Get On Weekend Public Affairs Programs
Got a community service project? Have you written a book? Are you a local expert on a topic that is in the news? Then you could be a guest on weekend public affairs shows.
Just about every radio and TV station in America features these. They all look for guest experts to fill out their program. Instead of getting a 60 second commercial or a five minute interview, you get a fat 20, 30, or 60 minutes on the air.
These shows aren’t the biggest ratings getters. That’s why they usually stick them on Sunday mornings. But their audiences are often filled with business and community leaders interested in issues. This can be a great audience to impress and a good source of future sales.
Listen and watch weekend public affairs shows in your area. Write down the name of the host. In all but the largest stations, the host or her producer (which is like an assistant in these situations) arranges guests for each week.
Call the host, suggest your topic, then send him a packet with your bio, some sample questions and their answers, a photo for television, and a press release.
Be sure to send the host a thank you note after your on-air appearance. Very few guests do this. It will make you stand out in the host’s mind as a great guest to invite back.