Module Outline Introduction Relationship between Formats and Programs Features Discussions News Bulletins Drama Talks Review: Formats News Programs Magazine Programs Talk Shows Review: Radio Programs Summary Evaluation   Course Outline

Module 3: Radio Programs and Formats
Talk Shows

A radio talk show is a program formed around discussions.  Talk shows provide an opportunity for listeners to discuss news and current social issues affecting their lives. Most importantly talk shows allow listeners to hear what others in the community have to say. They have often been used in post-conflict situations to promote dialogue and better understanding between people from different ethnic or religious backgrounds.

Talk Show Formats

In addition to using discussions, talk shows may use other formats to grab listeners' attention or to help them connect with an issue. For example:

• Drama
• Talks

Using a combination of these formats will create a more diverse program. A drama can be used to introduce an issue for discussion and talks could be used to add personal perspective to the topic.

Some talk shows also use music to generate discussion. For example, songs about peace or tolerance can be used to open dialogue in a region experiencing conflict.

Challenges 

Guests and callers always present interesting challenges for a host. They may have strong opinions, use controversial terminology or be very emotional. Or they may lack confidence and find it difficult to express themselves. Hosts should be able to accommodate anyone as long as the guest/caller does not use hate speech or try to use the show to incite violence. Review tips for handling challenging callers.  

Other circumstances that can lead to a challenging show include:

• Violent conflict, war or social tension. Hosting a talk show at a time when there is discord in the community or your listeners are dealing with a tragic event, requires sensitivity, superb program management, careful call screening and good interviewing skills.
• Lack of visual cues. Because the host can't see the people phoning in, she must listen attentively to callers and make sure she understands the point being made or question being asked. Sometimes people who are experiencing pain or trauma sound very angry. And since facial expressions and body language will not be visible to the host, she needs to take care not to misinterpret the callers' feelings or intent. She should always try to be calm, friendly and understanding, even if a caller starts to attack her personally.
• Time management. Like news programs and magazine shows, talk shows are almost always broadcast live. This means the host has to make sure that as many views as possible are aired in the time available. She has to balance the need to give a broad picture of the topic with the need to dig deeper. The host must also make sure that guests and callers keep to the point and don't waste precious time, but she must do so respectfully.

Presenting, Scripting, and Interviewing Techniques Specific to Talk Shows

The presentation, scripting and interviewing techniques discussed in module 2 are the foundation to all radio programming, including talk shows.

In addition, being a good talk show host requires excellent facilitation skills. These skills involve the ability to:

• open up dialogue
• summarize points
• play devil's advocate and keep the discussion flowing by presenting alternative viewpoints

A good facilitator will also set boundaries for what is and is not acceptable. Without such boundaries, freedom of speech can degenerate into anarchy or – worse – hate speech. It's not about censorship, but about building a relationship of mutual respect with listeners so they share responsibility for making the show a success. (See setting ground rules below)

She also has a personal recipe:

• Be a great listener.
• Do not take "negative" calls personally.
• Never judge or exclude, rather open up and include.
• Do lots of research but never be afraid to ask basic questions. They're probably exactly the questions the listener would like to ask.
• Help listeners find solutions.
• Use the language and tone of the caller. It makes the caller feel welcome. If the caller is unreasonable or angry, take a deep breath and acknowledge the caller's feelings. Then listen.
• Have a sense of humor and don't take yourself too seriously.
• Be able to see many different viewpoints and step into the shoes of many different callers.

Find out what it takes to be a good radio host by taking this short quiz.

Setting ground rules encourages callers to contribute positively to the discussion and helps the host to manage the discussion creatively. Having ground rules is especially important if the program is dealing with a divisive issue or is being aired during a time of conflict. 

A ground rules jingle can be created and used at the beginning of a talk show and whenever an angry caller needs to be cooled down. If the caller won't abide by the rules after the jingle has been played, the host can say goodbye and move on to the next caller.