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Tips for Pitching Talk Radio
ACA Communications Toolkit

Today there are over 10,000 radio stations in the United States. With advances in technology, many of these stations are also streaming live audio over the Web. Most media markets have talk radio shows with local guests discussing current events.

The most important factor in deciding whether talk radio is the right tactic for you is to determine the radio station's format and audience. Is the show a public affairs show or does it deal with family and parenting issues? Once you determine the correct show, you should consider the following steps:

Identify the station and show you would like to reach and call the station to determine the appropriate person to contact. Typically it is the news director, producer, or host.
Write a letter or email to your contact requesting a guest spot and outlining why the interview is timely and important to the listeners. Include your credentials to help illustrate why you are an expert on the topic.
Follow your letter with a phone call.
Once your show has been confirmed, determine all the details for your segment. Is the interview live or taped? How long is the interview? Will you be required to be in-studio? Will listeners be allowed to call-in with questions?
Draft your key message points and any questions you may expect.
Keep the interview very conversational. Make sure to keep your responses brief and bridge to your key talking points.
Remember to offer listeners a "call to action." Direct them to your Web site and the ACA Web site for additional information.

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