always put in mind that there is no age limit when listening to a radio. Young children may be listening in your program. In this case, you must avoid speaking bad words and violent phrases. When you are talking on air you are just like talking to the whole people. As information heard by one it will be shared to other individuals. That’s why you really have to watch out for your words.

Now a day radio is used beyond its expected purpose. Some speakers would use radio to destroy a person’s view. All the words you said on air cannot be totally retrieved back. Did you get it means? Just like, for example, a person discussing a topic on air where thousands of people are listening. What if that person will say “I have HIV” it is obvious that majority of his listener will believe on what he said. Even if he will grab that idea back from his listeners head like stating that it was just a joke only few of his listener will surely believe that he was just joking. This will really happen to you, especially if you are in a trusted radio channel. Remember to be careful on the details you throw on air, just relax and don’t be overconfident, and finally never ever pretend live on air.