With the news of former radio host and political activist, Charlie Kirk’s, death, it’s important to remember to leave politics out of the conversation. This can become a heated debate on-air, especially if your partner and you have different beliefs. This is when pre-show prep is imperative.
You may think this is another article on why we shouldn’t talk politics on air. In fact, it’s a cautionary tale about how to prominently prep a show with tips on what to do in instances like this.
When a major event takes place a phone call to your morning show co-host can make or break how you approach the following day. You should have your show already prepped, however, things like these need to be addressed the night before, and not 5 minutes before you crack the mic. Discuss what to take out and where to import the news that just happened. Make sure you’re keeping your PD up to date on what you plan for the next day. Not only keep them updated, but make sure your prep is approved by management.
Your team should have a system in place on how to approach national events. Programmers, work with your superior on what is expected as far as what you can or cannot discuss. This can change depending on formats. Ideally, upper management should have a meeting, at least yearly, to go over the system on how to discuss incidents like a school crisis; especially locally, and something as catastrophic as 9/11. No one should go in blindly on a day where all of America is tuned into the news. For example, 9/11 happened while morning shows were either wrapping up or just finished. There needs to be a google doc, binder, or some sort of directive in the studio with instructions, or points, staff can use as a template. We never want to open the mic without a plan; especially when national catastrophes are in action.
Let this be a reminder things can happen at the drop of a hat. If you don’t have a plan set, do it yesterday. Meet with staff and go over the binder or google doc. Make sure everyone understands what to do and what not to do. God forbid something like this happens again…but it’s better to be prepared.