Local radio is one of the best ways of getting your message out, and there are so many opportunities if you do your homework.
Take a couple of weeks to really tune into your local BBC radio station – get a feel for the different shows and formats as it rolls through the day and think about which one is most likely to reach your audience. If you are going to approach them with a story idea, at least show the producer that you are familiar with the format and the presenter.
Although news bulletins run through the day, Breakfast and Drive Time are the shows that carry the most extended news. Mid-morning is usually devoted to a phone in for at least an hour and is more conversational in style. The afternoon show tends to be magazine style, with plenty of longer features and interviews based on entertainment and general lifestyle. Guests will get a good shot at air time.
Then there is the weekend schedule – Saturday and Sunday morning shows are newsy but lighter – focusing more heavily on ‘feel good’ community stories.
As well as thinking about the format, get to know the presenters too. If they are on Twitter, give them a follow and get a feel for their particular interests. If you have something worthwhile to add to the Twitter conversation, engage, or at the least retweet. They will be keeping an eye out for people who have interesting views and opinions who might be able to expand on their story or feature.
Get to know and love local radio and you will be surprised how much it can help your brand.
PS: concerned about how to get your message out, how to connect with local radio or what to say when you get invited to give an interview? Check out our other blog posts for hints and tips, and consider signing up for our Media Training