by Brian Baltosiewich
If you?re a radio personality looking to move into podcasting, there?s something you need to be aware of. Not everything that worked for you on the radio, will work in a podcast. And I?ll be honest with you, some who were lined up to be podcasters at Radio Exiles chose not to do a podcast, because of what I?m about to tell you. It?s that big an issue for some.
Podcasting, as a recorded program, virtually eliminates the ability to interact with your audience ?live,? and if your radio show was built around audience interaction and games and hearing stories from listeners? this may be a problem. Not that you can?t get your audience to interact at all- but the ?live? interaction is a challenge. Think about the logistics of the listener. They?re either streaming your podcast from the site, or more likely, they?ve downloaded the show from one of the several sources and are listening in their car, at the gym, someplace where interacting with a show host is less than convenient. If they?re streaming, they can easily send the show an email. If they?ve downloaded, they may have a thought about something you?re talking about at the moment they are listening, but a few minutes later that thought is likely gone- along with their motive to interact.
So, you have to get creative to get your audience to be part of your show. Use Facebook and Twitter to break the ice. Tweet or post potential topics for the show you are about to record and hope someone responds. If it?s compelling enough, they will. Then, you can use those comments, or even better- contact a couple of the most compelling people who responded and see if you can contact them by phone or Skype to talk during your recording. A couple of our Radio Exiles podcasters have set up toll-free phone numbers. These can be used for listeners to leave messages or comments, or for listeners to call in IF they know when you are recording. Facebook probably works best for this, a post like ?We?re recording this week?s podcast at Noon EST today! Talking about the economy! Weigh in with your thoughts at xxx-xxx-xxxx!?
This requires patience, and assuming your audience will remember when you?re recording and if they do, remember to call at the time you are laying it down, and if they do- that they?ll remember the number. This is a lot to assume, and don?t be disappointed if no one calls. Another important point? if listeners don?t respond, if they don?t interact? it doesn?t mean no one is listening. That?s an easy assumption to make, and it?s likely just not true. Don?t get discouraged. It seems like it should be? but it?s just not as easy for podcast listeners to do.
Brian Baltosiewich has been a broadcast professional for more than 20 years. His podcast website, www.radioexiles.com features professionally-produced podcasts from radio pro?s who have lost their gigs. Reach out to him at brian@radioexiles.com or through their twitter account @radioexiles and on Facebook at radioexiles.com
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