You’re probably working to identify how your show should reference the Donald Trump assassination attempt from over the weekend.
The right answer varies for each show, but here are some thoughts that may help you with your prep and strategy:
1. Stay in Your Lane. Know your audience. Know your show. And know the role you play in their lives. If you’re not a news-oriented show focused on current events, don’t try to become the “breaking news” station. There’s no upside in that because it’s not what you are for. If you are that station, be great at it.
2. Plan and Prepare: Don’t Wing It. This is an emotionally-charged political topic, and if you start taking calls about how people feel, it will spiral out of control quickly. You must have a plan for how you’re going to approach it.
3. Commentary? Maybe. The right approach may be devoting one segment for an inspirational (but not politically divisive) commentary. If you do this, promote that segment heavily through the show so listeners hear you mentioning it and know that you’re in touch with their world.
4. Information Segments. For some shows, particularly less-experienced personalities, it’s fine to leave this for an information segment and cover it as an “update.” Don’t try to do things you’re not prepared to do well.
5. Thoughts And Prayers. Don’t go there. It’s shallow and probably worse than not doing anything at all.
6. Stay “Normal”. Listeners “hire you” to fill a role in their lives. Don’t change your show to the point they are running elsewhere to have that need filled.
7. It’s Not A One-Day Story. Monday is the first show since this tragic event, but everyone already knows about it. Plus, this story will be with us for weeks, months, and perhaps years. For most shows, what you do with it on Monday is not nearly as critical as you probably think right now.
8. Get Help! Radio Content Pro is your best resource for every topic. Within six minutes of the assassination attempt, RCP had published content in each format with ideas, responses, and thoughtful commentary ready to use, including news copy ready for copy-and-paste presentation. RCP was on the story before The New York Times, ABC News, and many other outlets. Dozens more stories, constantly updated and loaded with content, ideas, and topics. Best of all, you can use RCP Sidekick to craft an individual, personal response that is tailored just for your show. It only takes a few minutes to get access to RCP. Today would be a great day to start. Click the link below for a sample of one of the most topical, relevant stories as of 11:30 am Eastern Time on Sunday morning.
Resources: Insiders Radio Network
Insiders Radio Network members should review the best practices for dealing with sensitive topics and tragedies. There are in-depth guides to help you through this event and other life-changing moments. If you’re not a member, start a free trial today.
Pic by David Hume Kennerly.
Tracy Johnson is a talent coach and programming consultant. He’s the President/CEO of Tracy Johnson Media Group. His book Morning Radio has been described as The Bible of Personality Radio and has been used by personalities worldwide.